It started out well for the Steelers with an opening drive touchdown, but after, it was more of the same on offense.
It wasn’t just on the missed throws from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to JuJu Smith-Schuster.
According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, 21 of Roethlisberger’s 26 completed passes were thrown nine yards or less from the line of scrimmage. Six were thrown behind the line.
The offensive line isn’t good, that’s clear, but even when he has time to throw, Roethlisberger released the ball at an average 2.27 seconds leaving virtually no time for receivers to get open and for him to scan the field for a wide open receiver.
Roethlisberger just didn’t look good…again, going 26 for 40 with one touchdown and one interception and a passer rating of 78.3.
Fan Morning Show co-host Colin Dunlap says Roethlisberger’s legs are shot and he simply can’t plant his feet anymore.
“It’s sad to see him shell of himself out there, especially when receivers have defensive backs beat,” said Dunlap.
“He’s physically not capable anymore,” said Chris Mack, adding Roethlisberger’s struggles didn’t start this season.
Obviously Roethlisberger is a competitor and still wants to win, but it also appears he doesn’t want to get hurt either.
After the Steelers started 11-0 last year, Ben’s play faded and his past 10 plus games have yielded the same result, poor play.
Former Pirates player turned broadcaster Neil Walker even admitted during his weekly visit with the Morning Show it’s starting to look like Big Ben doesn’t have it anymore but is still holding out hope.
But the pressure is really starting to mount now. Will the Steeler bench Roethlisberger sooner rather than later?
Fan Steelers insider Ed Bouchette doesn’t believe it’s time to yank Ben.
“You could say the same thing, is it time to change running backs because he’s (Najee Harris) isn’t getting any yards either . . . I think it’s time to change the offensive line but they can’t do that,” said Bouchette.
With the offensive line struggling though, Bouchette says it’s a fair question to ask why Roethlisberger would come back for another season in 2021, knowing the O-line would be in flux.
The Steelers may not be better with Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins under center, but they certainly wouldn’t be worse.
