It sure seems as though the Pittsburgh Steelers are back to being Super Bowl contenders. Especially with Ben Roethlisberger under center.
Roethlisberger will be looking to move to 2-0 since returning from suspension when the Steelers visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Pittsburgh (4-1) was expected to struggle throughout the first month of the season without Roethlisberger, who was suspended for the first four games of the regular season due to repeated off-field problems. But Charlie Batch not only managed to hold the fort, he led the team to three wins, leaving the Steelers in prime position in a wide-open AFC.
With a bye week to get back into the swing of things, Roethlisberger threw an early interception against Cleveland but settled in from there, finishing with three touchdown passes and 257 yards in a 28-10 romp. The veteran quarterback completed 16-of-27 passes - five to frequent target Hines Ward and three for 90 yards to Mike Wallace.
With the offense apparently now complete, Pittsburgh briefly had to worry about its defense – specifically linebacker James Harrison.
One of the highest-paid players on the team and a former Pro Bowler, Harrison was excused from Wednesday’s practice after receiving a $75,000 fine from the league due to helmet-to-helmet hits last Sunday that the league deemed illegal.
Harrison, who was not flagged on either of the plays in discussion, disagreed with the controversial fine and said he was contemplating retirement because he isn’t sure he can play the game by the NFL rules and still be effective.
He returned to Thursday.
If Harrison’s threats prove to have some substance behind them, it would be a huge blow to a Pittsburgh defense that ranks No. 3 overall in the NFL and No. 1 against the run. Harrison has 40 total tackles and five sacks so far this season.
The Dolphins (3-2) are averaging 115.6 yards per game on the ground and would certainly be happy to look into the Pittsburgh secondary and not see Harrison. Miami has dropped both of its home games this season, but is coming off a strong victory over the Green Bay Packers last week, grabbing a 23-20 overtime win.
Brandon Marshall was the offensive star, catching 10 passes for 127 yards, and Chad Henne threw a pair of touchdown passes. The Dolphins balanced the offense effectively in the contest, passing 39 times and rushing 39 times, with Ronnie Brown leading the way with 73 yards on 19 carries.
Miami ranks fifth in the league in total defense and also boasts a hard-hitting linebacker in Channing Crowder, who has been critical of the NFL in regards to Harrison’s fine.
The teams met in the regular-season finale last year, with the Steelers pulling out a 30-24 victory behind three touchdown passes from Roethlisberger.