Whispers from around the NFL

Updated: November 8, 2004, 3:23 PM ET
Pro Football Weekly
  • Ben Roethlisberger
    Roethlisberger
    Steelers WR coach Bruce Arians compares the pocket presence shown by Ben Roethlisberger to that of Peyton Manning. Arians, who was the Colts' QB coach from 1998 to 2000, is impressed by Roethlisberger's ability to see the entire field. "Sometimes, the game can be in Technicolor," Arians explained, referring to how things can get blurry for a young quarterback. "And sometimes it can be black and white."

  • The Steelers are pleased with the pass-rush ability of new starting NT Chris Hoke. Hoke's pressure helped force an interception by Eagles QB Donovan McNabb in Week Nine.

  • CB Deshea Townsend's solid play has been a key to Pittsburgh's defensive resurgence. Townsend's coverage ability is a boon to a secondary that struggled in this area the past two seasons.

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