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The name “Big” Ben Roethlisberger can be deceiving. If you’ve watched Roethlisberger, especially during his younger years, elude would-be tacklers, you know just how elusive the big man is when holding the football.
Roethlisberger is a huge human being, but he still has the short-range quickness to escape and make plays with his legs. While this might be an innate trait, the Steelers’ coaching staff likes to do a drill which simulates an oncoming pass rush, and the quarterback must avoid it and still make the play.
This is a video from a few years ago when backup Bruce Gradkowski was still on the team. Gradkowski shows how the drill should look, and Roethlisberger does things his way.
Why Big Ben is still playing and I’m not #NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/FBfkLNiPCr
— Bruce Gradkowski (@bgradkowski5) July 6, 2018
Fast forward to 2018, and Roethlisberger is at it again showing off his skills with the flying pads. However, this time he isn’t using blunt force trauma to battle through, but being more nimble and quick on his feet. Heck, maybe that weight lost did him some good after all?!
Ben Roethlisberger working on moving in the pocket. #Steelers #dkps pic.twitter.com/BSxCnDvZoO
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) August 12, 2018
Needless to say, Roethlisberger is having fun with the drill, and it’s good to see the players loosening up from time to time and giving the crowd something to remember.
The Steelers have practice Monday and Tuesday — the final open practices of the year — before heading to Green Bay to play the Packers in Week 2 of the preseason, after which they head back to headquarters in Pittsburgh.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Black-and-gold as they continue through the preseason and prepare for the games which really count.