PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In what is likely his final game, most certainly in the regular season, at Heinz Field. Here is a look at Ben Roethlisberger’s top five games at home.
I actually cheated, there are more than five games, but I think you will enjoy the memories.
5. 2008 AFC Championship game 23-14 win over Baltimore
It will be remembered more for a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown by Troy Polamalu that sealed the game. It wasn’t Roethlisberger’s best game, not by a long shot. Ben, though, is about winning. It was the first home AFC Championship win since 1995 and second ever at home since Chuck Noll. Roethlisberger threw for 255 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Steelers went on to win the Super Bowl.
4. Back-to-back thrice
It’s a theme here, there were a trio of back-to-back home games during Ben’s career that really stand out.
2014-six touchdown passes in consecutive games against the Colts and Ravens.
2016-nine touchdowns, 680 yards and no INT combined in home wins v KC & Jets
2004-his rookie season beating unbeaten New England 34-20 in 2004 and next week beat unbeaten Philly 27-3—throwing for 4 touchdowns & 1 INT combined. Those wins really established Roethlisberger.
3. Carolina Blues
After a big win in Baltimore in 2018, the Steelers hosted the 6-2 Panthers with Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey. Carolina scores on the opening drive. Roethlisberger leads the Steelers on six straight scoring drives, excluding the kneel downs at the end of the first half, five for touchdowns. Might be Ben’s finest pure stat game ever 22-25, 328 yards, 5 touchdowns, no interceptions and 27 yards rushing.
2. Pack Fight
2009 v. Green Bay-Ben threw for 29-46 for 503 yards, no interceptions and 3 TD including 19-yard laser in the corner of the end zone to Mike Wallace to beat Aaron Rodgers. Packers had gone ahead with 2:06 to play. The lead changed hands four times in the fourth quarter.
1. Baltimore comebacks
Can’t think of a better selection of performances, than comebacks against the hated rival.
2021-a listless first half with only a field goal, Roethlisberger threw a pair of second half touchdowns to Diontae Johnson and converted a two-point conversion with 1:48 to play to keep their division hopes alive coming off three straight winless games.
2017-down 31-20 going into the fourth quarter, Roethlisberger led the Steelers to 19 points in the fourth quarter. Ben attempted 66 passes, completing 44 of them for 506 yards and a pair of touchdowns with no interceptions. The win got the Steelers to 11-2 and eventual AFC North title.
Christmas Day 2016-Roethlisberger led the Steelers back with 24 second half points against the Ravens including a four-yard touchdown dubbed the immaculate extension as Antonio Brown reached the ball out over the goal line. Ben threw for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns clinching the AFC North.
2010 AFC Divisional round 31-24 win over Baltimore-a game the Steelers trailed 21-7 at half, Roethlisberger threw a pair of second half touchdowns and won the AFC title game at home the following week. Big Ben threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and led an 11-play, game-winning drive in the final couple of minutes. The drive highlighted by a 58-yard pass to Antonio Brown that he pinned against his helmet on 3rd and 19.
What memory will Monday night bring?