Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has become quite the leader over the years and several in the media would have you believe that this offseason he’s coaching up his offensive teammates more than he ever has before.
“I think it has evolved in the nine years I’ve been with him, and it should,” head coach Mike Tomlin said of Roethlisberger’s leadership following Tuesday’s minicamp practice. “It’s a natural maturation process, not only in terms of him understanding what he’s doing, but also understanding the overall scheme and approach that we are taking offensively. We have some continuity in that area now. Coach [Todd] Haley has been here a number of years, so that’s something we should expect.”
Tomlin was later asked if Roethlisberger’s coaching resonates more with the younger players on offense.
“I’m sure it does, because the ball comes out of his hands,” a laughing Tomlin said.
After Tuesday’s practice, that included Roethlisberger having to coach-up wide receiver Markus Wheaton during the team’s two-minute period, the Steelers quarterback admitted that he’s little more active this offseason in that on-the-field coaching area and why exactly that is.
“Yeah, [I’m probably doing it more] because there are younger guys,” Roethlisberger said. “Wheaton has moved inside, and that’s a position he hasn’t played yet, but I think he can be really good there. Plus, we have some young guys that are new to the team. Even Martavis Bryant is still learning. Heath Miller and I are always talking about things. I don’t think you can ever stop improving.”
Roethlisberger carried a few of his receivers down to Georgia several weeks ago for a workout and while there are a few mistakes that are taking place currently during practices, most ought to be ironed out prior to training camp getting underway. The Steelers offense has a chance to be one of the best in the league this year and you can bet that Roethlisberger will do everything in his power to get his unit to live up to those expectations by serving as an additional coach.
“I am just happy to have the Coach’s blessing to be able to do that and not step on any toes,” he said.
