3 ways Steelers can help Ben Roethlisberger stay fresh in 2021

Allow Steelers OC Matt Canada to be creative

It’s not hard to see what types of plays and formations Ben Roethlisberger is really comfortable with. In fact, he has come right out and told the media of formations that he likes to run and things he likes to avoid.

Ben expressed last season that he’s not a fan of running plays from under center, play-action, pre-snap motion, or really anything that requires him to turn his back to the defense. While this is understandable behind a shaky offensive line, creativity was really lacking last year, and the Steelers were one of the most predictable teams in the league.

Matt Canada could help turn that around in an effort to keep Ben Roethlisberger fresh this year. By dialing up more plays that Ben may not necessarily be comfortable with, it could help him in the long run by saving his arm and keeping him upright in the pocket.

This could include a number of things. Running more plays out of the pistol would be a terrific balance that could allow Ben to not have to be under center while still having the threat of running the ball. Additionally, the new offensive coordinator could look for creative ways to use Mason Rudolph and even athletic quarterback Josh Dobbs (if he makes the roster). It should be Canada’s goal this year to help keep Ben as fresh as possible for the playoffs.

There’s only so much you can do when you have one of the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL, but implementing these three things could help keep Ben Roethlisberger fresh for the Steelers when they need him most next season.