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2004 Steelers 34 vs Browns 23
This was the game when I KNEW Big Ben was the real deal. In his third NFL start, the eventual Rookie of the Year -- becoming more comfortable and productive with each game -- confuses Cleveland with his mobility and creativity as he leads the Steelers to their 3rd win in a row.
After an early pass goes right through Randle El's hands and results in a pick 6 for Cleveland, an unfazed Roethlisberger simply takes over.
The first classic Big Ben moment comes when Roethlisberger scrambles to his right to elude the rush and gets leveled by Orpheus Roye, but still finds Plaxico Burress deep downfield for 51 yards to the Cleveland 9. Two plays later, un-rattled by the hit, Big Ben powers up the middle for a 6-yard TD run.
Ben's mobility also sets up a 37-yard bomb to Burress that makes it 24-10 midway through the 3rd quarter. Roethlisberger rolls out of the pocket, freezing the defense and allowing Burress to slip five yards behind Cleveland DB's for an unguarded touchdown.
Burress makes 6 catches for 136 yards and Duce Staley compliments Roethlisberger's performance (16 of 21 for 231 yards, 1 TD pass, 1 TD run) by scoring on a 25-yard run on Pittsburgh's 3rd offensive play and gaining 117 yards on 21 carries, his 3rd consecutive 100-yard game. Meanwhile, Bettis scores his 6th TD of season.
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2004 Steelers vs Browns (Oct 10, 2004)
