Tell Me The Cards Didn't Call Re Ben Roethlisberger

[Reddog]

From the Cardinals' standpoint, setting the personal-issues aside for a moment, it would come down to how much they'd have to give up in order to bring in a young QB capable of taking them to the Super Bowl each year.

I cant set the personal-issues aside. I can't see compromising those standards to win the Super Bowl. The Rooneys have embodied character and winning but not at the expense of character.

Even in all the Cards Historical incompetency I never found Bill Bidwill to be anything that made me ashamed to be a fan because of his character. He was old school and honored contracts to a fault and we lost because he couldn't adjust. He has now with his son at the helm.

I don't know if Jr. shares the same character but the legacy of the franchise is not worth ruining now that we have finally turned the corner toward winning with integrity. Steelers are a great model and my guess is they are happy to have the rings Ben helped win them but they would like to be in a position to move the franchise ahead without the burden that Ben has left them with.

 

[Totally_Red]

There are 2 perspectives from which to look at this?

1. Would (should) the Steelers trade him away?

2. Would (should) the Cardinals trade for him?

I mulled over perspective #1 and came up with the following:

If you were the Rooneys and you were mapping out the destiny of the Steelers 1, 3 & 5 years out, what would life be like in Pittsburgh with Roethlisburger still the starting QB?

A case could be made that he'd wind up being the centerpiece in a "soap opera" distraction that would be a millstone around the neck of the franchise. The Rooney's might simply decide that it's time to make a clean break right now and then move on.

From the Cardinals' standpoint, setting the personal-issues aside for a moment, it would come down to how much they'd have to give up in order to bring in a young QB capable of taking them to the Super Bowl each year. (I'm guessing that the price would be too expensive - we'd have to sacrifice too much at other positions or in draft picks to make the deal worthwhile).

Then add in the personal-issues and other risk factors - there's the "character issue", the marketing issue (of alienating fans), the suspension issue (one more misstep and poof!), the future behavior issue (can you really ever change behavior in an adult)? and the "we know him/you don't/he's really an OK guy" issue.

All told (admittedly without knowing all the ins and outs), I'd think the ratiio of risks + costs vs. benefits ratio would be too steep.

I would be very tempted to make a trade if the price was right.

First, I'd call Kurt Warner and ask if he'd be willing to play the Tony Dunge role (from the Michael Vick story). That is critical. I realize jail time sobered up Vick, but if he can turn things around, surely Big Ben can do the same with a change of friends and companions, a new environment, and a new start.

The guy has obvious talent, and I'd be very tempted to acquire him for Leinart and a second round draft pick. The real question will be whether the ownership is willing. I sense that Whisenhunt is.

 

[DemsMyBoys]

I never thought a situation would occur that would make me think like this. But this could be it.

Ben and his situation aside, It would be a monumentally stupid business move. Over pay for a starting QB suspended til week 7, that would have a terrible time behind our line, who has a negative history with our HC, a coach we have all but anointed?

We have clawed our way to a bit of respect, this would be so out of character for the team that has fought for that respect I am not sure I financially support such a error in judgment.

Wonderfully said, Angel.

 

[DoTheDew]

Cards may have called and gave some disingenuous offer just to see how desperate the Steelers are. "Hey Mr. Rooney this is Coach Whisenhunt, listen, we'll trade you our 7th round pick for Big Ben, what do you say? Hello? Hello? You there Mr. Rooney?"