[roxygurl]

We've commented on several occasions over the past few weeks on a belief in some circles that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has grown a freakishly large head in connection with his 15-1 record as rookie starter, which included 15 straight wins before a loss to the Pats in the AFC title game.



We're now hearing that some within the organization believe that Roethlisberger is in for a rude awakening during his sophomore season. After all, every team the Steelers play in 2005 will have had seven months to break down film and figure out ways to frustrate and confuse Big Ben.



Although such an outcome would mean that the Steelers won't duplicate their stellar regular-season run of 2004, the feeling is that some losses will be acceptable if it means getting Roethlisberger's oversized ego under control.



The plan, as we've previously reported, is to knock Ben down a peg or two early in camp. Coach Bill Cowher, we're told, intends to apply a little tough love to Roethlisberger's motorcycle-ridin' rear end.



But a step back in 2005 seems inevitable, even if Ben learns to talk and act like Tom Brady by mid-August. Steelers teams in the Cowher era tend to overperform when expectations are low -- and to underachieve when expectations are high.



In 2005, opposing defenses undoubtedly will load up against the run and force Roethlisberger to beat them with his arm . . . but without his favorite target from 2004, receiver Plaxico Burress.



And taking an objective look at the schedule for 2005, we don't think 8-8 is out of the question for the boys in black and gold.