It’s weird to think that a team with a trio the likes of Roethlisberger, Bell, and Brown is struggling. It’s even stranger to think that the reason is the quarterback, who has been so consistent for so long. Roethlisberger is entering week six with a passer rating of 75.8, a number that would be the second lowest in 14-year career. The 75.4 passer rating he posted in 2006 stemmed from him throwing 23 interceptions (five more than his touchdown total), and his play also led the Steelers to a losing record (the only time in his career).
When a quarterback struggles, a team struggles. That’s not that hard to comprehend. The problem is, it’s not just Ben. Le’Veon Bell hasn’t been the same All-Pro, best running back in the league that he normally is. If he plays a full season at the current pace, he will rush for over 1,000 yards. That may not look like a problem, but it would also be on the most rushing attempts in his career and his second lowest YPC (3.6).
Something I talked about before the season was potential WR duos. I was blasted over and over for not putting Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant in my top-five list. My biggest question coming into the season was where Bryant was at. He has roughly 200 yards and one touchdown through the first five games. He’s caught less than half his targets. Part of it is on Roethlisberger’s struggles, and part of it comes from Bryant. It could be just the rust factor from the WR who missed all of last season due to suspension.
I expect the Steelers to be able to turn it around, but the rest of their schedule isn’t a cakewalk. Their opponents for the rest of the season:
Chiefs (5-0), Bengals (2-3), Lions (3-2), Colts (2-3), Titans (2-3), Packers (4-1), Bengals (2-3), Ravens (3-2), Patriots (3-2), Texans (2-3), Browns (0-5)
Five of their final eleven games are against teams that currently hold a winning record. Even some of the teams that are below (Bengals and Colts) could be better when they face Pittsburgh. Andrew Luck could even be back by the time the Steelers and Colts match-up.
In the last two weeks, there have been some interesting moments and soundbites coming out of Pittsburgh. Brown had a meltdown two weeks ago on the sideline.
And then after Roethlisberger’s zero-touchdown five-interception performance (something that was only done one other time by Ryan Fitzpatrick), he had some doubts about his own performance and future with the team.
“Maybe I don’t have it anymore” – Ben roethlisberger
He toyed with idea of retirement in the off-season, and so far, it’s looking like something he should have considered more seriously. The Steelers likely wouldn’t have been better without him this season, because there is no back-up plan. If he continues this level of play, Roethlisberger should walk away, and Pittsburgh should grab a QB, either in the draft or pay a veteran (Kirk Cousins?).
I don’t think this a problem that can last. With Ben’s track record, I want to say he will bounce back. They are too talented of a trio to not figure it out. I still believe their the best team in the AFC North, but because of where they stand right now, they’ll be fighting the rest of the year with Baltimore and Cincinnati.
He’s probably a Hall of Fame QB right now and continuing a poor end to a great career would only hurt his standing.