There's no question the Steelers missed Ben Roethlisberger in 2019. Their passing offense went from being one of the league's best in 2018, to 31st in 2019.
But there also was a feeling the Steelers had thrown the ball too much in 2018, when Roethlisberger topped the NFL in passing yardage with 5,129 yards as the team threw the ball two out of every three plays.
It's unlikely the Steelers will throw the ball that much again in 2020 with Roethlisberger returning from an elbow injury that required season-ending surgery after just six quarters of play. There is, however, an expectation the team's passing offense will be much improved, a point every veteran who has spoken over the past few weeks has been quick to reference.
"It’s Big Ben. He’s great," second-year wide receiver Diontae Johnson said last week.
"That’s my guy. We’ve got big things to do this year, trying to win the Super Bowl together."
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was equally as effusive in his praise.
"He’s a great player, a playmaker," Fitzpatrick said of Roethlisberger. "But also, I saw throughout last year, just him being around the team, he’s a great leader. I like being around him. I like hearing from him. He has a lot of experience and wisdom to share. He’s going to keep being himself, even though he was injured. He’s going to go out and compete and challenge even myself, even though I’m a defensive player. He’s going to go out and make everyone else better like he’s been doing for the past however many seasons."
