Is Ben Roethlisberger playing terrible this year? (1 Viewer)

[Ghost Rider]

switz has argued in several threads that Roethlisberger is playing terrible this year.

I disagree.

While not playing as well as he did last year, Big Ben is still on pace for 23 TDs and 16 INTs, which is not great, but far from terrible, IMO. He is also playing better than most QBs would be, considering how porous his offensive line has been this year.

Vote away, and feel free to discuss this, as well.

Also, please note that I am talking in REAL NFL TERMS, not fantasy football terms, so just because he might be underperforming in relation to where you might have drafted him does not mean he is playing terrible. Just wanted to clear that up...

 

[switz]

switz has argued in several threads that Roethlisberger is playing terrible this year.I disagree.While not playing as well as he did last year, Big Ben is still on pace for 23 TDs and 16 INTs, which is not great, but far from terrible, IMO. He is also playing better than most QBs would be, considering how porous his offensive line has been this year. Vote away, and feel free to discuss this, as well. Also, please note that I am talking in REAL NFL TERMS, not fantasy football terms, so just because he might be underperforming in relation to where you might have drafted him does not mean he is playing terrible. Just wanted to clear that up...

You couldn't have just commented and voted in the poll I had already started?

 

[apalmer]

Before the NY game, his QB rating was 98.7 and his team was 5-1. Can't complain about either of those, especially since his All-Pro RB hasn't played for a month. Yes, the Giant game was bad, but even it wasn't as bad as the stats show. One of the Int's was a great diving grab by the defender. One hit his receiver between the numbers and popped into the air when he was hit. The last one was a virtual Hail Mary attempt as time was running out on them. Has he been great? No. Has he been terrible? No.

 

[Ghost Rider]

You couldn't have just commented and voted in the poll I had already started?

a) I didn't see your poll before I started this one. b) Your poll options are a joke. Great or terrible? That is like asking how great the Beatles are, and the only options being the best band ever or a terrible band. Your options left no room for middle ground. Your contention all along has been that he is playing terrible, so terrible or not (not can mean great, very good, good, etc.) are better options. Very few have said he is playing great, like you contended in your thread. I know I never said that this week. I said he has played very well at times, and good to very good overall this season.

 

[sartre]

switz has argued in several threads that Roethlisberger is playing terrible this year.I disagree.While not playing as well as he did last year, Big Ben is still on pace for 23 TDs and 16 INTs, which is not great, but far from terrible, IMO. He is also playing better than most QBs would be, considering how porous his offensive line has been this year. Vote away, and feel free to discuss this, as well. Also, please note that I am talking in REAL NFL TERMS, not fantasy football terms, so just because he might be underperforming in relation to where you might have drafted him does not mean he is playing terrible. Just wanted to clear that up...

You couldn't have just commented and voted in the poll I had already started?

But this poll isn't flawed.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Ridiculous. Switz is still riding the coattails of his Boldin call years ago.

Ben has 4 games in which his QB rating has been over 100. (Houston, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Cincy)

Ben has 1 game where his QB rating was 80. (Baltimore)

Ben has 2 games in which his QB rating has been 50 or under. (Philly, NYG)

For the year Balt (67.6), Philly (75.6) and NYG (75.1) have shut down most QBs though.

Certainly there are times where Ben holds the ball too long and takes a sack, other times he has no chance due to poor OL blocking. The games where he's been hit/sacked often not coincidentally are also the games he's struggled throwing the ball. But generally speaking if the ball is leaving his hand he is money. There's no other QB I'd rather have in the NFL today.

 

[CrossEyed]

Not even remotely close to terrible. There are 4 people who eith haven't watched the Steelers or know absolutely nothing about football.

Now the oline and oc, that may be another story altogether.

 

[Ghost Rider]

But this poll isn't flawed.

Ben has 4 games in which his QB rating has been over 100. (Houston, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Cincy)Ben has 1 game where his QB rating was 80. (Baltimore)Ben has 2 games in which his QB rating has been 50 or under. (Philly, NYG)

While QB rating is not always the best indicator of how well a QB is playing (and I think Roethlisberger is playing better than his stats, which are not even bad, would indicate), when you are over 100 in the majority of your games played so far, that is pretty good, and pretty far from terrible.

 

[switz]

Ridiculous. Switz is still riding the coattails of his Boldin call years ago.

How am I riding the coattails of anything? Because I made a statement?Notice, the criticism comes form a PIT fan LOL...

 

[switz]

Not even remotely close to terrible. There are 4 people who eith haven't watched the Steelers or know absolutely nothing about football.

BTW, I voted null. I just wanted to see the results of this one.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Ridiculous. Switz is still riding the coattails of his Boldin call years ago.

How am I riding the coattails of anything? Because I made a statement?Notice, the criticism comes form a PIT fan LOL...

Just a joke Switz, just a joke man.

 

[The Dude]

My only beef with BR - for all the love he gets can somebody post where he played well in a BIG game?

His SB, the playoffs, and most in-season big games have all been mediocre to bad.

 

[Ghost Rider]

My only beef with BR - for all the love he gets can somebody post where he played well in a BIG game?His SB, the playoffs, and most in-season big games have all been mediocre to bad.

Uh, he played terrific in all three AFC playoff games leading up to their Super Bowl win. And he has played terrific in plenty of big regular season games over the years.

 

[poopdawg]

My only beef with BR - for all the love he gets can somebody post where he played well in a BIG game?His SB, the playoffs, and most in-season big games have all been mediocre to bad.

This run was pretty good. WK Game Date Opp Result G GS Comp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Sck SckY Rate Att Yds Avg TD FUM Lost 18 01/08 @ CIN W 31-17 1 1 14 19 73.7 208 10.9 3 0 1 6 148.7 4 3 0.8 0 -- -- 19 01/15 @ IND W 21-18 1 1 14 24 58.3 197 8.2 2 1 2 14 95.3 5 -3 -0.6 0 -- -- 20 01/22 @ DEN W 34-17 1 1 21 29 72.4 275 9.5 2 0 2 7 124.9 3 12 4.0 1 -- -- I will leave out the SB though But you cant be great all the time.....

 

[Chaka]

He's making mistakes and taking plenty of big hits but he is also making tons of clutch plays. Overall his positive play making ability has overshadowed his mistakes.

 

[CrossEyed]

My only beef with BR - for all the love he gets can somebody post where he played well in a BIG game?His SB, the playoffs, and most in-season big games have all been mediocre to bad.

You seriously need to go back and watch the three playoff games that got them to the SB.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Not even remotely close to terrible. There are 4 people who eith haven't watched the Steelers or know absolutely nothing about football.

BTW, I voted null. I just wanted to see the results of this one.

Yeah but you knew exactly what the results would be. You're well in the minority with your thinking. Doesn't matter though....everyone has an opinion. Keep up the good fight.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Is he playing terrible? no

Is he playing average?

Has he been overrated most of the year? yes

Was ESPN nominating him as MVP for the first half ludicrous? Yes

 

[fred_1_15301]

Is he playing terrible? noIs he playing average? Has he been overrated most of the year? yesWas ESPN nominating him as MVP for the first half ludicrous? Yes

This is a pretty good posting. I would say he's playing about average overall. He's certainly not playing nearly as well as he did last year but he's not even close to playing terrible. I also agree that he's probably a little overrated this year considering the amount of hype he gets. However, the reason he gets so much hype is because he's had one of the most successful starts a qb has had in the history of the NFL.

 

[switz]

I would say he's playing about average overall. He's certainly not playing nearly as well as he did last year but he's not even close to playing terrible. I also agree that he's probably a little overrated this year considering the amount of hype he gets. However, the reason he gets so much hype is because he's had one of the most successful starts a qb has had in the history of the NFL.

Here's the problem though... and it's in line with what Ghost Rider tried to use as an argument.If I asked before the season who would play better, Kyle Orton, Matt Ryan, or Ben Roethlisberger - people would have laughed at the notion that it was even up for debate.

Ryan is a rookie, he's expected to struggle.

Orton has been in the league 5 years, we all know he sucks, right?

Roethlisberger is one of the up-and-coming QBs, he's expected to be among the league leaders....

Right now, Orton is playing better than Roethlisberger, with crap for receivers.

Matt Ryan and Roeth are at about the same level, and Ryan is a rookie on a bad team.

For Ryan, being an average QB is really good... but for Roeth, average is pretty terrible.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I would say he's playing about average overall. He's certainly not playing nearly as well as he did last year but he's not even close to playing terrible. I also agree that he's probably a little overrated this year considering the amount of hype he gets. However, the reason he gets so much hype is because he's had one of the most successful starts a qb has had in the history of the NFL.

Here's the problem though... and it's in line with what Ghost Rider tried to use as an argument.If I asked before the season who would play better, Kyle Orton, Matt Ryan, or Ben Roethlisberger - people would have laughed at the notion that it was even up for debate.

Ryan is a rookie, he's expected to struggle.

Orton has been in the league 5 years, we all know he sucks, right?

Roethlisberger is one of the up-and-coming QBs, he's expected to be among the league leaders....

Right now, Orton is playing better than Roethlisberger, with crap for receivers.

Matt Ryan and Roeth are at about the same level, and Ryan is a rookie on a bad team.

For Ryan, being an average QB is really good... but for Roeth, average is pretty terrible.

You asked the question "Is Ben playing terrible"? Now your definition of "terrible" for Ben is equivalent to "average" for another qb? You're making no sense man. As I said, Ben is having a pretty average year by his standards and by most qbs standards. He's not playing great and he's not playing terrible. Your poll was seriously flawed for not allowing an "in between" option.

 

[switz]

For Ryan, being an average QB is really good... but for Roeth, average is pretty terrible.

You asked the question "Is Ben playing terrible"? Now your definition of "terrible" for Ben is equivalent to "average" for another qb? You're making no sense man. As I said, Ben is having a pretty average year by his standards and by most qbs standards. He's not playing great and he's not playing terrible. Your poll was seriously flawed for not allowing an "in between" option.

Would you say Manning is playing great, average, or terrible? We judge players by what they are capable of...

 

[trader jake]

Voted no.

1) offensive line issues

2) running back injuries

3) most difficult schedule in the NFL

4) playing through shoulder injury

With all that the Steelers are still tied for the second best record in the AFC and Big Ben's QB rating is 85.7.

 

[fred_1_15301]

For Ryan, being an average QB is really good... but for Roeth, average is pretty terrible.

You asked the question "Is Ben playing terrible"? Now your definition of "terrible" for Ben is equivalent to "average" for another qb? You're making no sense man. As I said, Ben is having a pretty average year by his standards and by most qbs standards. He's not playing great and he's not playing terrible. Your poll was seriously flawed for not allowing an "in between" option.

Would you say Manning is playing great, average, or terrible? We judge players by what they are capable of...

Fair enough. I interpreted your question differently. Regardless, I still don't believe he's playing "terrible" relative to what he's capable of. As others have stated, his offensive line is brutal this year. He's had a couple really good games, a couple really bad games, and a few mediocre games. To me, thats the definition of average.

 

[hellz_fireflies]

He's fine..its the OL thats bad..three weeks ago he was sacked six times in the game.

 

[maxwjom0]

Is he playing terrible? noIs he playing average? Has he been overrated most of the year? yesWas ESPN nominating him as MVP for the first half ludicrous? Yes

You can certainly make this argument for more than big ben, but w/o him the Steelers are prob a .500 team at best. So, he is a legitimate MVP candidate.Just ask a Cowboys fan what Romo means to that team....

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Is he playing terrible? noIs he playing average? Has he been overrated most of the year? yesWas ESPN nominating him as MVP for the first half ludicrous? Yes

You can certainly make this argument for more than big ben, but w/o him the Steelers are prob a .500 team at best. So, he is a legitimate MVP candidate.Just ask a Cowboys fan what Romo means to that team....

I would argue Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu have been far more important to the teams success than Ben.

 

[Ghost Rider]

You can certainly make this argument for more than big ben, but w/o him the Steelers are prob a .500 team at best. So, he is a legitimate MVP candidate.

No way do the Steelers win the Baltimore and Jacksonville games without Roethlisberger.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Unlike some people here who would never admit to be wrong , I will admit that Roethlisberger has not played well lately. He looked really good at times yesterday, but he made a few terrible (there is that word ) throws, ones that ultimately cost them the game. In his last three games, he has thrown 1 TD pass and 8 INTs. That is pretty bad.

 

[poopdawg]

Unlike some people here who would never admit to be wrong , I will admit that Roethlisberger has not played well lately. He looked really good at times yesterday, but he made a few terrible (there is that word ) throws, ones that ultimately cost them the game. In his last three games, he has thrown 1 TD pass and 8 INTs. That is pretty bad.

I will certainly man up and say that this is the first week that he has certainly played terrible from no fault of the offensive line. He did have some time to throw and those decisions he made were just awful. You cant make mistakes like that in your own territory and expect to win the game. One other thing that really pisses me off is when he throws a bad pass, he always seems to get up limping when it was clear that he didnt get hit all that hard. One more week of this and I will be in the "Roethlisberger is playing terrible" camp. With that said, this is the first time he had more than 2 seconds to throw the ball, so I will give him one more chance.

 

[tombonneau]

I don't know if he is playing terrible, but he is not playing well. To put it in perspective, he is currently being outplayed by a rookie QB in his own division.

 

[gman74]

Unlike some people here who would never admit to be wrong , I will admit that Roethlisberger has not played well lately. He looked really good at times yesterday, but he made a few terrible (there is that word ) throws, ones that ultimately cost them the game. In his last three games, he has thrown 1 TD pass and 8 INTs. That is pretty bad.

I will certainly man up and say that this is the first week that he has certainly played terrible from no fault of the offensive line. He did have some time to throw and those decisions he made were just awful. You cant make mistakes like that in your own territory and expect to win the game. One other thing that really pisses me off is when he throws a bad pass, he always seems to get up limping when it was clear that he didnt get hit all that hard. One more week of this and I will be in the "Roethlisberger is playing terrible" camp. With that said, this is the first time he had more than 2 seconds to throw the ball, so I will give him one more chance.

Ben is a drama queen that is a big reason why I dislike him. Ben knows the Steelers and their fans will support him no matter what/

 

[steelcityman]

I was at the game yesterday, in the nose bleed section, and as soon as he threw those passes, you saw the defenders were in position to make the INTs. I'm not sure what Ben saw/was trying to do. "Forcing it in" is an overstatement. However, his #1 RB has been out a lot, the OL sucks, and teams can now defend the pass compared to the run, and only rush 4 and get pressure on a gimped up QB(shoulder and hand). If anything, I sit him 2 weeks vs SD and Cincy both at home. Then have him ready for the stretch run with NE, Dal, B'more, Tenn and Clev.

I think Leftwitch can win both vs SD and Cincy. Our defense is pissed off.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Unlike some people here who would never admit to be wrong , I will admit that Roethlisberger has not played well lately. He looked really good at times yesterday, but he made a few terrible (there is that word ) throws, ones that ultimately cost them the game. In his last three games, he has thrown 1 TD pass and 8 INTs. That is pretty bad.

I will certainly man up and say that this is the first week that he has certainly played terrible from no fault of the offensive line. He did have some time to throw and those decisions he made were just awful. You cant make mistakes like that in your own territory and expect to win the game. One other thing that really pisses me off is when he throws a bad pass, he always seems to get up limping when it was clear that he didnt get hit all that hard. One more week of this and I will be in the "Roethlisberger is playing terrible" camp. With that said, this is the first time he had more than 2 seconds to throw the ball, so I will give him one more chance.

Ben is a drama queen that is a big reason why I dislike him. Ben knows the Steelers and their fans will support him no matter what/

Why wouldn't we support him? He's had a pretty good career so far. First hint of trouble and we're supposed to jump ship?

 

[Judge Smails]

I was at the game yesterday, in the nose bleed section, and as soon as he threw those passes, you saw the defenders were in position to make the INTs. I'm not sure what Ben saw/was trying to do. "Forcing it in" is an overstatement. However, his #1 RB has been out a lot, the OL sucks, and teams can now defend the pass compared to the run, and only rush 4 and get pressure on a gimped up QB(shoulder and hand). If anything, I sit him 2 weeks vs SD and Cincy both at home. Then have him ready for the stretch run with NE, Dal, B'more, Tenn and Clev.I think Leftwitch can win both vs SD and Cincy. Our defense is pissed off.

I don't think anyone else will lump SD and Cindy in the same class of opponent, especially when the Chargers are desperate and have been known to put together big runs in the 2nd half of the season. If Ben is upright, and it appears he is with no further setbacks, then he plays. He just made some bad decisions, especially the 2nd (can't count the 3rd one, last second hail Mary) - also made some good plays. I think he can pick apart the Chargers this week.

 

[ceisenhower66]

I posted this about Ben in the game thread (in reference to a debate between him and Leftwich)...

Ben is no doubt the better QB and is the franchise player. But he does not look good at all right now. He gave the Colts this game on a silver platter. He looks skittish like he did two years ago (and his numbers are eerily similar). He clearly does not have much zip on the ball and he looks slow on his feet. Something is not right and I think he is hurt worse than we realize. Maybe it would be good to sit him and let Leftwich take over for a while...not because it is cool to want the backup to play, but because he is healthy, NFL-proven, and gets rid of the ball a heckuva lot faster.

And I will add...

Out of nine games this season, three of them were good: Houston, Jacksonville, and Cincinnati. That really isn't saying too much. He put up OK numbers against Cleveland and Baltimore, but I thought he looked very average in those games. The Eagles game was awful. He has three brutal games in a row going - Indy, Washington, and the NY Giants (QB rating of 60, 15.1, and 38.5 in those games respectively. Ouch.)

 

[TidesofWar]

I think it is a combination of things - mounting injuries and nicks and bruises for Ben himself, the O-line woes and play calling.

Ben does not have his full arm strength at this time, and the constant pressure / hits have caused him to be skittish and looking to get rid of the ball sooner than many of the plays call for. He is looking more and more to avoid the pressure he expects, and is not able to maintain the pocket presence he is capable of.

This means he is not stepping into as many throws, and is not trusting his line to give hime time to make the plays deeper down the field.

Get rid of the injuries, improve the offensive line, and you will see a different QB

 

[KellysHeroes]

hes playing injuried

 

[ceisenhower66]

hes playing injuried

Then he should sit.

 

[rowmacks]

Get rid of the injuries, improve the offensive line, and you will see a different QB

Great players make plays, they don't rely on the perfect situation (Like how this guy has been carried). For all the love this guy gets he should be able to put the team on his back; on the contrary though, he's killing his team even when they give him a lead. Wish we could see what a lot of 'average' QB's could have done with his silverspoon set up.

 

[renesauz]

Get rid of the injuries, improve the offensive line, and you will see a different QB

Great players make plays, they don't rely on the perfect situation (Like how this guy has been carried). For all the love this guy gets he should be able to put the team on his back; on the contrary though, he's killing his team even when they give him a lead. Wish we could see what a lot of 'average' QB's could have done with his silverspoon set up.

Umm.....yeeeeaaaahhh. He's running for his life much of the time, and has still put up numbers on the high side of average.I would say he's played well under the circumstances. Not great, but good. Certainly a long, long way from terrible. In a couple of those games...he DID PUT THE TEAM ON HIS BACK. But no QB, no matter how talented, can carry a team for every game.And sorry Switz, your argument is badly flawed. The expectations were perhaps a bit too high to start with. When you toss in serious O-line problems, Holmes' troubles, RB injuries....he had no prayer to meet pre-season expectations. Above average production in a below-average situation = good season.FWIW...I'm neither a Steeler nor a Roethlisberger fan nor owner, but "terrible" is simply an outragous claim.

 

[grouse]

hes playing injuried

Then he should sit.

Clarity and brevity is a beautiful thing.

 

[rowmacks]

Get rid of the injuries, improve the offensive line, and you will see a different QB

Great players make plays, they don't rely on the perfect situation (Like how this guy has been carried). For all the love this guy gets he should be able to put the team on his back; on the contrary though, he's killing his team even when they give him a lead. Wish we could see what a lot of 'average' QB's could have done with his silverspoon set up.

Umm.....yeeeeaaaahhh. He's running for his life much of the time, and has still put up numbers on the high side of average.I would say he's played well under the circumstances. Not great, but good. Certainly a long, long way from terrible. In a couple of those games...he DID PUT THE TEAM ON HIS BACK. But no QB, no matter how talented, can carry a team for every game.And sorry Switz, your argument is badly flawed. The expectations were perhaps a bit too high to start with. When you toss in serious O-line problems, Holmes' troubles, RB injuries....he had no prayer to meet pre-season expectations. Above average production in a below-average situation = good season.FWIW...I'm neither a Steeler nor a Roethlisberger fan nor owner, but "terrible" is simply an outragous claim.

Unreal, its comical how no matter what happens the apologists keep coming with this guy. I'm a big fan of a lot of different players, and i'm not afraid to say when they are playing terribly or are busting. Huge Marion Barber guy for example, and he has disappointed without Romo. I really wanted to see him step it up some more, although he is still having a good season overall. Anyway, back to the beloved Big Ben. "High side of average" ? What does that mean? Check his numbers, fantasy or reality pretty horrible. Ceisen sums it up well:

Out of nine games this season, three of them were good: Houston, Jacksonville, and Cincinnati. That really isn't saying too much. He put up OK numbers against Cleveland and Baltimore, but I thought he looked very average in those games. The Eagles game was awful. He has three brutal games in a row going - Indy, Washington, and the NY Giants (QB rating of 60, 15.1, and 38.5 in those games respectively. Ouch.)

3 Passing TD's and 8 picks since the week 6 bye (2 of those touches were on Cinci). This guy was supposed to be a top 5 QB, hell he was being mentioned as an MVP candidate earlier (Sad, just shows you how much people blindly love this guy, much like Favre.. can't do any wrong). I understand the Oline isn't up to normal Steeler's standards or whatever but you have to adapt and overcome. Get rid of the ball and make quicker and better decisions. The defense is doing their part and then some, Mewelde Moore has stepped up.. and hell, look how Leftwich looked when given the opportunity. "Outrageous."

 

[TitusIII]

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/qb

This suggests terrible...but I haven't seen him play

 

[Phurfur]

I dropped him for Thigpen last week.

 

[Fantaholic]

Tough guy, admirable desire, but hurting his team.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The Steelers sure are fortunate to have gotten to the Super Bowl despite having a terrible QB this year, eh?

Also,

In Pitt's 4 losses this season, BR has 3 TDs and 10 INTs

In Pitt's 14 wins this season, BR has 16 TDs and 5 INTs

So, as he goes, the Steelers go, and they are in the Super Bowl. 'Nuff said.

 

[timschochet]

I can't believe that 59 people voted yes in this poll, even in October and November. Ben has got to be, among fans, the second most underrated quarterback I can ever remember (number one being Donovan McNabb.)

 

[Mustang Man]

You have to be a blind MF;er to say Big Ben is playing terrible this year. The guy may not have the numbers he had last season but he gets it done when it matter most. Numbers are over ratted. How many late 4th quarter drives has this guy had this season. He is the difference maker for the Steelers. Without him they lose to the Ravens in all 3 games. When things get chaotic in the back field, people flying around him he somehow escapes all that, extends the play and makes the big play. The guy does it time and time again. You can't say he is lucky it happens in every game, simply the best feel in the pocket I have ever seen. At this moment he is the QB I would want with the ball at the end of the game over anyone. Big Ben is the man. I am obviously not a Steeler fan and have no stock in him at all. I call it like I see it and Big Ben is the man. Without him the Steelers are not where they are.

 

[Ghost Rider]

You have to be a blind MF;er to say Big Ben is playing terrible this year. The guy may not have the numbers he had last season but he gets it done when it matter most. Numbers are over ratted. How many late 4th quarter drives has this guy had this season. He is the difference maker for the Steelers. Without him they lose to the Ravens in all 3 games. When things get chaotic in the back field, people flying around him he somehow escapes all that, extends the play and makes the big play. The guy does it time and time again. You can't say he is lucky it happens in every game, simply the best feel in the pocket I have ever seen. At this moment he is the QB I would want with the ball at the end of the game over anyone. Big Ben is the man. I am obviously not a Steeler fan and have no stock in him at all. I call it like I see it and Big Ben is the man. Without him the Steelers are not where they are.

In some ways, Roethlisberger reminds me of how John Elway was at times: The stats aren't always pretty, but he is tremendous in the clutch most of the time, and that is ultimately what matters the most.