QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER
(On whether he thought he would see the Titans in the opener)
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I didn't think so, but you never quite know what the schedule is going to hold. It was a good matchup the first time. I'm sure it got a lot of viewers, hard-mouthed football. I'm sure the NFL and the fans want to see it.
(On if any of the players are thinking payback from last year's Titans victory)
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You know what, we are two different football teams now, new players, new people. Obviously there are some similarities, but the past is the past and that was last year and we need to move on and focus on this year, as I'm sure they are as well.
(On Nate Washington)
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He is a deep-play threat. He is a great wide receiver, who really has gotten better every year that he has played. It is sad to see him go, glad he got a home and got a contract. I'm really happy for him. The Titans are better with Nate. Nate is a great player.
(On Nate Washington's strengths)
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His athleticism is unbelievable, how fast he is, how high he can jump, just the way he can contort his body at times to make catches. He brings a lot to the table.
(On whether he feels like Washington was lost there behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes)
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It is tough. Hines has been here a long time and obviously has the credentials and the resume that he has. Santonio is really emerging as an elite receiver in the league. Like I said, I was sad to see him go.
(On if he was bothered by the terrible towel stomping incident)
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No.
(On if the incident bothered him at all)
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Nope.
(On if some other players may have taken it more personal)
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I don't know. You will have to ask them.
(On the fans reaction to the incident)
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Our fans are one of a kind. You can ask them, if you want to come over here and ask them.
(On if he is staying away from the subject)
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Yes. I don't think there is. I think you guys are trying to make it an issue.
(On preparing for the Titans defensive line without Albert Haynesworth especially after facing them without Haynesworth playing last year)
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I tell you what, that defensive line they have more than just four guys. They can rotate seven, eight guys in and it doesn't seem like they really skip a beat. That is going to be an area of focus for us this week.
(On the Steelers offensive line and whether they came together in the playoffs)
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That group up front is awesome. They have a lot of heart and you can't coach heart. I'm really proud the way they finished up last year, but this is a new year and we have new guys in new places. So it is time to start over.
(On Jason Jones and his performance last year)
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He is a great player. Obviously, when you don't have [Albert] Haynesworth in there you are missing a big guy and a Pro Bowler and an elite player, but Jones did a great job of filling in. That is just a credit to him and the kind of personnel they have at that defensive line position.
(On the challenges of facing the Titans secondary)
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They have a top shelf secondary as well. You have some guys, not just the cornerback position, but safety that just are phenomenal players. You think of cornerbacks as guys that just cover and don't hit, well these guys do it all. Obviously, the safeties don't mind sticking their nose in and making plays in the backfield, but can also cover. If you ask me, it is a pretty elite defense.
(On Chris Hope)
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Just a phenomenal leader, great football player. He kind of kept things together out there when he was helping Troy [Polamalu] when Troy was doing his thing. C. Hope really kind of made up for a lot of things that Troy just kind of saw. A very heady guy back there and a really good player.
(On his health and the injury scare a few weeks back)
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It is scary when a 400-pounder steps on your Achilles. I'm doing good and feel real healthy, so everything is good.
(On the atmosphere of the opener)
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It will be crazy. It is exciting just because of both great football teams, great atmosphere, everybody's watching, all of your peers are watching. It is really going to be a lot of fun. I think you are going to get the best from both teams.
