In assessing the play of his offensive line, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger combines the two biggest late-year holidays.
The unit gave him as much a reason as any to give thanks this Thanksgiving, so much so that he has added them to his Christmas list.
“My guys up front have done a great job this year so far, especially the last few games, of protecting me,” Roethlisberger said Friday. “I’m always thankful for that. I’m going to have to look into expanding my Christmas gift ideas.”
Between now and Dec. 25 are four Steelers games. Over the previous four games, Roethlisberger was not sacked. That’s a span of 199 pass attempts.
For the season, Roethlisberger only has been sacked 10 times on 431 attempts. That’s the best rate among any full-time quarterback this season. Philip Rivers also has been sacked 10 times, but he has attempted 40 fewer passes.
“We are going on four games now without a sack,” offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said. “That’s part of the things we have to be able to do. That’s a positive.”
Pro Football Focus’ subjective grading rates the Steelers as having the second-best pass blocking in the NFL. It rates David DeCastro as the league’s best guard in pass protection and slots Matt Feiler as seventh best. Alejandro Villanueva is rated as the NFL’s 12th-best tackle in pass blocking.
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