9-21, 123 yds. 0 TD, 2 INT. 1 terrible beard. 3,000 butterflies in stomach. 1 trophy.
Most people are either hot or cold on Roethlisberger's legacy so far. Many people continue to doubt his place as an elite quarterback. While Ben has amassed one of the highest winning percentages among active QB's in the NFL, his inconsistent play and the fact he benefits from playing on a team with an above-average running game and dominating defense leads to this line of thinking. Many supporters have come out for Ben over the course of this year's playoffs, citing his knack for keeping plays alive and his inate ability to lead his team back to victory.
As for myself, as most probably know, I'm still kind of hesitant to anoint Ben as a top-3 QB. I respect Ben's track record. He has done more in terms of winning faster than most other QB's in NFL history. He put together an All-Pro season last year, throwing for over 3000 yards and 32 td's. He has shown flashes of having the ability to become elite. But in my opinion, he hasn't consistenly done enough to warrant being mentioned in the same sentence as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. I am a realist when it comes to sports, I've been a Steelers fan since birth, but I refuse to fall into the trap of other Yinzer Steeler fans who blindly deify their favorite Steelers and refuse to recognize other star players on their hated rivals. If we were ranking the greatest game managing QB's in the NFL, Ben would be #1 in my book. But when it comes down to being an elite QB, Ben just isn't on that level just yet. He is only 26, and his prime should be just ahead, so I'm not one to say that he will never be at that level. But to say he is right now is ludicrous.
While I'm on my pedestal, to quote the great Peter Griffin, another thing that really grinds my gears is the fact that most Steeler fans are willing to grant Ben a reprieve when he struggles, but in most cases the same courtesy is not extended to Willie Parker. I'm amazed at how many look down upon Parker and refuse to acknowledge his contributions to the Steelers over the past four years.
The Steelers' version of Rodney Dangerfield.
The parallels between Parker and Roethlisberger are evident. Both have played at an extremely high level at times. It's amazing how many have quickly forgotten that FWP has ran for 1202, 1494 and 1316 yards each of the past three seasons. He was leading the league in rushing before breaking his leg late last year. Both Ben and FWP have battled through injuries. Most fans credit Ben for battling through whatever injury he comes up with every week, but criticizes FWP for being soft and not fitting the mold of the bruising, indestructable Steeler ideal of Jerome Bettis (how quickly everyone forgets that "the Bus" struggled with his share of injuries over his career.) And it's amazing how quickly fans jump all over the offensive line for Ben's struggles, but when it comes to the FWP and the running game, the same excuse isn't extended. It's always Willie's fault. He's not big enough to run between the tackles. He wasn't even good enough to start in college. He's hurt all the time. It's time for it to stop. If fans want to continue their love fest with Big Ben, then at least throw Willie a bone and give him his due. If I remember correctly, he did a lot more to contribute to the Steelers' win in SB XL than Ben did...
Record-setting touchdown, anyone?
I'm ready for the big game. For Ben's sake, and the sake of all the Yinzers out there who live and die with the black and gold, I hope #7 is too, or the suicide rate is going up and work production is going down in the 'Burgh next week. I'm thinking FWP has a big game and shoves it down the throats of all his detractors.
Steelers 27, Cards 24. FWP=MVP.
But LBR managed and won that Superbowl by throwing 2 picks and a huge 123 yards, I mean saying FWP did anything that pushed the win or the defense' pivotal interception had anything to do with it is crazy, that's him winning... or is it a team cleaning up vomit in isle #7.
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