Monday, October 19, 2015

Landry Jones shows he's Steelers' top option until Ben Roethlisberger returns

 Unless Ben Roethlisberger returns next week at Kansas City, the best option for thePittsburgh Steelers at quarterback is likely a third-year pro who had not thrown an NFL pass until Sunday.
Landry Jones, a 2013 fourth-round draft pick from Oklahoma, made a strong case that he’s a better choice than Michael Vick by throwing for 168 yards and two touchdown passes after taking over for an injured Vick in the third quarter of the 25-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
“I just still can’t believe I got in the game and got to play, you know what I mean,” Jones said, chuckling. “I’m still kind of reeling from it. Next week will be next week. Today I’m going to enjoy it
.”So will the Heinz Field crowd after growing frustrated in watching Vick, once again, struggle mightily in the passing game. It’s been a recurring theme since Roethlisberger sprained his medial collateral ligament in Week 3: Vick’s inability to get the ball downfield to receivers.
At one point Sunday, Antonio Brown was wide open downfield and held his hands in the air, but to no avail. Brown has expressed frustration in not getting the ball more with Vick as quarterback.
“It’s been uncomfortable for him, no doubt,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s got a great rapport with Ben Roethlisberger. Ben’s not playing.”
Asked if he has now found a quarterback, with the health of his franchise quarterback still uncertain, Tomlin said, “You know, we have some options here.”
Jones saw brief action in the second quarter after Vick was sidelined because of what officials said was dirt in his eye. In the third quarter, Jones relieved Vick after Vick injured his hamstring on a running play.
Despite Vick’s struggles – he completed 3 of 8 passes for 6 yards – Tomlin said he did not consider inserting Jones before Vick’s injury.

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