PFT says it was Tomlin who made the decision earlier in the week.

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/30/the-real-story-on-the-roethlisberger-scratch/

 

not according to Ward. He sounded like he was in the camp that thought Ben ought to be out there..

A reach, but true. I'm getting a feeling that Balt and Pitt just aren't that good this year. I don't see Pitt winning out.

 

They've played quite a bit without Polamalu and then last night without him and Ben. The difference between the three teams, IMO, is that Cincinnati has been money in the close games, while Baltimore and Pitt haven't been as good.

I thought Dixon did pretty well in his first game, against one of the best D's in the league. Ravens blew alot opportunities to end it in regulation, but come up big in OT.

 

If Ben is healthy, I expect Pitt to win out.

 

If Roethlisberger's healthy last night, the Steelers win by 2-3 TDs. Baltimore's defense was flattered by facing an inexperienced QB; I still contend they're getting by on smoke and mirrors and a heavy dose of undeserved reputation.

not according to Ward. He sounded like he was in the camp that thought Ben ought to be out there..

 

Ward doesn't make out the lineup, right?

What do the Steelers fans make of Ward calling out Ben?

It sounded like to me Ward was calling out Tomlin and whoever else was involved in the decision to sit Ben out.

 

Santonio Holmes was the guy that sounded like he was questioning Big Ben.

 

That's the way it sounded to me anyway. Ward sounded irritated by the way it was handled.

^Seems like the locker room feels Ben could have hid the headaches from everyone.

^Seems like the locker room feels Ben could have hid the headaches from everyone.

 

I didn't get that impression.

 

From what I saw (and maybe I didn't see all the post-game interview clips), it sounded like Ben practiced all week, had some headaches, and Tomlin and/or the doctors decided to be safe and sit him. The team wasn't told until Saturday, and Ward sounded like he didn't like the way it was handled. Holmes sounded like he thought it was Ben's decision to sit out, which isn't the story we're hearing.

 

Regardless, I think Pittsburgh made the right decision, and the only decision, IMO. You don't play around with concussions. No single game is worth risking more serious damage, and possibly a career, for any player, especially a guy of Roethlisberger's caliber and importance. Every player in the NFL should know that, including Pittsburgh's.

I didn't get that impression.

 

From what I saw (and maybe I didn't see all the post-game interview clips), it sounded like Ben practiced all week, had some headaches, and Tomlin and/or the doctors decided to be safe and sit him. The team wasn't told until Saturday, and Ward sounded like he didn't like the way it was handled. Holmes sounded like he thought it was Ben's decision to sit out, which isn't the story we're hearing.

 

Regardless, I think Pittsburgh made the right decision, and the only decision, IMO. You don't play around with concussions. No single game is worth risking more serious damage, and possibly a career, for any player, especially a guy of Roethlisberger's caliber and importance. Every player in the NFL should know that, including Pittsburgh's.

I agree with the above.

 

However, Rodney Harrison was talking about players hiding injuries from doctors to play in games. It's pretty easy to say, "Nope, no headaches today." Which is what I think most of the players in the locker room would have wanted him to do, right or wrong.

4th concussion since 06 and they want him to hide his symptoms. Did they play high school at West Caanan for Bud Kilmer?

4th concussion since 06 and they want him to hide his symptoms. Did they play high school at West Caanan for Bud Kilmer?

 

:laugh:

4th concussion since 06 and they want him to hide his symptoms. Did they play high school at West Caanan for Bud Kilmer?

And that doesn't include kissing the Chrysler.

I agree with the above.

 

However, Rodney Harrison was talking about players hiding injuries from doctors to play in games. It's pretty easy to say, "Nope, no headaches today." Which is what I think most of the players in the locker room would have wanted him to do, right or wrong.

 

Maybe. I would hope they'd have enough sense to realize how serious concussions are and understand that the correct decision was made.

 

If those guys are willing to risk it, that's their decision, but they have no right to expect anyone else to do it. Roethlisberger has proven his toughness, and his willingness to play through pain. That certainly shouldn't be questioned. But, head injuries are completely different. You don't play around with that.

 

I can still remember Merril Hoge doing an ESPN interview concerning concussions several years ago and half way through an answer to a question, he just stopped talking and said, "I'm sorry. What was the question again?"

4th concussion since 06 and they want him to hide his symptoms. Did they play high school at West Caanan for Bud Kilmer?

 

For real...it wouldn't surprise me if Roethlisberger missed more than one game. That's a lot of concussions in a short period. That would be concerning to me as a Steelers fan, considering his style of play and willingness to take shots. He may need to adjust his style a little to limit the punishment he takes or he may end up like Aikman and Young.

In all seriousness, concussions have been known to end careers earlier than expected. Big Ben could be one big one from seriously considering not playing anymore. I would honestly hate to see it, outside of the jersey he wears, he seems like a quality guy.