Big Ben makes big plays

PITTSBURGH — Alex Rodriguez. Joey Porter. Clay Bennett.

The list of hated sports figures in the city of Seattle is rather short but ready to add another name.

Ben Roethlisberger.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback broke Seattle’s hearts again on Sunday afternoon, turning in one of the most impressive performances of his young career in a 21-0 win.

Roethlisberger avoided pass rushers, converted third downs, and made just about every clutch throw in helping hand the Seahawks’ their worst loss of the season. The same Ben Roethlisberger that frustrated Seattle with a phantom touchdown in Super Bowl XL was in much better form this time around.

“He made a lot of plays on third downs that kept those drives going,” Seahawks safety Brian Russell said. “He’s a very good quarterback.”

Roethlisberger completed 18 of 22 passes for 206 yards Sunday, giving him a season-best passer rating of 120.8.

“I thought he played a very fine game,” Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said. “I thought he was very good with his throws. He buys himself a lot of time in the pocket because he’s so big and strong.”

Seattle defensive tackle Craig Terrill saw that first-hand, getting his hands on Roethlisberger for two near tackles only to see the 6-foot-5, 241-pound quarterback slip away.

“He’s just good at avoiding people,” Terrill said. “He’s a big guy, and I didn’t get enough of a wrap on him or a good enough hit on him. Those are the ones you really regret.”

Roethlisberger completed all nine of his second-half passes, accounting for 118 of his passing yards.

This despite playing without starting receivers Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, who were both out with injuries.

“Anytime Ben Roethlisberger’s back there, you’ve got to be ready for him to throw the ball on the money,” Seattle’s Russell said. “Anybody who steps on the field as an NFL receiver, you’ve got to be ready for them.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs in districts

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district clash.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Balanced scoring attack leads Gonzaga

Zags take over second place in WCC with 88-77 win over USF.

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Terrace, Monroe girls advance in district hoops tournament.

Kimberly Beard, a Mukilteo resident who attends King's High School, prepares to release a throw during the 20-pound weight competition at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard wins throwing event

The King’s High School junior won the 20-pound weight throw at a George Fox indoor meet.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.