PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Ben Roethlisberger had many great moments during his 17- year Steelers career going 169-83-1 including the postseason. Winning a pair of Super Bowl titles over that career. We look at a few of the memorable highlights.
Steelers first Super Bowl title since 1979
Roethlisberger didn't have a huge Super Bowl 40 stat-wise, but did score the first touchdown of the game on a run and kept that drive alive converting a 3rd and 28 pass to Hines Ward.
Before the highlight pass of the game from Antwaan Randle-El to Ward sealed it, Roethlisberger ran for 5 yards on 3rd and 2 to keep that drive alive. On the Steelers final possession, Ben helped burn 4:15 off the clock with a third down conversion to Randle El and a run for 3 yards on 3rd and 3.
Some have argued that the Steelers won the game in spite of Roethlisberger. But it was his play that got him to the championship game. Completing 68% of his passes for 7 touchdowns to one interception in the three AFC playoff games.
The Tackle
One of the special plays of that Super Bowl run was a win at Peyton Manning and the Colts. A game the Steelers were about to put away on a potential Jerome Bettis touchdown when the sure handed Bettis fumbled and it was picked up by Nick Harper. After leading the whole game, could the underdog Steelers lose on this play?
As Harper approached midfield, Roethlisberger was able to make an awkward diving tackle at the Colts 42 yard line. That tackle saved a touchdown and a season.
Santonio Holmes throw
The catch was amazing, but the pass to Santonio Holmes for the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl 43 was also impressive. Just over the outstretched arms of Cardinals defenders to culminate in a 27-23 comeback win.
The drive essentially started on the Steelers 12 yard line after a penalty with 2:30 to play. Ben hit Holmes for 14 yards and 13 yards, Nate Washington for 11 yards, completed a 40-yarder to Holmes before the touchdown.
Roethlisberger threw for 256 yards in that game.
In honor of the Steelers playing the Cardinals this Sunday ... Ben Roethlisberger's 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes in the back of the end zone in Super Bowl XLIII! #Steelers pic.twitter.com/yrngqBFPZ1
— BlitzburghVideos ✨ (@BlitzVideos) December 6, 2019
6 TD in consecutive games (2014)
Roethlisberger had arguably his best stats in 2014 with a 103.3 QB rating throwing for 32 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Included in that season were a pair of spectacular games, both at home.
Ben outgunned the 400 yards from Andrew Luck with 522 yards on 40 of 49 passing with 6 touchdown passes. Ben threw a pair of touchdowns to Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant along with solo TDs to Markus Wheaton and Heath Miller.
The next week, the Steelers hosted the Ravens and Roethlisberger again threw 6 touchdown passes going 25-37 for 340 yards. Two to Martavis Bryant, one each to Le'Veon Bell, Markus Wheaton, Antonio Brown and Matt Spaeth.
Steelers-Packers regular season
It may be his greatest regular season comeback, going back and forth with Aaron Rodgers at Heinz Field in December of 2009. Rodgers would drive the Packers 70 yards in less than 2 minutes to lead 36-30 with 2:01 to play.
On the game-winning drive, Roethlisberger would find Santonio Holmes for 32 yards on 4th and 7. Find Heath Miller for 20 yards on 3rd and 15. Then with three seconds left, Roethlisberger found Mike Wallace for a toe-tap and a 19-yard touchdown and Jeff Reed's extra point won it 37-36.
Ben Finds Way in Baltimore
Steelers would tie the game at 3 in the second quarter on the next 19 plays, the Steelers could only manage 19 yards total. Ravens would hold a 9-3 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Roethlisberger would lead a 9 play, 54-yard field goal drive to cut the lead to three. After the Steelers defense held, the Steelers got the ball back at the 8-yard line with 3:36 to play.
A pair of 13 yard passes to Hines Ward, a 3rd and 10 completion to Nate Washington. Roethlisberger would hit Washington again for 24 yards to move the ball to the Ravens 14. Ward caught a 10-yard pass and then on 3rd and 4, Roethlisberger hit a cutting Santonio Holmes who barely crossed the line with the game-winning touchdown improving the Steelers to 11-3.
Rookie season winning first 14 starts
He came in relief of an injured Tommy Maddox on September 19, 2004 and would throw his first touchdown to Antwann Randle-El and then another to Hines Ward in a 30-13 loss. Roethlisberger's NFL career was underway.
Ben wouldn't lose again that regular season including a revenge win against the Ravens in week 16. He would lead a game-winning drive going 66 yards in a minute and a half to win late at Jacksonville. Roethlisberger would also have his first 300-yard game in week 15, 316 yards in beating the Giants.
Roethlisberger would win his first playoff game beating the Jets 30-17 before losing to the Patriots in the 2004 AFC Championship game.
These are just a few of the many special memories Roethlisberger generated for Steelers fans.
