2007 was a new beginning for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only did it mark the first time in over a decade that the season would start without Bill Cowher as the team’s head coach, but it also saw the return of Ben Roethlisberger to star play. Pittsburgh’s first round draft choice in 2004 saw a drastic change in play this year compared to the disaster in 2006. Big Ben led the league 2 seasons ago with his 23 interceptions (compared to just 20 total the 2 seasons before) and his team fell flat of a playoff appearance after just coming off a Super Bowl victory the previous January. The 8-8 mark left fans with a bitter taste in their mouth and also gave Bill Cowher enough reason to “retire”.
Enter the 2007 season which saw a dramatic change. First Mike Tomlin took over the reigns as head coach and second Roethlisberger flourished once again. He looked much like the young promising rookie who led Pit to a 15-1 mark in 2004, than the misguided 3rd year pro who didn’t even get them to the post season in 2006. He seemed refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for football again. Was it the departure of Cowher that led to the revival? It’s a question that many were left asking. The relationship Roethlisberger has with Tomlin compared to his relationship with Cowher is very apparent. Cowher is one of the most fiery head coaches in the game, whereas Tomlin is seen more as a laid back Tony-Dungy type. Whatever the reason the team responded very well to the coaching change & once again stood atop the AFC north as champion after a hard fought battle all season long with the rival Browns. Although the season ended with a disappointing injury to stud runner Willie Parker in week 17 and a wild card round loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars the following week, there is much potential for another stellar season in 2008. As the off-season now fast approaches with the Pro Bowl ending last night, the Pittsburgh brass will have a lot on their minds. The team will have all the familiar faces coming back next year, besides guard Alan Faneca who is expected to look for a 7 figure type deal similar to the one Steve Hutchinson received from the Vikings a couple of seasons ago. Depending on the rehabilitation of Willie Parker the team will once again figure to have a top 5 rushing offense. So what is there to think about?
Look at the rookie contract of Ben Roethlisberger, which as of right now as 2 years remaining, pending an extension from the team. Big Ben’s sensation play in his first four seasons, along with a shocking Super Bowl win in just his second season, should be enough for the team to give him a long term contract extension. As easy as it seems one should never assume. The Steelers organization has never been known as giant spending. In the past they have parted ways with some very good players without even blinking an eye. Remember Antwaan Randle El’s contributions in the Super Bowl win? Seemingly forgotten as the team made little attempt to bring him back the following season and watched as he was swooped up by the Redskins for $36 million. Last year the team cut loose leader and former pro bowl linebacker Joey Porter without a second thought. Perhaps now that move is justified with the play of James Harrison and Porter’s drop off he had after going to Miami. Still, the worth of a franchise quarterback is very hard to determine. How much is a team willing to pay for a guy that can lead the team for a decade? Tom Brady’s contract is in the $60 million range and he has led the Patriots to 3 championships. What is Roethlisburger’s worth after achieving 3 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl in his first four seasons? The potential he could make as a free agent maybe more than the franchise would ever consider paying out. Don’t forget the team has asked players before to take the “hometown discount” in an effort to keep established stars but for less money. Just ask defensive back Ike Taylor about that, as he signed a 4 year $13 million extension after the Super Bowl, considered incredibly low for a starting DB in the NFL (he has since struggled, even being sent to the bench). Fans must hope that for a position that is the hardest to play in sports will result in the Steelers doing the right thing and giving its quarterback what he deserves and a contract that is fair to both sides. Big Ben will surely remember the deal the Colts gave Manning or the one the Falcons gave then superstar Mike Vick. The difference? Both of those quarterbacks signed their fat contracts before winning a Super Bowl, let alone winning one. 84 touchdowns, 3 playoff appearances, a Super Bowl Trophy. That is what Roethlisberger has to show since being the 11th pick in 2004 out of Miami, OH. The hope now is that Pittsburgh will have Big Ben to show for another decade or so. The cards are in the Steelers hands and now is the right time to deal.
