Great Expectations for Big Ben

Steelers signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger has taken a different approach to the 2007 season, redoubling his work ethic and assuming more responsibility in the offense. He hopes to expunge a nightmare 2006 marked by injuries and shoddy play—a disheartening fall from grace for the youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl.

Among other duties, the team's new offensive coordinator has designated Roethlisberger as the player responsible for calling changes in blocking, formerly the territory of the offensive line. Said guard Kendall Simmons, "He's trying to get to a level of being an elite quarterback, those guys like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady."