Ben Roethlisberger: 'New England Patriots clash won't be the same without Tom Brady'

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has admitted that he would be disappointed not to play against Tom Brady in the 2015 season opener.

The Steelers open their campaign against the New England Patriots, who will be without Brady as he faces a four-game ban for his role in the deflategate scandal.

Roethlisberger has conceded that it will not be the same playing the Super Bowl champions without the 37-year-old, although Brady's appeal against his ban has yet to be heard.

"He's a guy, I've said for a long time, he's the best in the business, and he proved it again last year winning his fourth [Super Bowl]," Roethlisberger told reporters.

"If he's not out there, it's not the same. I have a lot of respect for him on the football field and some of the unbelievable things that he's done. I guess we'll wait and see what's finally going to happen."

The Steelers play the Patriots on September 10 at Gillette Stadium.