There's no way Ben Roethlisberger is going to make it through the entire season. We just have to accept it.
Roethlisberger is currently dealing with a pectoral injury, which he suffered during the Steelers' loss to the Raiders. That isn't surprising, considering Roethlisberger was hit 10 times and sacked twice. It was the second straight game he was brought down multiple times.
On Wednesday, Roethlisberger told reporters he will try to play against the Bengals Sunday, even though he hasn't thrown all week. "Today is only Wednesday," he said. "We have a lot of time to get ready to go."
Unfortunately, Roethlisberger isn't getting a lot of time in the pocket. The Steelers are starting two rookies on their beleaguered offensive line — center Kendrick Green and left tackle Dan Moore Jr. — as well as first-year starter Kevin Dotson at left guard. Through two weeks, Big Ben has the quickest time to throw among all quarterbacks, continuing his trend from 2020.
Yet, he's still getting pulverized.
"There aren't a lot of good signs trending towards Roethlisberger making it through the season," former All-Pro center Jeff Saturday said on ESPN. "He is taking shots. You can't do any more than the Steelers are doing to protect Big Ben. He has to protect himself. This is a scary situation, because as good as their defense is, their offense is dragging and lagging so much."
First-round pick Najee Harris was supposed to diversify Pittsburgh's offensive attack, but he's been abysmal so far, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. Matt Canada was also supposed to help spread things out, but no dice on that, either.
Roethlisberger has gained an earned reputation over the years for his ability to play effectively through injury. But at 39 years old, that may no longer be the reality. It's apparent his reported knee injury hampered him last season. Though Roethlisberger denied he was hurt, the numbers are telling. Through the first nine weeks, Big Ben completed 68% of his passes for 1,934 yards, 18 touchdowns and only four interceptions. His QB rating was an incredible 101.8. Then his production nosedived following that Cowboys game, the believed genesis of his supposed knee issues.
Over the last six weeks, Roethlisberger threw six picks and posted an 83.2 QB rating. He threw four interceptions in that embarrassing playoff loss to the Browns.
The previous year, he missed all but two games with a season-ending shoulder injury.
Pittsburgh's success is predicated on Roethlisberger's ability to deliver. The defense is strong and receivers are dynamic. But Roethlisberger is the most important guy out there, especially in a highly competitive AFC North.
Too bad he can't stay upright anymore.
