Steel City Jim

As you are well aware, I usually do not write two days in a row. But my juices are flowing, and I want to get another thought off my chest.

Last night I heard on TV that the Rams have offered the Steelers two first-round draft choices for Ben Roethlisberger, one in 2010 and the other in 2011. No, I haven't made this up nor did I dream it. I actually heard it.

Assuming the above is true, if I were in charge of the Steelers I would first check other teams who might possibly offer a better deal. But if no other teams came through, I would trade Ben in a heartbeat for the two No. 1s.

I am convinced that Ben is not only an embarrassment to the Steeler organization but also to the so-called Steeler nation. One endorser of Roethlisberger beef jerky has withdrawn his support. (What an apt name for the product and Ben, "jerky".) Beyond the Steeler brass and fans, I am becoming aware that Ben is a cancer in the Steelers locker room. Last year when he was sidelined with a supposed concussion, no less a player than Hines Ward publicly questioned the veracity of the injury.

Now we are hearing rumblings about how Ben is treated specially by the coaches and management. It isn't going down too well. It is particularly a problem with the African-American players who see a double standard. I am even wondering if the large number of sacks that Ben suffered last year wasn't some kind of subplot in this whole matter. Anyway, Ben is only as good as the people who block for him or run for him or catch his passes. If he has lost the confidence and respect of his teammates, his value has slipped precipitously. Therefore, it's time for Ben and the Steelers to part ways. As far as the money invested in him thus far, the old business school adage applies, it's a sunk cost. Get over it and go your separate ways.

Now, for the future. My thinking is that they should give that ball to Dennis Dixon in 2010. Give him a whole season to see what he can do. In the meantime, with the two No. 1 draft choices, pick up a much-needed center and cornerback. In about the third or fourth round, draft a quarterback like Pike or the kid from Central Michigan and see what either one of these guys can do in a pro setting. If one of these work out, the Steelers can concentrate on other positions in 2011. But if they still need a top pick quarterback in 2011, they can just about choose the best and start with him.

To me it's a win-win situation. With Ben and Santonio gone, you get rid of two major cancers in the locker room. You also have multiple high-level opportunities to restock. And, you send a message to one and all that as a team you won't tolerate self-destructive behavior on or off the field.