Ben Roethlisberger: How His Reduced Suspension Affects the Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger's suspension was reduced from six games to four by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Friday, bringing some finality to a saga that has left the Steelers scrambling.
Roethlisberger met with Goodell and hoped to have his suspension reduced to as few as two games. The commissioner was apparently satisfied Roethlisberger has made strides to improve his behavior, but was unwilling to bend the minimum suspension he handed out earlier this summer.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are preparing Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon to step in and fill the void at quarterback.
The team had yet to determine who will start in Roethlisberger's absence, and it remains to be seen if either player has what it takes to help Pittsburgh get off to a good start. An injury to Leftwich means Dixon will likely start Week 1 and possibly beyond.
Here's a look at how Roethlisberger's four-game suspension will impact the Steelers.
Roethlisberger Eligible To Start Practicing In Early October
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While suspended, Roethlisberger is prohibited from practicing with the Steelers and isn't allowed to have any contact with the team.
Roethlisberger's four-game suspension means he will be eligible to start practicing on October 4, the day after the team hosts Baltimore at Heinz Field.
The Steelers have a Bye in Week 5, which will provide Roethlisberger valuable additional time to re-establish timing with his receivers.
How Will He Stay in Shape During the Suspension?
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Will Big Ben follow in the footsteps of Brett Favre and throw passes to high school kids? Apparently that isn't the plan.
ESPN is reporting Roethlisberger plans to stay in Pittsburgh during his suspension and will enlist the services of a private quarterback coach.
Roethlisberger will not be allowed anywhere near the Steelers during his suspension, which will make it difficult to stay in shape and impossible to maintain timing with his receivers.
Byron Leftwich Suffers Knee Injury, Not Likely To Play Week 1
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The Steelers hadn't announced a starting quarterback yet, but signs were beginning to point to veteran Byron Leftwich getting the nod over talented but inexperienced Dennis Dixon.
That plan is on hold, at least for the moment.
Leftwich suffered a second-degree sprain to his left MCL during Thursday's preseason game and is expected to miss Week 1 of the regular season and possibly longer.
That means Dixon will be the starter by default, with Pittsburgh native Charlie Batch likely serving as the No. 2 quarterback.
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What Will Dennis Dixon Do?
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It's difficult to ignore Dixon's dynamic athletic ability, but he is still very raw as he enters his third season with the Steelers.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has been critical of Dixon's tendency to scramble instead of going through his progressions at times. Now, he has no choice but to continue nurturing the young quarterback.
Unless Dixon performs at a very low level in Week 1, it's difficult to imagine the Steelers yanking him and inserting Batch or a healthy Leftwich.
Pittsburgh needs to maintain as much continuity as possible in Big Ben's absence, and rotating quarterbacks probably isn't a good idea.
Steelers Offense Could Struggle With Roethlisberger Out
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The Steelers offense is solid, but far from spectacular.
The team is confident young receiver Mike Wallace can replace big-play threat Santonio Holmes and believes Rashard Mendenhall has what it takes to be the featured back.
Pittsburgh's offensive line will need to protect Dixon, who figures to mix some good moments with some bad ones as he continues to develop.
It will be interesting to see if Dixon or whoever is under center is able to develop chemistry with Hines Ward and Heath Miller.
Two Likely Wins in the First Four Games
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It probably won't be easy, but Pittsburgh has an excellent chance of winning at least two games while Big Ben serves his suspension.
The Steelers open the season against the Falcons in what appears to be a winnable game. Pittsburgh should be able to lean heavily on Mendenhall and the running game and win the season-opener in ugly fashion.
The other best chance for a win comes September 26 when the Steelers travel to Tampa Bay. The rebuilding Bucs figure to have one of the worst offenses in the NFL, enabling to the the Steelers to record a valuable road win.
Two Likely Losses in the First Four Games
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Much like the Steelers, the Tennessee Titans are good at winning ugly. But a team with Chris Johnson, an improved Vince Young, and a steady no-name defense has a big advantage against young Dennis Dixon and the Steelers.
Dixon gained experience when he started in place of Roethlisberger against the Ravens in Baltimore last season, but he isn't likely to avoid making mistakes when the Steelers travel to Nashville in Week 2.
The other difficult contest in the first four games comes against Baltimore on October 3. Although the game is at Heinz field, the Ravens' potent offense could be enough to send the Steelers to a defeat.
What Will The Steelers Record Be in Big Ben's Absence?
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The Steelers would probably be happy to settle for a 2-2 record before Roethlisberger returns. The only clear loss of the first for appears to be the Week 2 meeting against the Titans, and a 3-1 record wouldn't be a huge surprise.
Pittsburgh can do the little things well and take advantage of any mistakes made by the opposition, but envisioning three wins is far from impossible.
The team might not be in horrible shape when it welcomes back Big Ben.
Worst Case Scenario
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It's easy to be optimistic before the season begins, but an injury to Dixon with Leftwich already sidelined would be a worst case scenario that could spell doom for the Steelers.
Charlie Batch has shown he can still play, but at 35, his days in the NFL are numbered. In fact, he could easily be out of a job once Roethlisberger returns.
The Steelers will absolutely need to establish a running game, take care of the ball, and play well on special teams.
If the offensive line lets the quarterback take hits, things could go from bad to worse in a hurry for Mike Tomlin.
Forecasting the Future of the Steelers Once Big Ben Comes Back
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Roethlisberger will return on October 17 when the Steelers host the Browns. Roethlisberger might struggle initially in his return, but the offense should get things going by the middle of the season.
The play of the Steelers defense will hold the key to the season. If the secondary struggles again, Pittsburgh will likely find itself in a battle to secure a Wildcard spot.
Roethlisberger's legacy would get a much-needed boost if he was to lead the scrappy Steelers to the postseason.
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