With Marino as mentor, Roethlisberger sees himself, Steelers being better

[Prosdo]

With Marino as mentor, Roethlisberger sees himself, Steelers being better
2005 STEELERS TRAINING CAMP DAY 2: Running mate
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Dan Marino is on his way to Canton, Ohio, to crown his football career while Ben Roethlisberger pulled into St. Vincent College in Latrobe to start cranking up Year 2 by placing a phone call to his new pal.

"Dan and I have actually spent a lot of time together in the last month," Roethlisberger said, "talking about two, three times in the month, hanging out, spending time picking his brain."

Roethlisberger, who broke Marino's 1983 NFL rookie records last season with the Steelers, said Marino has "become kind of a mentor and a father to me" and he has become friends with his sons.

The comparisons between the Hall of Fame quarterback from Pittsburgh and the newest sensation at quarterback in Pittsburgh begin anew as Roethlisberger and the Steelers opened training camp after their 15-win regular season in 2004. Marino's second NFL season became one of the most productive of any quarterback in history, but his Miami Dolphins fell short, losing Super Bowl XIX to the 49ers. It would be Marino's only appearance in the Super Bowl in 17 years.

"I do know what he did," in 1984, Roethlisberger said. "But I also know how his career ended."

Roethlisberger's implied message: His statistics and even his team's regular-season record do not matter as much as winning a championship.

"People have to realize that we -- myself and the team -- can be better and not have as good a record," Roethlisberger said regarding their 15-1 regular season that once again ended in disappointment in the AFC title game at Heinz Field. "We can be a better football team, I can be a better quarterback and not win 15 games.

"We just have to make sure people understand that and realize that. We can still win a Super Bowl and not win 15 games."

He will have to do it without Plaxico Burress, the receiver he asked the team to keep in free agency, and he will have to do it, at the moment, without Hines Ward, who remains a holdout.

"Obviously it's going to affect the offense with him being such an integral part of the offense," Roethlisberger said. "But just like in the season when you need a big play and need someone to come through, you can count on Hines, and I know that when we need him, we'll be able to count on Hines again. He'll be here."

Roethlisberger was a leader among his group in yesterday's annual team running test at St. Vincent, where every player runs a series of 40-yard dashes. Without yet throwing a pass in training camp he managed to please his coach.

"I was impressed," Bill Cowher said. "He came in and he's a little bit heavier but he's a little faster. He's worked out this offseason. He's impressive.

"A year ago he was calling the plays, I don't even know if he looked up in the huddle. ... I'm not sure he even knew who was in the huddle a year ago because he was down there reading his wrist band the whole time.

"I think the comfort level he's at, to me, is the most important thing and I think it's very evident."

Today, Roethlisberger will start throwing to his new starting receivers, Cedrick Wilson and Antwaan Randle El.

"If anything, this will help us get better timing with those guys as well," Roethlisberger said.

Said Cowher, "Ben's going to go through his progressions. He's going to throw to who's open."

Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05214/547352.stm


Good to hear Marino is being somewhat of a mentor to Roethlisberger. All the news is sounding very promising for our Steelers.

[geran42o]

Just hope that Marino's Not winning doesn't rub off LOL

[SteelerFanInATL]

I LOVE IT!!!!!! Marino is just showing how much he is a Steeler Fan without really saying it.
Remember he is from Pittsburgh. Not from the surrounding area, he grew up in PGH. Lived
in Oakland, went to high school at Central Cathlic High School, moved down the street to play at PITT, he can't help it, he's a Pittsburgher and wants to see his home team win. What better way could a Hall of Famer help the team he grew up watching. Being a mentor
to Big Ben great. Who cares if he never won the big game, he is a HALL OF FAMER!!!!!!

[Livinginthe past]

Originally Posted by SteelerFanInATL

I LOVE IT!!!!!! Marino is just showing how much he is a Steeler Fan without really saying it.
Remember he is from Pittsburgh. Not from the surrounding area, he grew up in PGH. Lived
in Oakland, went to high school at Central Cathlic High School, moved down the street to play at PITT, he can't help it, he's a Pittsburgher and wants to see his home team win. What better way could a Hall of Famer help the team he grew up watching. Being a mentor
to Big Ben great. Who cares if he never won the big game, he is a HALL OF FAMER!!!!!!

Who cares? I think he probably does.

Its nice for Ben to have someone to help work things through with - wonder how the Miami public would take this should you meet each other in the playoffs (btw I see Miami going better than 8-8 this year - so its a possibility)

Regards

NM

[Rush58]

Originally Posted by geran42o

Just hope that Marino's Not winning doesn't rub off LOL

You said it!

[Prosdo]

Originally Posted by Livinginthe past

Who cares? I think he probably does.

Its nice for Ben to have someone to help work things through with - wonder how the Miami public would take this should you meet each other in the playoffs (btw I see Miami going better than 8-8 this year - so its a possibility)

Regards

NM

That indeed could make things very interesting.

[bigbensgirl7]

I think it's a good thing Marino and him have become close. Ben can really learn a lot from him and his experiences in the NFL (even though he doesn't have a ring)

[SteelProven]

I mean honestly who would you want mentoring our young QB. Marino or Maddox I mean Marino may not have titles but he also did have a lot of components on the teams he played for. I hope he taught Ben something about reading zones coverages. LOL

[Southernsteeler]

You got to like Big Ben he's always trying to get better anyway he can..Ben knows he still has a lot 2 learn so why not get some advice from a Hall of Famer..Ron Mexico(Vick) and the Falcons fly Steve Young in to help the young Lefty out with his game and it has help a ton

[Rush58]

Originally Posted by SteelProven

I mean honestly who would you want mentoring our young QB. Marino or Maddox...

Montana :D