Before Wednesday’s ‘First Call’, we take a look at Doug Whaley’s comments about Ben Roethlisberger’s future with the Steelers.
There are Steelers in abundance on a college and university history blacklist. Bruce Boudreau may want to start coaching again. A former penguin gets back into gear.
And Tiger Woods was apparently on his way to meet some high-profile NFL quarterbacks before his car crash.
Whaley’s words
If you believe Ben Roethlisberger’s agent Ryan Tollner – and it looks like the NFL Network does – Ben Roethlisberger will be back next year as a Steelers quarterback.
Ben Roethlisberger will indeed return as the #Steelers QB will start this fall. Just linked to two-time Super Bowl winner, Ryan Tollner, who said this: pic.twitter.com/YnWRWwkbeM
– Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) February 23, 2021
As I recently wrote, I’ve always felt that Kevin Colbert’s quote “As we sit here today, Ben is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers” quote was more ominous in print than on tape.
I said on WDVE at the time of those comments that I was 60% in favor of the belief that Roethlisberger would return to the team in 2021. Now I feel even better about that prediction.
Notice, I said I “feel better about the prediction”. Not so much feeling good about the news.
I think the best thing the Steelers can do is cut off Roethlisberger and move on with their rebuilding efforts. You would now also look at Mason Rudolph for a full year to prove that you are right or wrong in that choice. Or you can line up a quarterback in the first round if one you like becomes available.
But that’s my opinion.
No actually not. Doug Whaley said the same thing on 93.7 The Fan this week.
The former Buffalo Bills general manager and former Steelers professional human resources coordinator also estimated the probability of a Roethlisberger return at “60% he will stay, 40% he will go.”
And he agrees with my view of the prospect of reviewing Roethlisberger’s contract to keep him for another year.
“Yes. The Steelers could cut off Roethlisberger. The Steelers were here for him. And they’ll be here when he’s gone,” Whaley told the “PM Team” Monday.
Personally, I would say, ‘Thank you Ben you’re the best, we wouldn’t have two Super Bowl trophies without you, you’ll be a first round of Hall of Famer voting, we’ll play in the Hall of Fame game when you’re inducted have you back to hang you on the wall, but thanks for your service, we’ll have to go in a different direction for both of us. ”
I no longer agree.
Whether Big Ben returns next year or not, I don’t see the Steelers as a playoff team. And I certainly don’t see them as a Super Bowl contender. So a next season returning with Roethlisberger just feels like putting off the inevitable change at the quarterback and replacing Roethlisberger’s desire for a smooth retirement with what’s best for the franchise’s long-term interests.
Elsewhere in “First Call” …
Steelers stands out
In honor of Black History Month, Touchdown Wire has compiled a list of the best players from HBCUs – or historically black colleges and universities – in the history of professional football.
As anyone who knows the history of the Steel Curtain will tell you, Hall of Fame scout Bill Nunn mined those schools’ unknown talent to build the Super Steelers of that decade. So it’s no surprise that many of those players are on the list.
As well as a 90s superstar.
Will Bruce be back?
“Buffalo Bruce” Boudreau was always a favorite target of Penguins fan mockery when he was the head coach of the Washington Capitals.
He was eventually fired after five years. He was also hired and fired in Anaheim within five years. Then after four years with the Minnesota Wild.
Now The Athletic says he may be interested in returning to the league with the Seattle Kraken expansion.
To work
Former Penguin Alex Galchenyuk is on yet another team, his third since leaving the Penguins last February. He is now with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He hasn’t practiced since he was acquired in a trade with Ottawa on February 15. But now seems ready to skate.
More detail
We’re looking for more details on that car accident that injured Tiger Woods. ESPN’s Shelly Smith reports that Woods was on his way to meet NFL quarterbacks Drew Brees and Justin Herbert for a planned photo shoot when the accident happened.
Tim Benz is a writer on the Tribune Review staff. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via TwitterAll tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless otherwise specified.
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