Steelers-Saints Game Quotes
August 5, 2007

QB Ben Roethlisberger

On playing against the Saints:

"It feels good to play against guys other than ourselves. It went pretty well for the first group."

On what Bruce Arians has brought to this year's offense:

"He has done a good job but I have to attribute a lot to our offensive line like always. They did a great job in pass protection, opened some holes and got us into the end zone."

On the connection with WR Cedrick Wilson:

"It's hard to find a rhythm so early. The second play of the game was designed for him and pretty much only him so it was open and I threw it deep to him. The next one to Ced I was just trying to find the open guy."

WR Cedrick Wilson

On having a rhythm with QB Ben Roethlisberger:

"He came up to me at practice this week and told me he was going to be looking for me. I appreciate that and can be thankful for that. I just want to go out and make plays for him and make sure he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league."

On having Bruce Arians as the new offensive coordinator:

"Coach Arians likes to put the ball in the air. If we execute, he will do it (throw the ball) more often. We have a pretty good young quarterback and we just have to make plays for him."

DE Aaron Smith

On holding the Saints starting offense scoreless:

"I really think we came out and had a good showing but we still have a lot to improve on. We will have to watch the film and see what mistakes we made and get better."

On what you can improve on as a defense:

"It's hard to say without seeing the film. You really can't tell."

On what you can get out of the first preseason game:

"I think just coming out and playing hard. Guys hitting someone else and getting some contact."

LB Larry Foote

On holding the Saints starting offense scoreless:

"That is our whole mindset to hold them scoreless. They are a great offense so we knew it would be a good challenge for us. We're pumped up. They put some points up against us last year (in the regular season) and anytime you hold that first-team offense scoreless, you did a pretty good job."

On playing against someone other than your own teammates:

"It feels good hitting another color (uniform). This is how we want to play all season. We want to be dominating this year."

CB Ike Taylor

On playing against someone other than your own teammates:

"It felt good. We have been going against each other too long now. We have been competing all the time and it feels good to play against someone other than ourselves."

On what you can get out of the first preseason game:

"We just want to work hard and limit our mistakes."

CB Deshea Townsend

On holding the Saints starting offense scoreless:

"We just wanted to come and compete early on defense."

On playing against someone other than your own teammates:

"You are always going to play hard and physical. We wanted to defend the deep ball too. That's what we want to do every time we step on the field. We want to get off the field and get our offense the ball back."

TE Heath Miller

On playing against someone other than your own teammates:

"It was weird at first and we were a little rusty. We need to get back in game shape a little bit but fortunately we have four more preseason games before the regular season."

On being able to move the ball down the field on the first drive:

"We were able to get a big gain early so that always helps. Cedrick had a good catch and we were able to convert from there."

On what you can work on and improve:

"Once we go back and look at the tape there will be a lot. I know there is a lot I need to work on personally, but we have a lot of time to get ready."

On what you want to get out of playing this first preseason game:

"Since we didn't play much, it's more for the younger guys to see what they can do. Our backup guys won't play as much during the regular season so this is mainly for them."

WR Santonio Holmes

On how you feel and whether you are 100 percent:

"I'm probably not 100 percent but I was out there reading and running and giving my whole effort on the field."

On getting in the rhythm of the game:

"I think I was ready to play after catching that first pass and making a couple blocks. The more opportunities that you get, the better you start feeling."

On what Coach Arians brings to the offense:

"He has a good group of receivers that can make plays and he is going to put it up in the air."

OT Max Starks

On playing left tackle and whether you are comfortable with the position:

"It still takes some getting used to because I haven't taken that many snaps in training camp. It's just like riding a bicycle – once you get back on it takes a couple plays to get used to it and now I'm starting to feel more comfortable."

On the continuity of the offensive line:

"I definitely think we are coming together. It's always good having guys with experience playing together."

On what Coach Arians brings to the offense:

"I think he's done a lot of stuff to change it up. He's making the defense think a little more and gets them out of position. We need to capitalize on their mistakes."