Will Bill Cower bench Big Ben? (1 Viewer)

[perry147]

Will Bill Cower bench Roethlisberger or is this going to be like Kordel Stewart where he would play whorrifically and cost the Steelers games but still start the following week?

Any Steeler's homers have any info?

 

[fred_1_15301]

Will Bill Cower bench Roethlisberger or is this going to be like Kordel Stewart where he would play whorrifically and cost the Steelers games but still start the following week?Any Steeler's homers have any info?

He's not benching Ben this year and Ben did not play "whorrifically" or cost them the game yesterday. Did you even watch the game? In my opinion, the only game that Ben has truly cost them was the Oakland game. Other than that, the team as a whole has just been horrendous.

 

[Banger]

no

 

[perry147]

Will Bill Cower bench Roethlisberger or is this going to be like Kordel Stewart where he would play whorrifically and cost the Steelers games but still start the following week?Any Steeler's homers have any info?

He's not benching Ben this year and Ben did not play "whorrifically" or cost them the game yesterday. Did you even watch the game? In my opinion, the only game that Ben has truly cost them was the Oakland game. Other than that, the team as a whole has just been horrendous.

No I did not watch the game I hope to catch it on NFL replay this week but he still threw three interceptions and had a fumble.

 

[jonessed]

Nope. They will ride him right into last place.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Will Bill Cower bench Roethlisberger or is this going to be like Kordel Stewart where he would play whorrifically and cost the Steelers games but still start the following week?Any Steeler's homers have any info?

He's not benching Ben this year and Ben did not play "whorrifically" or cost them the game yesterday. Did you even watch the game? In my opinion, the only game that Ben has truly cost them was the Oakland game. Other than that, the team as a whole has just been horrendous.

No I did not watch the game I hope to catch it on NFL replay this week but he still threw three interceptions and had a fumble.

The stats are misleading. If/when you watch the game, you will realize that Ben was the least of their problems yesterday. He hasn't been very good this year but he's not even close to as bad as what his stats indicate. There is also no similarity to Kordell other than the fact that they wore the same uniform.

 

[SteelerMurf]

Will Bill Cower bench Roethlisberger or is this going to be like Kordel Stewart where he would play whorrifically and cost the Steelers games but still start the following week?Any Steeler's homers have any info?

He's not benching Ben this year and Ben did not play "whorrifically" or cost them the game yesterday. Did you even watch the game? In my opinion, the only game that Ben has truly cost them was the Oakland game. Other than that, the team as a whole has just been horrendous.

No I did not watch the game I hope to catch it on NFL replay this week but he still threw three interceptions and had a fumble.

He threw for 433 yards against one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL. He was 6 inches away from 2 TDs to go along with that. He threw one bad pick, one was a hail mary. He ran a no huddle spread offense to perfection. Ben was not THE problem yesterday. I would bench 10 other players before Ben.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Nope. They will ride him right into last place.

. Just like they rode him to the championship last year.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Barring injury Ben's not going anywhere. If the Steelers have any designs on winning another Super Bowl in the next 5-10 years Roethlisberger is the only QB on the current roster that can get them there.

Turnovers, penalties, lack of commitment to the running game, pass & run blocking, pass D are all as big a factor in their 2-6 start as Ben.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Other than one bad INT, Roethlisberger was damned good yesterday. No way on Earth he gets benched.

 

[jetpack]

Other than one bad INT, Roethlisberger was damned good yesterday. No way on Earth he gets benched.

Well, to be fair, the Broncos dropped a few more INTs and Ben did avoid a safety by putting the ball on the turf at the one. But just as Frenchy said, Ben is the QB of this team for the forseeable future. I think that's a good thing. The guy is just in his 3rd year. He's a proven winner, has NFL talent, and a bright future.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Other than one bad INT, Roethlisberger was damned good yesterday. No way on Earth he gets benched.

Well, to be fair, the Broncos dropped a few more INTs and Ben did avoid a safety by putting the ball on the turf at the one. But just as Frenchy said, Ben is the QB of this team for the forseeable future. I think that's a good thing. The guy is just in his 3rd year. He's a proven winner, has NFL talent, and a bright future.

Yeah, he wasn't perfect, but I thought he played a solid game on the whole and was far from their worst player. Hell, if Holmes, Wilson, and Ward don't each fumble the ball away, the Steelers probably win that game relatively easily. Those three fumbles likely caused a 21-point swing.

 

[jetpack]

Other than one bad INT, Roethlisberger was damned good yesterday. No way on Earth he gets benched.

Well, to be fair, the Broncos dropped a few more INTs and Ben did avoid a safety by putting the ball on the turf at the one. But just as Frenchy said, Ben is the QB of this team for the forseeable future. I think that's a good thing. The guy is just in his 3rd year. He's a proven winner, has NFL talent, and a bright future.

Yeah, he wasn't perfect, but I thought he played a solid game on the whole and was far from their worst player. Hell, if Holmes, Wilson, and Ward don't each fumble the ball away, the Steelers probably win that game relatively easily. Those three fumbles likely caused a 21-point swing.

If only Cowher looked a little more like your icon this year I think the we'd be winning more than losing. What has happened to the Chin???

 

[Godsbrother]

If only Cowher looked a little more like your icon this year I think the we'd be winning more than losing. What has happened to the Chin???

You are right, jetpack. It is Cowher's chin's fault for the Steelers 6 turnovers yesterday and their 2-6 record. It is this kind of insight that makes the Shark Pool so valuable.

 

[perry147]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

 

[nightshift]

If only Cowher looked a little more like your icon this year I think the we'd be winning more than losing. What has happened to the Chin???

You are right, jetpack. It is Cowher's chin's fault for the Steelers 6 turnovers yesterday and their 2-6 record. It is this kind of insight that makes the Shark Pool so valuable.

I think we're having a Randel El hangover, mixed in with a little poor execution and lack of focus. The cure, according to NS:Focus. Practice it, live it, be it. Good focus leads to good execution. Steelers need to regain it. WIN THIS GAME, THIS QUARTER, THIS SERIES, THIS PLAY.BENCH HOLMES. Just from return duty. I don't care if they fair catch every one, just don't fumble anymore.Conservative offense, Aggressive defense. Get back to Steelers basics. I'm not saying no trick plays or lose nickel & dimes packages, but let's control the ball, the tempo, the game again.STEELERS FAITHFUL, LET OUR BOYS KNOW WE STILL WANT A WIN!

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben. Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

 

[apalmer]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben. Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First, you can't project numbers based on what he did early in the season when he wasn't recovered. Second, if the Steelers keep fumbling their way into positions where they are down two scores with under two minutes to go, yeah, he might throw more INT's, but that's hardly his fault--he had two Hail Mary's intercepted yesterday and will have more of them if that's what the score is like. Real good quote from the announcer yesterday (I've forgotten already, was it Phil Simms?): "Give Ben credit for still trying to win in the last minute. There are a lot of QB's in the league who would throw that 4th down pass out of bounds and accept a loss instead of risking an interception in their stats."That's the trouble with FF: people look at stats and make decisions on the value of players without watching the games and knowing the facts.

 

[PatsFanCT]

Bench Big Ben for whom? A 34 year old career backup? Ben is the future QB for this team. I suppose if they decide he's not, they can bench him and trade him next year, but that's not very likely. If they were winning and he started losing games for you, then maybe, but this team is 2-6 and going nowhere. You don't bench the QB of the future when losing games isn't going to hurt as much as what you gain from game experience.

 

[jetpack]

If only Cowher looked a little more like your icon this year I think the we'd be winning more than losing. What has happened to the Chin???

You are right, jetpack. It is Cowher's chin's fault for the Steelers 6 turnovers yesterday and their 2-6 record. It is this kind of insight that makes the Shark Pool so valuable.

Hold the friendly fire, Bro. I think you misinterpreted me. I was just trying to generate some discussion of how Cowher and his staff has handled this season (starting from the offseason, really). I've heard that there's some fingers pointing to Cowher for the undisciplined, unfocused play of the Steelers this year in the Pittsburgh media, including a lackadaisacle, non-Cowherish attitude (aka "Where's the Chin???). Despite the fact that Cowher himself didn't turn the ball over 6 times, asking why every game seems to showcase a different failure of Steeler football fundamentals is a reasonable place to start. Looks like that discussion has been going on in this thread.

 

[CrossEyed]

I was at the game yesterday. Ben made a couple of bad reads, but otherwise played extrememely well. One INT was a hail mary on 3rd and 19 that was as good as a punt. A second INT was on the last play of the game. He moved well in the pocket and did a great job to buy himself more time to throw. The play he made on the FWP TD pass was pretty incredible.

The fact is, if Holmes, Wilson and Ward don't put the ball on the turf the Steelers easily win that game yesterday. Sadly that is sounding WAY too familiar.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I was at the game yesterday. Ben made a couple of bad reads, but otherwise played extrememely well. One INT was a hail mary on 3rd and 19 that was as good as a punt. A second INT was on the last play of the game. He moved well in the pocket and did a great job to buy himself more time to throw. The play he made on the FWP TD pass was pretty incredible.

The fact is, if Holmes, Wilson and Ward don't put the ball on the turf the Steelers easily win that game yesterday. Sadly that is sounding WAY too familiar.

Exactly!!! And I bet most 2-6 teams can say the same thing. If the Steelers had only lost one or two games because of boneheaded mistakes, I would be willing to say that they are a good team with a few hiccups. The Steelers have done this week in and week out from the beginning of the season. We can make all the excuses in the world for this team but they are simply put a bad football team. Unfortunately, nothing from their performance over the past 8 weeks makes me think that they will change that trend anytime soon. I really miss El!!!!

 

[perry147]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.

And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.

And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

. That was classic. Why do you keep making the comparison to Kordell? This is a completely different scenario with 2 completely different qbs and different teams. Ben is a much more talented qb than Kordell and has already won a superbowl. Sorry if I'm missing the connection here.....

 

[Godsbrother]

If only Cowher looked a little more like your icon this year I think the we'd be winning more than losing. What has happened to the Chin???

You are right, jetpack. It is Cowher's chin's fault for the Steelers 6 turnovers yesterday and their 2-6 record. It is this kind of insight that makes the Shark Pool so valuable.

Hold the friendly fire, Bro. I think you misinterpreted me. I was just trying to generate some discussion of how Cowher and his staff has handled this season (starting from the offseason, really). I've heard that there's some fingers pointing to Cowher for the undisciplined, unfocused play of the Steelers this year in the Pittsburgh media, including a lackadaisacle, non-Cowherish attitude (aka "Where's the Chin???). Despite the fact that Cowher himself didn't turn the ball over 6 times, asking why every game seems to showcase a different failure of Steeler football fundamentals is a reasonable place to start. Looks like that discussion has been going on in this thread.

I hear what you are saying but I really don't know what Cowher could have done to keep Ben from throwing picks or keep guys from fumbling the ball, taking stupid penalties, etc. I can guarantee you he has talked to them repeatedly about it. What more can he do? At some point, the players need to execute and play better football.

 

[CrossEyed]

If only Cowher looked a little more like your icon this year I think the we'd be winning more than losing. What has happened to the Chin???

You are right, jetpack. It is Cowher's chin's fault for the Steelers 6 turnovers yesterday and their 2-6 record. It is this kind of insight that makes the Shark Pool so valuable.

Hold the friendly fire, Bro. I think you misinterpreted me. I was just trying to generate some discussion of how Cowher and his staff has handled this season (starting from the offseason, really). I've heard that there's some fingers pointing to Cowher for the undisciplined, unfocused play of the Steelers this year in the Pittsburgh media, including a lackadaisacle, non-Cowherish attitude (aka "Where's the Chin???). Despite the fact that Cowher himself didn't turn the ball over 6 times, asking why every game seems to showcase a different failure of Steeler football fundamentals is a reasonable place to start. Looks like that discussion has been going on in this thread.

I hear what you are saying but I really don't know what Cowher could have done to keep Ben from throwing picks or keep guys from fumbling the ball, taking stupid penalties, etc. I can guarantee you he has talked to them repeatedly about it. What more can he do? At some point, the players need to execute and play better football.

Amen. You could tell that Cowher was irate at his news conference on Tuesday. You don't think those guys have heard from Cowher about the fumbles, the unsportsman-like conduct penalties, the bonehead mistakes, etc, etc? It's not the gameplan, it's the execution.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.

And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

If "Cower" was a joke and not a misspelling, it's even weaker.And this situation is nothing like Kordell. It's not even remotely similar. Kordell failed every time the stakes were highest, the Steelers won a Super Bowl with Roethlisberger just a few months ago.

I guess the Patriots need to bench Brady too, after all, he was far worse than Roethlisberger yesterday.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

You don't know your Steeler history very well. Cowher repeatedly benched Kordell. The problem was his alternatives were usually worse (Jim Miller, Mike Tomczak, Kent Graham, Tee Martin, etc.). As soon as they got a competant QB (Tommy Maddox), Kordell was history.

 

[perry147]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.

And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

. That was classic. Why do you keep making the comparison to Kordell? This is a completely different scenario with 2 completely different qbs and different teams. Ben is a much more talented qb than Kordell and has already won a superbowl. Sorry if I'm missing the connection here.....

What you are missing is the length of the leash Ben has - and it is the same if not greater than Kordell had.I am in not way saying they are similar players in style/experience/shoe size/type team or anything at all (except maybe in turnovers and maybe losing games).

I know you will be shocked but I like Ben Roethlisberger.

 

[apalmer]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.

And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

. That was classic. Why do you keep making the comparison to Kordell? This is a completely different scenario with 2 completely different qbs and different teams. Ben is a much more talented qb than Kordell and has already won a superbowl. Sorry if I'm missing the connection here.....

What you are missing is the length of the leash Ben has - and it is the same if not greater than Kordell had.I am in not way saying they are similar players in style/experience/shoe size/type team or anything at all (except maybe in turnovers and maybe losing games).

I know you will be shocked but I like Ben Roethlisberger.

Of course it's greater than Kordell's--as it should be. What you are missing is the ridiculous nature of statements that Cowher's treatment of Ben is "just like KS". THAT is what the Steeler faithful is trying to point out.

 

[perry147]

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.

Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

You don't know your Steeler history very well. Cowher repeatedly benched Kordell. The problem was his alternatives were usually worse (Jim Miller, Mike Tomczak, Kent Graham, Tee Martin, etc.). As soon as they got a competant QB (Tommy Maddox), Kordell was history.

Kordell Between 1997 - 2001

Year  TM |   G |  Comp   Att   PCT	YD   Y/A  TD   INT |  Att  Yards  TD || 1997 pit |  16 |   236   440  53.6  3020   6.9  21  17 |	88   476  11 || 1998 pit |  16 |   252   458  55.0  2560   5.6  11  18 |	81   406   2 || 1999 pit |  16 |   160   275  58.2  1464   5.3   6   10 |	56   258   2 || 2000 pit |  16 |   151   289  52.2  1860   6.4  11   8  |	78   436   7 || 2001 pit |  16 |   266   442  60.2  3109   7.0  14  11 |	96   537   5 |

How many times during this period was he benched?

 

[fred_1_15301]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.

And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

. That was classic. Why do you keep making the comparison to Kordell? This is a completely different scenario with 2 completely different qbs and different teams. Ben is a much more talented qb than Kordell and has already won a superbowl. Sorry if I'm missing the connection here.....

What you are missing is the length of the leash Ben has - and it is the same if not greater than Kordell had.I am in not way saying they are similar players in style/experience/shoe size/type team or anything at all (except maybe in turnovers and maybe losing games).

I know you will be shocked but I like Ben Roethlisberger.

I could care less if you like Ben or not. The point of your post is that Cowher has been too reluctant to bench Ben this year and you're using the comparisons to Kordell to attempt to validate your point. What YOU are missing is that until this year, Ben has been a tremendous qb. He is not having the same type of success this year but why should he be pulled after 8 games? You're faulting Cowher for not jumping the gun after 8 games (of which he's played poorly in maybe 3)? I still don't see how you can compare Ben to Kordell.

 

[apalmer]

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.

Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

You don't know your Steeler history very well. Cowher repeatedly benched Kordell. The problem was his alternatives were usually worse (Jim Miller, Mike Tomczak, Kent Graham, Tee Martin, etc.). As soon as they got a competant QB (Tommy Maddox), Kordell was history.

Kordell Between 1997 - 2001

Year  TM |   G |  Comp   Att   PCT	YD   Y/A  TD   INT |  Att  Yards  TD || 1997 pit |  16 |   236   440  53.6  3020   6.9  21  17 |	88   476  11 || 1998 pit |  16 |   252   458  55.0  2560   5.6  11  18 |	81   406   2 || 1999 pit |  16 |   160   275  58.2  1464   5.3   6   10 |	56   258   2 || 2000 pit |  16 |   151   289  52.2  1860   6.4  11   8  |	78   436   7 || 2001 pit |  16 |   266   442  60.2  3109   7.0  14  11 |	96   537   5 |

How many times during this period was he benched?

Since he only started 12 games in 1999 and 11 in 2000 (and 5 in 2002, which you conveniently overlooked), the answer is "several". Don't mistake playing in 16 games as QB'ing 16 games. He played WR in a lot of those.

 

[perry147]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.

And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

. That was classic. Why do you keep making the comparison to Kordell? This is a completely different scenario with 2 completely different qbs and different teams. Ben is a much more talented qb than Kordell and has already won a superbowl. Sorry if I'm missing the connection here.....

What you are missing is the length of the leash Ben has - and it is the same if not greater than Kordell had.I am in not way saying they are similar players in style/experience/shoe size/type team or anything at all (except maybe in turnovers and maybe losing games).

I know you will be shocked but I like Ben Roethlisberger.

I could care less if you like Ben or not. The point of your post is that Cowher has been too reluctant to bench Ben this year and you're using the comparisons to Kordell to attempt to validate your point. What YOU are missing is that until this year, Ben has been a tremendous qb. He is not having the same type of success this year but why should he be pulled after 8 games? You're faulting Cowher for not jumping the gun after 8 games (of which he's played poorly in maybe 3)? I still don't see how you can compare Ben to Kordell.

tremendous ? Peyton is tremendous.

Brady is tremendous.

McNabb is tremendous.

Ben is not and has never been tremendous.

He won a Superbowl and that in itself is a great achievement but he is not great.

 

[Z-Dog]

I hate the Steelers but Ben Roethlisberger is a fantastic QB. I don't thik anyone in the league is better at buying time by scrambling around and then throwing accurate passes for big plays. He is a Superbowl-worthy QB, and the Steelers are thirlled to have him. Bench him? Not for any kind of extended period, if at all.

 

[apalmer]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.

And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

. That was classic. Why do you keep making the comparison to Kordell? This is a completely different scenario with 2 completely different qbs and different teams. Ben is a much more talented qb than Kordell and has already won a superbowl. Sorry if I'm missing the connection here.....

What you are missing is the length of the leash Ben has - and it is the same if not greater than Kordell had.I am in not way saying they are similar players in style/experience/shoe size/type team or anything at all (except maybe in turnovers and maybe losing games).

I know you will be shocked but I like Ben Roethlisberger.

I could care less if you like Ben or not. The point of your post is that Cowher has been too reluctant to bench Ben this year and you're using the comparisons to Kordell to attempt to validate your point. What YOU are missing is that until this year, Ben has been a tremendous qb. He is not having the same type of success this year but why should he be pulled after 8 games? You're faulting Cowher for not jumping the gun after 8 games (of which he's played poorly in maybe 3)? I still don't see how you can compare Ben to Kordell.

tremendous ? Peyton is tremendous.

Brady is tremendous.

McNabb is tremendous.

Ben is not and has never been tremendous.

He won a Superbowl and that in itself is a great achievement but he is not great.

24-4 (regular season) in his first 2 years in the league plus a Super Bowl win is two pretty tremendous seasons for any QB. What has McNabb ever done close to that?

 

[fred_1_15301]

I think Bill Cower is sometimes to loyal to his starters and even if they lose the rest of their games I think he would stick with Ben.

Let's say for arguments sake we project Ben's number out the rest of the year and go with 28 interceptions which would be one short of what Favre had last year when everyone said it was time for the HOF QB to retire.

First of all, it's Cowher, not Cower. Don't mean to be a stickler, but if you want me to take your viewpoint seriously, it's a good place to start.Beyond that, yes, you make a valid point that his INT rate is high. It happens, especially when you're playing from behind a lot. He's not going to throw 4 INTs every game. What would be the point of going to Charlie Batch? He doesn't give you the best chance to win now, he's not your QB of the future. He's the backup, and that's all he is. Cowher needs to let Ben play through his struggles, he always bounces back. Why mess with his head by benching him? The guy is a Super Bowl-winning QB with the best record in the NFL as a starter over his career and he's in his early 20s, not pushing 40 as Favre is. Benching him makes no sense and it won't happen unless it's due to injury.

And yes, Cowher is very loyal to the guys that have gotten it done for him, but I believe that's a good thing. He's not overly so... the Steelers have let a lot of players walk over the years that were slipping. Rod Woodson is a perfect example. They don't play someone just to play him, the play the guys that they believe give you the best chance to win games. They obviously feel Roethlisberger is that guy at QB and I, along with just about every other Steeler fan, agree.

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

. That was classic. Why do you keep making the comparison to Kordell? This is a completely different scenario with 2 completely different qbs and different teams. Ben is a much more talented qb than Kordell and has already won a superbowl. Sorry if I'm missing the connection here.....

What you are missing is the length of the leash Ben has - and it is the same if not greater than Kordell had.I am in not way saying they are similar players in style/experience/shoe size/type team or anything at all (except maybe in turnovers and maybe losing games).

I know you will be shocked but I like Ben Roethlisberger.

I could care less if you like Ben or not. The point of your post is that Cowher has been too reluctant to bench Ben this year and you're using the comparisons to Kordell to attempt to validate your point. What YOU are missing is that until this year, Ben has been a tremendous qb. He is not having the same type of success this year but why should he be pulled after 8 games? You're faulting Cowher for not jumping the gun after 8 games (of which he's played poorly in maybe 3)? I still don't see how you can compare Ben to Kordell.

tremendous ? Peyton is tremendous.

Brady is tremendous.

McNabb is tremendous.

Ben is not and has never been tremendous.

He won a Superbowl and that in itself is a great achievement but he is not great.

You obviously didn't watch him play very much over his first 2 years. Yes--Ben played tremendously his first 2 years. I'm not comparing him to Brady or Manning but he has had the best start of any qb in the history of the NFL. In my mind, that constitutes him being a tremendous qb.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.

Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

You don't know your Steeler history very well. Cowher repeatedly benched Kordell. The problem was his alternatives were usually worse (Jim Miller, Mike Tomczak, Kent Graham, Tee Martin, etc.). As soon as they got a competant QB (Tommy Maddox), Kordell was history.

Kordell Between 1997 - 2001

Year TM | G | Comp Att PCT YD Y/A TD INT | Att Yards TD || 1997 pit | 16 | 236 440 53.6 3020 6.9 21 17 | 88 476 11 || 1998 pit | 16 | 252 458 55.0 2560 5.6 11 18 | 81 406 2 || 1999 pit | 16 | 160 275 58.2 1464 5.3 6 10 | 56 258 2 || 2000 pit | 16 | 151 289 52.2 1860 6.4 11 8 | 78 436 7 || 2001 pit | 16 | 266 442 60.2 3109 7.0 14 11 | 96 537 5 |How many times during this period was he benched?

Stewart started 0 games in 1995 (O'Donnell) and 1996 (Jim Miller, Mike Tomczak). 1997 was Kordell's first year as a starter. He started all 16 games and had a very good year (the Steelers went 11-5). In 1998 Kordell started all 16 games but the Steelers finished with a 7-9 record. In 1999 Kordell started 11 games but was benched (twice) by Mike Tomczak who started 5. In 2000 Ken Graham won the starting job, started 3 games got hurt, and Stewart took over. When Graham came off the injury report he regained his starting job for 2 more games and stunk so Kordell finished the season.

In 2001 Kordell had another good year starting all 16 games and finished 13-3. In 2002 Kordell was benched in 3rd game of the season for Tommy Maddox. When Maddox got hurt Stewart started 2 games until he got benched again when Maddox returned.

So by my count Kordell Stewart was benched 6 times in the 5 year period you highlighted.

 

[perry147]

I think you missed the pun - I was trying to be funny with his name and him not benching a Superbowl winning QB.

Thanks for taking the time Evilgrin and the other Steeler faithful - You have answered my quest. Nothing is going to make Cowher bench Roethlisberger no matter how bad he plays - just like KS.

You don't know your Steeler history very well. Cowher repeatedly benched Kordell. The problem was his alternatives were usually worse (Jim Miller, Mike Tomczak, Kent Graham, Tee Martin, etc.). As soon as they got a competant QB (Tommy Maddox), Kordell was history.

Kordell Between 1997 - 2001

Year TM | G | Comp Att PCT YD Y/A TD INT | Att Yards TD || 1997 pit | 16 | 236 440 53.6 3020 6.9 21 17 | 88 476 11 || 1998 pit | 16 | 252 458 55.0 2560 5.6 11 18 | 81 406 2 || 1999 pit | 16 | 160 275 58.2 1464 5.3 6 10 | 56 258 2 || 2000 pit | 16 | 151 289 52.2 1860 6.4 11 8 | 78 436 7 || 2001 pit | 16 | 266 442 60.2 3109 7.0 14 11 | 96 537 5 |How many times during this period was he benched?

Stewart started 0 games in 1995 (O'Donnell) and 1996 (Jim Miller, Mike Tomczak). 1997 was Kordell's first year as a starter. He started all 16 games and had a very good year (the Steelers went 11-5). In 1998 Kordell started all 16 games but the Steelers finished with a 7-9 record. In 1999 Kordell started 11 games but was benched (twice) by Mike Tomczak who started 5. In 2000 Ken Graham won the starting job, started 3 games got hurt, and Stewart took over. When Graham came off the injury report he regained his starting job for 2 more games and stunk so Kordell finished the season.

In 2001 Kordell had another good year starting all 16 games and finished 13-3. In 2002 Kordell was benched in 3rd game of the season for Tommy Maddox. When Maddox got hurt Stewart started 2 games until he got benched again when Maddox returned.

So by my count Kordell Stewart was benched 6 times in the 5 year period you highlighted.

Thank you.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Steelers fans are right on in this thread. Ben played a good game yesterday and threw the ball extremely well. When you spend almost all of 4 quarters playing from behind and throw that many passes, there will be a few poor reads and the occasional bad throw mixed in, but when one INT is on a hail mary and another is on a 3rd and long with nowhere else to go, the stats make it look a lot worse than it was.

Same story, different week with the turnovers, but this one wasn't on Ben. If anything, he's more of the reason the game was close than he was that they lost.