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Great Expectations for Big Ben

Steelers QB hopes to make the leap after injury-, mistake-ravaged 2006

By Jesse Andrews,  Newser User

Posted Sep 6, 2007 6:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – Steelers signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger has taken a different approach to the 2007 season, redoubling his work ethic and assuming more responsibility in the offense. He hopes to expunge a nightmare 2006 marked by injuries and shoddy play—a disheartening fall from grace for the youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl.

Among other duties, the team's new offensive coordinator has designated Roethlisberger as the player responsible for calling changes in blocking, formerly the territory of the offensive line. Said guard Kendall Simmons, "He's trying to get to a level of being an elite quarterback, those guys like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady."

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger grins on the sidelines as he is interviewed during the fourth quarter of the preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger grins on the sidelines as he is interviewed during the fourth quarter of the preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Pittsburgh, Sunday,...   (Associated Press)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, right, looks back at quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, right, looks back at quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles...   (Associated Press)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger stands on the sidelines after being removed in the first quarter against the  Green Bay Packers during pre-season football action in Pittsburgh,  Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger stands on the sidelines after being removed in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers during pre-season football action in Pittsburgh, Saturday,...   (Associated Press)
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