Top > Sport > 2006 > September > 2006-09-20

Big Ben shows up, Steelers offense does not

Ben Roethlisberger would prefer forgetting the summer. Since winning his first Super Bowl in only his second year as a pro, the young quarterback was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident June 12, and an appendicitis attack two weeks ago. His return to the field was delayed, but Monday night`s appearance turned out more like another painful experience for Roethlisberger.

The Steelers were shut out by the Jacksonville Jaguars defense, ending a 9 game winning streak dating to last season and post-season. The protective padding around Roethlisberger`s midsection was put to test time and again by the Jaguars. ?A lot of it was my fault,? Roethlisberger said. ?I told coach I?ll be OK. When I get some more practice and get on the same page with the receivers, we?ll be good.?

Josh Scobee kicked three field goals for the Jaguars (2-0). The Steelers (1-1) kept it close all game, and got the ball back with about five minutes to play, down 6-0. But Rashean Mathis intercepted Roethlisberger for the second time in the game and returned it into field goal range. The Jags defense can only hope for similar results when they will meet the Colts next week. The players from the Steel City hope to shake off the rust before they meet Cincinnati.