Ben Roethlisberger has not publicly committed to retiring after the season, but a report earlier this month indicated that is his expected course of action.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback said Thursday his likely Heinz Field finale will come Monday night. The Steelers still have a shot at winning the AFC North, and thus booking a first-round home game, but Monday’s matchup with the Browns will almost certainly be Big Ben’s final home game with the team.
“Looking at the bigger picture, I would say all signs are pointing to this could be it — regular season, that is,” Roethlisberger said, via ESPN.com’s Brooke Pryor. “I know we still have a chance to potentially get a playoff game there if things fall our way and we take care of business and things have to happen. In the grand scheme of things, in terms of regular seasons, signs are pointing that way that this could be it.”
Although this has not been one of Roethlisberger’s best seasons, the Steelers will certainly feature a QB void once their 18-year starter moves on. Mason Rudolph is signed beyond this season, but the franchise has long tabled an acquisition of a true heir apparent. The Steelers agreed to bring Big Ben back, at a reduced rate, this year. Saddled with an inexperienced offensive line, Roethlisberger has thrown 20 touchdown passes compared to eight interceptions. The 39-year-old passer sits 24th in QBR.
Roethlisberger did not slam the door on playing for another team beyond this season, but that should not be expected. It is rather difficult to envision another team bringing him in to start at age 40. That said, the Steelers would be in better position to return to the playoffs had Roethlisberger not tested positive for COVID-19 in November. The Rudolph-quarterbacked tie against the Lions has the Steelers holding a 12% chance to make the playoffs, per FiveThirtyEight.com.
Ben’s cooked. Unfortunately for him, Father Time doesn’t take no for an answer either.
He’s not, but he’s certainly not a high end starter by this point. He can play, at least. It’s not like we’re talking about Cam Newton here. That line truly is abysmal, and that’s after Roethlisberger makes them look twice as good by throwing quickly and altering protections and play calls. Unless Pittsburgh brings in some new talent this offseason, that line’s only going to look worse.
The receivers are also so-so. There’s talent there, but sometimes they also struggle to get open. Claypool is their best possession option and can make some magnificent catches, but he also has drops or mental mistakes. Johnson is very good after the catch, but he’s not really a ping receiver. Because of how quickly they have to throw, and the difficulties in breaking press coverage, Ben would also look better with some more dedicated possession receivers. Whomever comes in next will have to deal with those problems too, plus a run game that is hampered additionally by that awful line.
Big Ben, throwing picks and raping chicks
Gee a 20 year old joke. Never gets old like what Kobe did
The guy had a fantastic career here but there’s a real study in the idea of aging stars and the failure to have foresight is concerned. Maybe the Steelers front office could not have imagined Pouncey and Decastro leaving, and the idea that there seems to be no real answer at QB waiting in the wings, but as is there is little reason for optimism if you’re a fan. Will they spend money to bring a couple free agents in for the O-line? Will they draft some D-line studs? And will they look beyond Rudolph and Haskins as viable alternatives? Will they also bring in new offensive and defensive coordinators? Given the Steelers’ hard-headed approach, you would have to think they’ll largely stand pat, promote from within and provide a great deal of rosy sound bytes this off season
I live in Jacksonville and grew up on Gibb’s Skins. Trust me, I know lean ‘decades’. Pitt will be fine. Smart and want to win (on the field, not the banks accounts) ownership, unlike Shad and Dan.
Gibbs skins were good though in the 80’s
Actually, Ben has said Many, Many times that he will never play for another team other than the Pitttsburgh Steelers.
So did Brett Favre
Maybe Big Ben to the Giants
Maybe if he had COVID all year they would of won more games. Pathetic to watch him.
Toast
Will forever be my favorite athlete of all time. Been a privilege to watch him