Football season really is underway now. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has created a little extra drama.
It looked like a juicy headline: Roethlisberger reveals torn rotator cuff. But Big Ben says the injury no longer bothers him and he feels healthier than ever. This is what Big Ben does.
"Does any elite player publicly disclose his injuries more readily than Ben Roethlisberger?" asked SI's Jim Trotter before we could.
That's a rhetorical question because we know the answer. Roethlisberger seems to find extra motivation by letting everyone know what a badass he is. Like Ed Reed threatening retirement, fans know not to take the news too seriously.
This is part of how Roethlisberger prepares for football and it has worked for him. He's my favorite dark horse for this year's MVP. At age 30, I believe Big Ben still has another gear he can reach on the field while he creates his usual storylines through the media.
A Good Day for …
- Denver Broncos tight ends Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreesen continue to get kudos and lots of targets in Broncos training camp. Tamme almost made my list of veterans making a big impact Wednesday. Peyton Manning loves using his tight ends, and the Broncos will likely rely on the short passing day.
- We are enjoying New York Giants owner John Mara's new role as provocateur. Jerry Jones might want to kick the Giants' ass until the Dallas Cowboys relive their glory hole years, but Mara continues to get the last laugh.
- A little car accident can't slow down the Ryan Mathews hype train.
Unsurprising News
The Cleveland Browns won't give Colt McCoy any snaps with the first team offense, but coach Pat Shurmur swears that the third-year pro is much improved this year. So, uh, would you like to trade for him, please?
Not a Good Day for ...
- I am a huge believer in Denarius Moore, but his early hamstring problems in camp are a concern. Nagging injuries could be the biggest thing getting in Moore's way of a Victor Cruz-like breakout.
- Jacksonville Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey correctly noted that Justin Blackmon is going to have some serious catching up to do when he eventually signs his rookie contract. We've reached the point where Blackmon's holdout could set him back.
Afternoon Delight
The "Aggressive Jim Harbaugh Quote" will have to take two days off because the San Francisco 49ers coach isn't speaking to the media again until Friday. Instead, we'll bring you this quote from Jaguars punter Bryan Anger, proving once again that punters are people, too. Here's Anger talking about his decision to sing "Afternoon Delight" to his teammates.
"I was a little nervous going into it, but a punter's got to perform under pressure, right?" Anger told the Florida Times-Union.
Awkward. Even though the song was performed in honor of Anchorman, we couldn't help thinking of this.
Position Battling
- Houston Texans receiver Lester Jean continues to be the man most benefiting from Andre Johnson's absence from practice. Fourth-round draft pick Keshawn Martin also seems to be performing better than third-rounder DeVier Posey.
- My friend Jeff Darlington of NFL Network says to watch out for a Steve Smith revival in St. Louis. The other Steve Smith.
- It might not be a great sign for Carolina Panthers wideout Brandon LaFell that folks still are talking up a competition for the No. 2 spot next to Smith. Considering LaFell's competition, it would be a huge disappointment if he didn't win the job going away.
On the Agenda
Marc Sessler is headed to Canton this morning to cover Hall of Fame weekend for Around the League. We'll have cool inside coverage all weekend leading up the ceremony and game. Thanks for reading.
