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Getting Here Isn't Good Enough For Steelers

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger says he's better prepared to play in his second Super Bowl.

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By ADAM ADKINS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 28, 2009

TAMPA - The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a tremendous season by winning the AFC and advancing to Super Bowl XLIII, but LaMarr Woodley knows it won't mean much they aren't able to beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

"It's about how you finish," the Steelers' linebacker said. "The whole year I think we played good football. I think so far it's definitely been great. But it's all about now, this last game. How does this team go out there and finish? Do you lose or do you win? That's how everybody will remember this team."

Pittsburgh was scheduled to hold practice this afternoon at the University of South Florida. Of course, the most notable player who won't be participating is receiver Hines Ward.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said during a news conference in the Sun Dome he was sticking to the regular schedule the team followed throughout the season, which calls for Ward to have Wednesday off. Ward, MVP for Super Bowl, has been rehabbing a knee injury sustained during the Steelers' AFC Championship Game victory over Baltimore.

Tomlin indicated Ward's rehab is coming along well.

"The knee is awesome. It's great," Tomlin said. "We'll see where he is tomorrow."

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has said he didn't play his best game and wasn't a big contributor when Pittsburgh beat Seattle in Super Bowl XL. On Wednesday, he said nerves were a factor in that game, his first Super Bowl appearance. He believes he's better prepared to play on football's grandest stage this time.

"The first time was my second year in the league, and I was so overwhelmed because it was such a dream to be in the game," Roethlisberger said. "This time, I'm just enjoying it. I'm having more fun.

"If you're not nervous before this game there is something wrong with you, but being in my fifth year I'm a little more mature and understand the game a little bit better, so hopefully that will help."

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