Post-Game Reactions: Roethlisberger frustrated with play calling in loss

Heath Miller had a big first half for the Steelers with 5 receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown, but Pittsburgh went away from Miller in the second half where he had just two targets. According to Ben Roethlisberger, Miller wasn’t as involved in the second half due to the play calling, not the Cowboys playing him differently.

“No, I just don’t think we called the right plays to get him the ball,” Roethlisberger said when asked about Miller’s lack of targets in the second half.

Overall, Miller had 7 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Antonio Brown (8 REC – 76 Yards – 1 TD) had a team-high 12 targets and Mike Wallace ( 4 REC – 95 Yards) was targeted 10 times. Word around the team even before today’s game is that Roethlisberger internally has expressed frustrations about not enough play calls going Miller’s way as offensive coordinator Todd Haley puts a strong emphasis on getting the ball quickly in the hands of Brown, Sanders and Wallace.

Roethlisberger in the loss went 24 of 40 for 339 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 costly interception. He posted a 93.6 quarterback rating and was sacked 4 times. Roethlisberger had some sensational moments in the game with his improvising, especially on Miller’s TD and his 60 yard strike to Wallace. Roethlisberger’s 339 passing yards was just his second 300 yard game of the season, both losses this year.

Roethlisberger also expressed his dis-pleasure in Todd Haley not going with the no huddle offense enough. “The second half we really didn’t do much of it and that’s disappointing,” Roethlisberger said.

Pittsburgh again didn’t get much of a rushing attack from starter Jonathan Dwyer in limited carries. Dwyer had 22 rushing yards on 9 carries and a touchdown.

The door is open for Rashard Mendenhall to be involved in Sunday’s game plan vs the Bengals if he shows up with his head straight this week.