Ben Roethlisberger is the ultimate warrior and if there’s anyone who can play a week after him being unable to push the ball more than ten yards downfield, it’s him. And even though the initial report is optimistic, there is no guarantee he’ll be able to suit up for Sunday’s Divisional Round against the Denver Broncos.
Whether Landry Jones has to start, sub in again, or hold a clipboard the entire game, his approach doesn’t waver.
“I don’t know what the doctors have said. I haven’t heard anything of what is going on with [Ben]. But I’m going to prepare and get ready to go for Denver,” Jones told reporters.
“Nothing’s going to change even if they say he’s cleared to play. I’m going to prepare like I’ve prepared all year.”
Jones went 2/5 for 11 yards in less than a quarter of play, highlighted with the unfortunate interception that nearly ended the Steelers’ season.
“You go from the lowest of lows to aw man, we got a chance to win a game. You feel like you gave the game away and then Shazier makes an unbelievable play and turns it all around for us.”
While Jones told reporters he didn’t think playoff jitters were an issue, regardless the interception he threw isn’t the kind of play he can make if he enters the game Sunday against the Broncos’ top ranked defense.
During the regular season, he completed 58.2% of his passes with three touchdowns and four interceptions, though two of those picks were fluky plays against the Seattle Seahawks: a pop up on a fake field goal and one at the end with the game basically over.
His physical tools may leave a lot to be desired but Jones has proven himself to be an incredibly bright and quick study and hard worker who will enter Sports Authority Field prepared, regardless of what capacity he’ll serve. It would take a heroic effort to win if Jones starts, but with the unimaginable way the season has gone, anything is possible.
