McCarron and Big Ben’s Connection

According to a report by Bob Holtzman of ESPN on Tuesday, the two-time Pro Bowler is now out of his cast, but his status for Saturday’s Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers remains unknown.

During an interview this week, McCarron shared the details behind his first meeting with Roethlisberger, which came after Big Ben’s Miami Redhawks won the GMAC Bowl over Louisville in December 2003.

Since that opening game against Pittsburgh, McCarron played true to his word. He completed 22 of 32 pass attempts for 280 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions – one on a screen pass that was returned for a touchdown by Steelers corner William Gay. He finished 21 of 33 for 376 yards. Roethlisberger called for Bryant to toughen up earlier in the week, if only because he sees him as such a vital part of the offense. “He said he remembered”. “I don’t know if he did, but at least it made me feel good and was cool”. A strong start could benefit Cincinnati, because the Steelers are one of the league’s worst at allowing points in fourth quarter road games.

In the immediate aftermath of being thrust onto the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 13, AJ McCarron vowed he would play better, that he would not make the same decisions that led to a touchdown off an interception and another interception that set up a short field and another Steelers score.

Particularly susceptible through the air, Pittsburgh can take some comfort in facing A.J. McCarron instead of Dalton. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do….

But that doesn’t mean he’ll be ready by Saturday. “Whether Andy’s the backup or where Andy is [later in the week], we’ll know down the line”. “He’ll be ready when he’s ready”. The Bengals also would like to establish a running game to take some pressure off AJ McCarron. I wish him nothing but the best – a fast recovery. But my mindset right now is that this is my offense.

The 25-year-old has shown improvement in his three starts since and, most importantly for the Bengals, has played relatively mistake free football.

Over the last three games, the Bengals are plus-5 in the turnover battle and the Steelers are minus-2 in the same department.

McCarron said Saturday’s game wouldn’t be a grudge match for him.

“The more experience I get, the more (important) I think it is”, said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “It’s a playoff game, and this is a team”.

After splitting the regular season series, the rubber match will decide which team advances to the AFC Divisional round and it gives the Bengals the chance to win a playoff game for the first time since beating the Houston Oilers in January 1991. “I’ll have to go earn it. Right now, the only thing I’ve got to worry about is playing this week”.

McCarron does think he’s progressed since his first outing against the Steelers, though, particularly with his field vision.

No receiver has won MVP in the history of the National Football League and Brown would be just the second Steeler to win the award, following Terry Bradshaw after the 1978 season.