PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers made a commitment to protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the offseason, drafting a pair of offensive linemen and hiring offensive coordinator Todd Haley to design a scheme that keeps Roethlisberger upright.
It’s working.
Roethlisberger has been sacked just 13 times during Pittsburgh’s first seven games despite throwing the ball more than ever. He is on pace to post a career high in attempts while getting sacked just 30 times, which would be a career low for any season in which he played all 16 games.
The two-time Super Bowl winner credits a cohesive line and an improved running game for the low sack total. The quarterback is completing a career-high 67 percent of his passes and the Steelers are second in the NFL in time of possession.
