Training camp is always an exciting time. Fans can’t wait to see the new offseason acquisitions take the field for the first time. Two-time Super Bowl champion and Steelers Hall of Honor inductee Ben Roethlisberger is no different with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s looking forward to seeing players like QB Aaron Rodgers and CB Jalen Ramsey suit up for the Steelers.
And on Tuesday’s episode of Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger, Big Ben named his top three(ish) things he’s excited about when it comes to this year’s team. It all starts with Ramsey and the Steelers’ defense.
“I think the defense has, yes, you’ve lost Minkah, but you’ve got players…” Roethlisberger said. “I think you’ve got a potential of a defense to be a top-five defense in this league.”
Roethlisberger mentioned OLB T.J. Watt as one of those players. Thankfully, the Steelers and Watt came to an agreement on a lucrative contract extension before camp. Insider Gerry Dulac said that head coach Mike Tomlin played a big role in the timing of the contract, preventing it from being a hot-button issue at Saint Vincent College. Having Watt ready and a full participant at training camp is a positive thing.
Roethlisberger wonders if Father Time will catch up with DT Cam Heyward. He did note, however, that Heyward played at a level that was unexpected for his age. Heyward also isn’t showing signs of slowing down. Combine Watt and Heyward with the rest of the pass rushers and rookie first-rounder Derrick Harmon, and the Steelers certainly have a fearsome defensive group of players affecting the line of scrimmage every down.
The reinforced secondary deserves attention as well. DB Jalen Ramsey has already made notable plays early in camp. Tomlin says he isn’t locked into playing just in one spot on the field, either. Then, there’s CB Darius Slay, who brings title-winning experience to the table from his time with the Eagles.
Undoubtedly, the Steelers have the players who can make a top-five defense, at least on paper. It’s hard not to be excited to see them take the field.
There are also spots on the offensive side of the ball just as exciting.
“The tight end room,” Roethlisberger said. “Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth, and Mount Washington. I think there’s just a lot of potential there to do some things.”
Jonnu Smith is coming off a career year with the Miami Dolphins, notching his first Pro Bowl appearance, and is reunited with his old tight ends coach and offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. He’s looking forward to working with Freiermuth, saying that they can help each other improve. Then there’s Darnell Washington, an absolute mountain of a tight end who can both block and hurdle linebackers. With Arthur Smith’s affinity for tight ends, this position group oozes potential.
Roethlisberger is excited to see the quarterback throwing to them, too. He thinks QB Aaron Rodgers’ resume speaks for itself. The four-time league MVP will surely be a Hall of Famer one day. How can you not be excited to see a Hall of Famer play?
Roethlisberger didn’t forget special teams. He is excited to see K Chris Boswell, the man he calls “the best kicker in the game.” Perhaps some will be concerned with Roethlisberger saying he’s excited to see the kicker, but he went 41-for-44 last year on field goals, hitting 93.2 percent of his attempts. That’s pretty darn good.
It’s not all roses for Roethlisberger, though. He does have concerns about the offensive line, specifically OT Broderick Jones, and the wide receiver position. Roethlisberger thinks that Jones slimming down could be a positive thing, but he’s still concerned about how well he’ll play left tackle. The blind side tackle position may be the most important spot on the line for protecting an aging Rodgers. Insider Mark Kaboly said Jones is struggling to start camp, and that will definitely be something to keep an eye on once he’s practicing in pads.
As for the receiver position, Roethlisberger is questioning the depth there. He said he likes both DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III, and he wants to like Roman Wilson, but he’s not confident beyond those first two players. He hopes someone will step up, whether it’s Wilson or someone else. Perhaps the tight end room that he’s thrilled about can help take that pressure off the wide receiver room.
Just like every year, there are things to be excited about and to be concerned about with the Steelers’ roster. Hopefully, the things Roethlisberger is excited about will all pan out while his concerns prove inconsequential.
