HEAD COACH JEFF FISHER
(on how crucial it will be to contain and pass rush Ben Roethlisberger)
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To contain him is all well and good, but you can't. That's when he makes his big plays. You've got to be smart about what you're doing, especially smart and stay in your pass rush lanes. You can get a body on him and he's going to bounce off and run around and make plays. That's what he is really, really good at.
(on trying to tackle Ben Roethlisberger)
He makes throws with people hanging on his legs and his waist. He knows where to go with the football when things break down. The most important thing is to keep consistent pressure on, which is difficult to do because of their protections schemes, and then be in a position to make plays down the field when he throws the ball.
(on Nate Washington)
He was limited in practice today. I'm pleased with where he is.
(on if Nate Washington will play Thursday)
I imagine he'll probably be a game-time decision.
(on if Nate Washington will play in less than a full role)
There's a potential for him to not play at all, a potential to play a few plays and a potential to play 60 (minutes). I don't know.
(on how to base the decision to play Nate Washington)
There's a lot of factors for basing a decision. I'm impressed with what he's done so far.
(on how remarkable Pittsburgh has been over the last few years)
I think so much credit goes to the ownership, to the Rooney family because they understand the essence of stability. With three coaching changes in the last however many years, to be able to continue to win championships is very, very impressive. They have a plan, a family-run organization that spills into the locker room. It's just a very well run organization, they've done a great job.
(on playing on Thursday night at Pittsburgh to open the season)
I think to be able to kick the season off, it's truly a privilege for our organization. Then to have a chance to go play against the World Champions even makes it that much better.