Big Ben Makes Big Pitch for Faneca

by Michael Bean on Jan 16, 2008 4:47 PM EST in News

Big Ben apparently would like to see three things happen this offseason: a contract extension for himself; the acquisition of a tall, possesion receiver; and the re-signing of perennial Pro-Bowler Alan Faneca.

The question is not if Roethlisberger will receive a mega-contract extension this offseason, but rather, when. The other two wishes might be more difficult to accomodate.

"I don't know what's going to happen," Roethlisberger said yesterday. "That's hard for me, there could be an outlying story, something here or there I don't know about. But they do know how I feel about it. They know how valuable he is."

Ed Bouchette mentions that Roethlisberger made a similar plea to Steelers' management when Plaxico Burress' contract was up three years ago. However, Roethlisberger is determined to keep asking for a taller receiver, not because he's not satisfied with the WRs he has, or not simply because he thinks it will open up the field for Hines and Santonio, but also because he finds it hard to constantly be throwing at a downward trajectory:

"I'm 6-5," Roethlisberger noted. "I throw down to a lot of these guys. You see so many times Hines reaching up and I'm getting him killed because he's reaching up for balls and I'm just throwing it on my plane. To have someone on the same plane as me would just make my job ... I wouldn't get Hines killed going across the middle all the time."

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The interesting connection about Ben and Alan

in addition to one needing the other for protection, is that their contracts are both in the negotiation phase these next six weeks. Part of me is pipe dreaming that the Steelers leverage one against the other. Appeal to Ben to give us a hometown discount so we can sign Faneca and have them both. Do it in one motion. Move Faneca to center where he finishes a Hall-of-Fame career in the lineage of Mansfield, Webby, Dawson, Hartings and Faneca. Both guys want to be here. Both would love to finish HOF careers in black and gold. Maybe Ben would pay a little jack for a better chance at success by having Alan snapping to him.

Then again maybe I need to wake up and smell the coffee...

Tim G

by maryrose on Jan 16, 2008 7:39 PM EST reply actions

working one against the other

That's an interesting idea. It would be pretty amazing if they could talk to Ben and say something along the line of 'hey if you sign for slightly under market value we'll have a better chance at signing Faneca' and then they could turn to Faneca and say 'look how much you teammate gave up to keep you, shouldn't you take slightly under market value as well.'

You're right it's probably a pipe dream but they have until midnight on February 29th to figure it all out.

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

by cgolden on Jan 17, 2008 7:55 AM EST up reply actions

tall WR

Not that I disagree with Ben but I wonder what Holmes, Ward and especially Nate (considering he's 6'1) think when they hear/read this. I do agree they need some height in the WR corps and it's interesting that he wants a possession WR.

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

by cgolden on Jan 17, 2008 7:59 AM EST reply actions

Hines

Wouldn't Hines Ward be considered one of the best "possesion receivers" of the last decade at least? I mean next to Chris Carter I can't think of a better possession receiver. Then when you pair that with Heath Miller who is essentially a possession tight end I don't see that as our problem. That's why our offense can be so good when Holmes is healthy is because he adds a different element of speed.

Not to say I wouldn't like a 6'5" burress type but if we got one we'd probably throw even more fades. ugh.

by Chicago Steeler on Jan 17, 2008 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

Ben on American Idol?

It's official, Ben is contributing to the downfall of society as he's done a commercial for this year's American Idol. (Sorry if you're a reality TV fan, I just can't stand them)

Ben wouldn't go into a ton of details but it sounds like it's him in the locker room dreaming of being on the show and it'll air during the Super Bowl.

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

by cgolden on Jan 17, 2008 8:47 AM EST reply actions

Sad

"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland

by steelerinchicago on Jan 17, 2008 11:51 AM EST up reply actions

i friggin hate

reality tv, especially American Idol. The only one that I have ever been able to sit thru is, and please don't think less of me for this, Rock of Love. Its trashy, its a train wreck, and its pure crap, but its hard to look away.

by steelerark on Jan 19, 2008 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

Hold out, Ben

On Steelershotline.com, I made the suggestion to Ben to hold out unless they signed Faneca...maybe he heard me.

Steelady in VA

by Steelady in VA on Jan 17, 2008 7:27 PM EST reply actions

I'd lose a ton of respect for him if he did that

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

by cgolden on Jan 18, 2008 8:46 AM EST up reply actions

He has basically already said it...

Ben realizes that he could have been mortally wounded out there without Faneca. I'm not saying that Faneca should get a huge contract, because I think he is nearing the end of his career, but until we get another big guard primed and ready to protect Ben, I say sign him now, or Ben may not have the opportunity to play in Pittsburgh for very long. He knows who is protecting him and who isn't!

Steelady in VA

by Steelady in VA on Jan 18, 2008 10:52 AM EST reply actions

no holdout

I think it would be horrible if ben held out for faneca. Let's remember this is a business.. after the ridiculous contracts some guards signed last year who never even made a pro bowl - dockery comes to mind - faneca is due for a huge payday.. emotions aside he is on the downside of his career - porter anyone?? he is not worth max money - long and short of it.. we need to let him go.. look at the patriots - who i hate - theyve made a ton of decisions like that - troy brown - and i dont think their fans are complaining right now.

by smashmouthsteel on Jan 18, 2008 2:13 PM EST reply actions

if he wants him back

so badly he should leave some money on the table so they can get Faneca back.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Jan 18, 2008 2:16 PM EST reply actions

Tall free agent WR's

Obviously none of these guys are big names but these are the kind of 'middle tier' free agents that Pittsburgh targets. Here are thier career stats as well as 2007's DVOA from Football Outsiders (remember anything under 0.0 is considered below average).

Bryant Johnson (ARI) 6'3 213: 5 years in the league and has totaled 210 receptions for 2,675 yards (12.7 per) and 9 TDs. (DVOA -8.7)

Drew Carter (CAR) 6'3 200: 3 years in the league and has totaled 71 receptions for 977 yards (13.8) and 8 TDs. (DVOA -5.0)

Ernest Wilford (JAC) 6'4 218: 4 years in the league and has totaled 141 receptions for 1,994 yards (14.1) and 14 TDs. (DVOA 9.1)

Justin Gage (TEN) 6'4 212: 5 years in the league and has totaled 119 receptions for 1,658 yards (13.9) and 6 TDs. (DVOA 13.6)

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

by cgolden on Jan 22, 2008 9:09 AM EST reply actions