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LIFE WITHOUT BEN:** The Steelers are entering another stretch without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee) with a firm idea of what they'd like their offense to be able to accomplish.

"Get the ball to No. 84 (wide receiver Antonio Brown), No. 26 (running back Le'Veon Bell) and everybody else, score some touchdowns," wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey said.

Bell has a grasp on how the Steelers need to proceed with Landry Jones replacing Roethlisberger.

"When we're in the game we're going to take it one play at a time, take it real slow," Bell said. "We're obviously going to have our downs and our ups in a game. We have to be patient, let things come to us, not try to do too much."

Individually and collectively.

"I'm going to listen to the play calls and go out there and play football," Bell added. "This is a team sport. I'm going to go out there and try to make my fair share of plays, do whatever it takes for us to win the game. When I get the rock I'm going to try to make a play, put the ball in the end zone, do whatever I gotta do."

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LANDRY DAY:** The Steelers saw from Jones in his first practice running the offense what they wanted to see and what they'll need to see on Sunday against the Patriots.

"He's catching on to the huddle right now, he's processing everything and they're calling stuff he's comfortable with," guard Ramon Foster said. "He's grabbing the huddle's attention and he's executing the plays that are given to him.

"Landry just sits back, plays behind Ben and collects his check. Now, he's gotta earn his check this week."

Wide receiver Eli Rogers said Jones will work as hard as necessary in preparation.

"He comes out every day and works hard," Rogers said. "He's a hard-working guy. He makes good decisions. He has a strong arm but he also has a nice touch. He has a nice, tight spiral so it's easy to catch.

"Obviously, we've been with Ben this whole time but we all understand that Landry's a good quarterback. He comes out and practices hard every day. He's always trying to get better."

Added tight end Xavier Grimble: "I like Landry. I've played with him a lot. Last year I played with him a lot and even this year I've always gotten a ton of reps with Landry.
"He's a good quarterback. He has all the intangibles. He has a big arm, a nice touch, good vision and I think he puts the ball in good spots. Just like anybody else in this building, we have confidence in anybody that's here."

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THE GRONKOWSKI PROBLEM:** Linebacker Ryan Shazier (knee) was a limited participant in practice and remained uncertain as to whether he'd be available to help cover Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who had a career-high 162 receiving yards and a TD in New England's 35-17 win over Cincinnati last Sunday.

"He's arguably the best tight end in the league," Shazier said. "They have (Martellus) Bennett, he's a great tight end, also. It's fun to play against those guys and do whatever you can to stop them.

"It's right up my alley, but I just do whatever the coaches tell me to do. If I have to guard him, I guard him; if I don't, I don't. It's going to be a great challenge for the whole defense and even for me. It's going to be fun to get out there and play against those guys and see what happens."

If Shazier gets out there and plays against those guys.

"We'll see," he said.