FF Q & A

The following are responses to questions submitted about Vote For Pedro's weekly press conference:

Is there a quarterback controversy on this team right now?
I’d have to say no, not at this point. Ben’s our guy, he’s always been our guy. The only reason, the ONLY reason Daunte saw the field this week was that Ben was out with a bye. We did pickup Trent (Dilfer) last week, but that was really just precautionary, since we didn’t know how long Kurt (Warner) was going to be out with the groin pull. Practically, we have to have another option if something, knock on wood, happens to Ben, but we’re counting on him right now. He’s our guy.

How do you plan to address the lack of production at the tight end position?
Good question. That really has been a weakness this season. Antonio (Gates) was a big-play guy for us last year, so that was a tough loss for our team. Honestly, we thought Marcus (Pollard) could pick up some of that slack, but we made that assumption when we thought the Lions would actually have a serviceable quarterback to throw to him. Marcus is a great guy, but I’m not sure how much longer he’s going to be a part of the Vote for Pedro organization. That will become clear later in the week, once pending moves are processed.

How have injuries affected the team and your outlook for the rest of the season?
We have had some tough luck with injuries, particularly at the wide receiver position this season. Both Arnaz Battle and Isaac Bruce missed their games this week with a knee injury and turf toe respectively. We’ve been hit a bit hard on the injury front, but then again, this is the NFL. It’s a long season and a rarity to get through it without a few bumps and bruises. We’re just trying to get healthy and also pursue some free agents who might not have the injury problems that our current guys do. We’re hopeful that we can do this.

Can Ben Roethlisberger be expected to carry this team right now? Isn't that too much pressure for a 2nd year QB?
Short Answer: Yes and Yes. Long answer, Ben’s shown us that he’s the kind of guy who wants, in fact, thrives on this kind of pressure. You’re talking about a guy who didn’t even start as QB until he was a senior in high school, and ended the season as runner-up for Mr. Football in the state of Ohio. He takes the pressure and excels. He was that way at (University of) Miami (OH) and he was that way as a rookie, backing up Peyton Manning for us last season. You’re right, it is a lot to ask of one guy, to go out there and be our leader. But I have faith in Ben that he can do it. He’s been our leader on and off the field. We don’t win without Ben.

At 2-2 and only 1 game out of first place, how do you feel about the possibility of making the playoffs? Has parity really hit the league?
I think we’re still in the hunt for the playoffs. This is a long season, we’re only a third of the way in right now. We’ve got to fix some problems, sure, but I think it’s a definite possibility. It’s still our ultimate goal. We’re going to need great individual performances from our guys as well as team unity. I think we can do it. The potential is there.
As for parity, I think that’s a great point. With this season’s live draft, I think you saw the talent really spread out around the league. We’re at the point in the season where it’s becoming apparent that many of the guys who were drafted highly based on last year’s results just aren’t coming through. Daunte’s a good example of this. This is when things get interesting and the real managing starts, picking up free agents and making moves.