LATROBE, Pa. – Ben Roethlisberger offered some simple advice to Joshua Dobbs and Bart Houston, who will be the Steelers two quarterbacks on Friday night against the New York Giants in the preseason opener.
"Make sure you throw the ball to our color," Dobbs said of what Roethlisberger told him. "If we do that, we are up for a good day."
For Houston, the words were the same.
"Don't throw it to the other team," recounted Houston. "Take the shot when you can. That is basically it."
Dobbs will start at quarterback against the Giants, with Roethlisberger a healthy scratch for the game and Landry Jones sidelined with an injury.
The rookie fifth-round pick is looking forward to the opportunity.
"Everything is elevated," said Dobbs. "There is a lot more hype. You are playing a different opponent so you are able to go out and show your stuff, execute at a high level. I am excited for the opportunity. My plan is to take advantage of it. Any time you get reps on the field you have to take advantage. You take advantage of each and every one to show your coaches and teammates what you can do.
"I am anxious to compete. I enjoy competing at a high level. Whether it's a preseason game or in season game, you are playing in the NFL and it's something I dreamt about for a long time. To be on that stage with the opportunity to compete, I am very thankful for that and ready to go out and compete at a high level. I am ready to go, ready to compete."
While Dobbs will get the start, Houston will definitely get a good look as well.
"I am very excited," said Houston. "It's another chance to get out there and showcase what we can do as a team and offense. We have to keep getting first downs and put the ball across the plane."
Houston, who signed with the Steelers as a rookie free agent after the draft, said he is feeling more comfortable with the offense and that comes just at the right time.
"I am fitting in well," said Houston. "Things are starting to click. You get some more reps with the guys, getting to know the wide receivers, their speeds and strength. It's coming along."
