Ben Roethlisberger isn’t feeding into emotions held over from last season’s rough AFC wild-card win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The AFC Wild Card matchup was a complete and utter shitshow. Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was already public enemy number one after seriously injuring running back Le’Veon Bell. In the Wild Card game, Burfict concussed wide receiver Antonio Brown with a reckless cheap shot to the head. He also dislocated Roethlisberger’s shoulder. Cornerback Adam Jones also scuffled with Steelers assistant Joey Porter. The Steelers, despite winning the game due to the Bengals unhinged play, have every right to be pissed at Cincinnati.
Roethlisberger was asked about the rivalry and emotions heading into Pittsburgh’s Week 2 matchup against Cincinnati and the longtime quarterback told ESPN the Steelers won’t be dirty and want to win the game fair and square.
“That’s not who we are,” said Roethlisberger about retaliating. “It’s a physical football game and a physical division. That’s what we expect, a physical football game — clean.”
Roethlisberger continued to unstir the pot, calling the Bengals defense “very, very good” and calling Burfict a “great player.” I’m impressed with Roethlisberger’s maturity, at least publicly. The 34-year-old can’t be thrilled with Cincinnati’s defense, but wants to get revenge by kicking their collective butts on the football field.
Would Roethlisberger like handily defeat Cincinnati? You betcha! But the Steelers, unlike the unpredictable Bengals, won’t be reckless and stupid in doing in securing a victory.
[ESPN]
