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PITTSBURGH -- Vintage Ben? Perhaps, that's a reach, considering he's just 25 and in his fourth professional season.
Nevertheless, didn't Ben Roethlisberger resemble a former No. 7 whose reputation for engineering dramatic comebacks eventually guided him all the way to Canton?
To be certain, comparisons to John Elway are on indefinite hold. We won't be able to assess Big Ben's overall body of NFL work for years, but Roethlisberger is already building an impressive resume.
Take Sunday afternoon's Browns-Steelers' skirmish, for instance. At halftime, was this not Cleveland's game to win? The Brownies have a young gun of their own in 24-year-old Derek Anderson, who three times achieved what Roethlisberger could not.
Anderson generated three touchdowns while Big Ben and Pittsburgh's offense settled for field goals -- 21-9, Browns.
Considering Cleveland received the second half kickoff, there is every reason to believe one more efficient drive by Anderson may have settled matters and resulted in a AFC North deadlock for first place.
Instead, the second half became a series of frustrating three-and-outs for Anderson and the offense. Then, there was James Harrison's helmet-on-ball hit against Jamal Lewis resulting in a critical fumble, covered by Pittsburgh's Ike Taylor.
This led to Roethlisberger's 12-yard scoring strike to Hines Ward. The mighty Mo had tilted toward Black and Gold and Heinz Field was up for grabs.
Anderson, meanwhile, went down with the ship, making one poor decision after another. The bleeding never stopped, though Joshua Cribbs intervened, burning the Steelers on a stunning, 100-yard kickoff return to temporarily regain a 28-24 upperhand.
All this only served to ignite Roethliserger, who authored a brilliant, 14-play, 78-yard scoring drive, consuming 8:01 of clock time.
From the Browns' two, Roethlisberger avoided a potential sack and fired a missile to tight end Heath Miller who made a difficult catch for the go-ahead score.
"We hear a lot about (Tom) Brady and (Peyton) Manning," offered Ward. "Somehow, Ben's name doesn't get mentioned often in their company.
"I'm not sure why but his record speaks for itself. Ben's a great fit for our offense. We'll go as far as he takes us."
His second half meltdown notwithstanding, Anderson is a principal reason for Cleveland's lakefront revival. So solid has he performed, the Oregon State product may keep touted rookie Brady Quinn on the sideline indefinitely.
"Cleveland's a team on the rise," Taylor confirmed. "I think Anderson will be fine. He has a quick release and two great ones (Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards) to throw to."
True enough, though Edwards finished the day with only one catch, that resulting in a first half touchdown. Winslow and Joe Jurevicuis landed five passes apiece.
"We had the lead at halftime and I did a poor job managing in the second half," Anderson acknowledged. "You're ahead by double figures at halftime, you have to find a way to win."
Cue Roethlisberger and the Steelers.
EXTRA POINTS
BROWNS' kicker Phil Dawson, whose 25-yard overtime field goal resulted in Cleveland's win a week earlier vs. Seattle, came up short on a potential 52-yard game-tying three-pointer Sunday.
"If I tried being more aggressive, I end up on the seat of my pants," Dawson lamented, referring to poor field conditions. "I hit it good and felt it had a chance until I heard the crowd roar…."
RIGHT GUARD Ryan Tucker was asked how much the Browns have improved since their 34-7 week one blowout loss to Pittsburgh in Cleveland. "It's not about improving, it's about winning," Tucker responded…
CLEVELAND was outgained, 401-163 Sunday. Through nine games, the Browns are surrendering 410 yards per outing…
WARD, who made seven receptions for 80 yards, insists the Steelers won't let up with upcoming starts against the lowly Jets and Dolphins. "We're moving in the right direction and want to keep this momentum on our side," he related. "(Today) was the first home game this season we faced adversity. We fought back and dominated (the second half) on both sides of the ball."
Ward is troubled by the Black and Gold's performance in losses at Arizona and Denver. "We haven't played real well in a couple of road games and that has to change starting (next) Sunday in New York," he indicated…
THE BROWNS visit offensively-inept Baltimore this Sunday, then return home to host the Houston Texans, Nov. 25th…
PITTSBURGH now leads the all-time series vs. Cleveland, 57-55. Sunday was the Steelers' ninth consecutive win against Cleveland. The Browns last win came Oct. 5, 2003, a 33-13 victory at Heinz Field….Since 1970, Pittsburgh owns a commanding 48-24 series' lead…
FOUR western Pennsylvania prep football stars were recognized prior to Sunday's game for being selected to play in the Army All-American Bowl Game, a national high school all-star game scheduled later this year.
Among the quartet was Jeannette High quarterback Terrell Pryor who is being heavily courted by Ohio State…
Gibson may be reached at: rgibson@timesleaderonline.com