It appears Big Ben had no problem shaking off any rust he may have built up during his 4-game suspension. Of course, he was playing the Cleveland defense, a good team to return against. I hope he can stay out of the off-field limelight and concentrate on football the rest of the season.

I too was glad to see Big Ben back.

I think way too much attention is being paid to these off field allegations, frankly "I don't give a damn".

I enjoy watching Tiger play golf, I enjoy wathcing Big Ben throw a football, can you imagine if such "beacons of morality" as Babe Ruth and Ted Williams were held to the same standards?

From a football perspective it was great to have Ben back on the field. He definitely allows us to open the playbook and make big plays in the passing game. He showed some rust early, but got it in gear. The 90 yard drive was vintage Ben. Now comes a really tough 4 game stretch (at Miami, at New Orleans, at Cincinnati, home to New England) which should define the Steeler season. I expect the Steelers should be in the playoff mix throughout.  

As I expected, all those fans who yelled and screamed for the Steelers to trade/ or release Ben when he was in trouble in the off-season, were the same ones who cheered loudly for him as he's throwing touchdown passes. That's why you should only root for athletes for what they do on the field. Off the field, they are just like the rest of us; flawed individuals. You can't get involved in anything other than on the field production.  

-- Modified on 10/18/2010 5:09:26 AM

When I would have agreeded about on field only and forget the personal life stuff. Now I have changed my mind.

The moral clause in the contracts should be tighter and any infraction should include suspension until decided in court or wherever. I know, I hear you, due process and innocent until proven guilty, but here is why.

You go to the games and see the kids with their Big Ben and Farve jerseys on cheering. You think they don't know about the off field stuff, but they do. And the message the NFL sends is "It's ok to fuck up, do as you like, just be a sports god and there is no accountability".

Thes NFL and players make millions. I want some accountability.  

"Off the field, they are just like the rest of us; flawed individuals. You can't get involved in anything other than on the field production."

Yes the above statement is true and you and I can differenate between on and off the field. A 9, 10 12 year old can't make that judgement call. So if the NFL wants to say there flawed people and we have to take that into consideration then the NFL need to stop selling jerseys in children sizes.

In a way it's simular to the helmet to helmet problem. Something should be done for the good of the players, game and fans. Fans today start at the age of 5 and 6 years old. It's the future of the game and without those future fans there will be no game.

As for the 4 game streach, I think at the end of week 8 we will pretty much know the big dogs.
It won't be the final answer but at least who gets to play their way into the playoffs. I'm gonna have to review my 6 week predection. Wonder how close I was? Wish you a half ass good luck as I like Miami and NE.