Written by Lorenzo Reyes at USAToday.com
He sprinted out of the tunnel, soaked by rain, surrounded by smoke, full of fire.
The game hadn’t started yet. But Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger – normally an even-keeled captain – ran out, pumped his fists, pointed at teammates as he surged past them, shouted, and set the tone during pre-game introductions.
Maybe it’s hyperbole to think that made a difference. But one week after an embarrassing road loss against the in-state rival Eagles, Pittsburgh crushed the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night, 43-14.
The Steelers (3-1) looked – once again – like the team many forecasted as a Super Bowl contender prior to the season. And Roethlisberger was one of the biggest reasons why.
“We’re as dangerous as No. 7 makes us,” running back DeAngelo Williams told USA TODAY Sports, referring to Roethlisberger’s jersey number. “I mean, we could put you out there –”
Williams was cut off and reminded that, after all, sports writers don’t make for the best options to catch passes.
“No. 7 is good,” Williams continued. “Ben is really good, dude. When Ben is in his mood like he was tonight, pshhh, I mean he was dropping the ball where only where Ben’s guys could get it – only where our wide receivers could catch the ball. After some of the passes he threw, I was just like, ‘Ben is having one of those nights.’ ”
Roethlisberger launched deep pass after deep pass to streaking Steeler receivers. He stood in the pocket and carved up the Kansas City secondary. And he made it clear from the first play from scrimmage – a 47-yard bomb to receiver Sammie Coates – that Pittsburgh would attack the Chiefs with its vertical passing game.
“We were hungry,” receiver Antonio Brown told reporters after the game. “Last week we got blown out on the road. And anytime you get blown out, you want to respond. This was a great response.”
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