You knew the questions would come when Ben Roethlisberger stepped in front of the cameras on Wednesday morning, and it took no time at all for it to happen.
Question No. 1 was as far as you needed to look, when a reporter asked, 'Now that there is closure with No. 26, any thoughts as you prepare for Jacksonville?'
Roethlisberger's answer was simple.
"That is the No. 1 focus on my mind, preparing for Jacksonville," said Roethlisberger, who was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday. "They are a great defense. This is probably the biggest test and challenge for us as an offense. So it's a big one."
Roethlisberger wasn't interested in talking about Le'Veon Bell's decision not to report on Tuesday. He said he reached out to Bell via text message before the deadline, saying he hoped he would report. He never heard back from Bell.
"The thing about it is he's not here, he's not going to be here, so we don't have to talk about it," said Roethlisberger. "I texted him yesterday before the deadline, said I hope he is going to show up. If he decided not to I wish him nothing but the best. He was a great teammate, great football player. To each their own for what they want to walk away from."
What Roethlisberger was interested in talking about was the Jaguars defense, a defense that has gotten the best of him in the past.
"From front to back they are really good, really fast," said Roethlisberger. "This group has an unbelievable pass rush with their front four. Their linebackers are some of the fastest you will ever play against. And their secondary is as good of a secondary you are going to play. There is really nowhere to start and finish with this group. They are that good. This will be the biggest challenge for us."
The Jaguars are ranked No. 1 in the NFL against the pass, and No. 3 overall, despite having a 3-6 record on the season.
"They are a much better team than their record," said Roethlisberger. "I am not looking at their record. If you do, you are going to get fooled."
The Steelers lost to the Jaguars twice last season, including a 30-9 defeat in the regular season, a game where Roethlisberger was intercepted five times and didn't throw for a touchdown. In the second meeting, in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, Roethlisberger played better, but the Steelers still lost, 45-42, at Heinz Field.
"That first game especially, turning the ball over that many times, you can't expect to win a football game," said Roethlisberger. "They made plays. That is why I give them credit. They are a really good football team."
