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NFL
QB's poor passes prompt first loss
By Times wire
Published January 24, 2005
PITTSBURGH - Ben Roethlisberger's dream rookie season ended in nightmare fashion.
The Steelers quarterback threw three interceptions, one returned 87 yards for a touchdown, in a 41-27 loss to the Patriots in Sunday's AFC title game.
The loss was the first in more than two years for Roethlisberger, 23. He had been 14-0 as a starter this season after winning his final 13 games at Miami (Ohio) in 2003.
"I feel like I let a lot of people down," Roethlisberger said. "I let my teammates down, the fans, the coaches. But only one team gets to end the season the way they want to."
Roethlisberger was fortunate to keep his win streak alive last week. He threw two interceptions against the Jets. One was returned for a touchdown, and the other gave the Jets a chance at a winning field goal. Doug Brien missed the kick, however, and the Steelers won in overtime.
The three turnovers Sunday were a season high for Roethlisberger. He threw only 11 interceptions in 14 regular-season games in being named the offensive rookie of the year.
"You can't throw three interceptions. Not in a game of this magnitude," Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. "He is going to learn, and the kid is going to be a good quarterback. But this was a tough learning experience for him."
Roethlisberger's first pass was intercepted by Eugene Wilson, leading to a New England field goal.
With the Steelers trailing 17-3 in the second quarter, Roethlisberger threw a pass that Rodney Harrison intercepted at the Patriots 13. The veteran safety stepped in front of tight end Jerame Tuman and returned the pass 87 yards for a 24-3 halftime lead.
And trailing 34-20 with less than seven minutes left, Roethlisberger threw his third interception. The pass sailed over Hines Ward's head and into the arms of a diving Wilson.
"He struggled. He had a tough game," Steelers running back Jerome Bettis said. "Unfortunately, he made some mistakes, and it cost us some points. But it didn't cost us the game. We still had some opportunities, and we didn't take advantage when we had them."
[Last modified January 24, 2005, 06:28:56]
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