Player Spotlight: Ben Roethlisberger (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2007 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Player Page Link: Tony Romo Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[Chase Stuart]

Roethlisberger was great on a per attempt basis in 2005, and bad in 2006. You would think finding comparables wouldn't be hard, but it is.

I looked at all QBs with a minimum of 250 pass attempts in three straight years (Year N-2, Year N-1, and Year N). Then I wanted to see QBs whose adjusted yards per attempt dropped by at least 2.00; Roethlisbergers went from 8.02 to 5.67 from 2005 to 2006. Then I wanted to see how they did in the third year, Year N.

Only 16 QBs since the merger met that profile, and only three in the last decade. Most of those 16 improved on their Year N-1 play, which is a good sign for Roethlisberger.

Of the three recent ones: Brian Griese was terrific in 2000, bad in 2001, and then above average in 2002. Chris Chandler was off the charts good in 1998, above average in 1999, and then below average in 2000. And Jake Plummer was average in 1998, historically bad in 1999, and then a bit better (but not good) in 2000.

So that doesn't help much. There just aren't many comparables to a guy like Roethlisberger, who dominated the league statistically (ranking 2nd and 1st in adjusted yards per attempt in 2004 and 2005), and then ranked below average last year. Dan Marino from 1984-1986 wouldn't be a bad comparison, except he threw the ball a million more times than Big Ben.

Obviously, none of those other QBs ever smashed their head against the pavement in a horrific motorcycle accident. We can understand why Roethlisberger played poorly in 2006. And, assuming we think he's healthy, that should give us even more reason to be optimistic about him in 2007. He was that good in 2005, even if he didn't get to throw it that much.

 

[shadyridr]

Big Ben is a good NFL QB despite his rough year last year. That being said I dont think he will ever be a top notch fantasy QB. He will always be a solid QB2. The Steelers will continue their running philosophy and despite the rise of Holmes and Miller I dont see Big Ben putting up huge passing numbers.

3100 pass yds, 20 tds, 11 ints, 100 rush yds, 1 td

 

[The Hank]

Big Ben is a good NFL QB despite his rough year last year. That being said I dont think he will ever be a top notch fantasy QB. He will always be a solid QB2. The Steelers will continue their running philosophy and despite the rise of Holmes and Miller I dont see Big Ben putting up huge passing numbers. 3100 pass yds, 20 tds, 11 ints, 100 rush yds, 1 td

The word out of Pittsburgh is that they (Bruce Arians, OC) will be using more and more 4 WR/3 TE sets, and a more opened up offense FWIW.

 

[Da Guru]

I feel Big Ben will outperform the 17 spot.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Big Ben had a very difficult start to the season coming off the injury. I don't think he was 100 percent heading into the season, so I think it's reasonable to assume he's going to have a better start to the season which will lead to him becoming more confident. He will NOT throw as many INT's as he did last year.

3650 yards passing 22 td's and 16 int's

120 yards rushing and 2 td's

 

[Cookiemonster]

Following bike accident, then appendectomy, Ben was clearly not himself to begin the season. He appeared reluctant to stand in the pocket and take the hit. He was wildly innacurate and didn't give the plays a chance to develop. He began to round into '05 form when he sustained a pretty good concussion. Ben should not have played the following couple weeks (IMO, the Steelers would have made the playoffs had Batch started those two games). Roethlisberger began to look like the Ben of old over the last half of the season and consequently, the Steelers began to win. If you project his 2nd 1/2 of the season, I believe you'll get more accurate projections for what he should have done last year.

336/578 58% 4334yds 7.5/att 24TD/24INT

Keep in mind, both games vs. Balt were in this stretch and Ben averaged .5 TDs and 2 INTs while taking a 7 sack per game average against the unrelenting Raven defense. The season ending improvement in Santonio Holmes makes for one more weapon this year and the WRs coach has been promoted to offensive coordinator. I think the writing is on the wall and we will see a slight but not spectacular increase in run/pass ratio (this is still the Steelers we're talking about).

In all, I'm expecting something like

330/555 - 59% - 4160 yds - 7.5 avg - 26 TDs and 19 INTs

 

[IRON CHEF]

I think the change we will see will be in philosophy of play calling as opposed to the system. Arians likes opening with three/four wides or three ends. I can see them trying to spread the field on first down with short passes in the 5 yard range and then unleashing a power run game.

350/550 3900 yds 25 td's - 12 int's

125 ru. yds - 2 td's

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Big Ben is a good NFL QB despite his rough year last year. That being said I dont think he will ever be a top notch fantasy QB. He will always be a solid QB2. The Steelers will continue their running philosophy and despite the rise of Holmes and Miller I dont see Big Ben putting up huge passing numbers. 3100 pass yds, 20 tds, 11 ints, 100 rush yds, 1 td

Odd, considering that despite his injuries last year he had 3500 and 20 TDs.I like Ben to be about the same as last season but with far less Ints and playing 16 games.3750 pass (64%)20 TDs12 Ints.110 rush2 TDs.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

There's already word that Arians is putting in a new set of terminology that makes everything easier for Ben.

 

[BGP]

Ben Roethlisberger is an injury-prone QB. He also has never played a full 16 game season. He also led the NFL in interceptions last year. The quickest way to get benched is to throw lots and lots of interceptions,and more interceptions than TDs. Ben enters 2007 with more risk than ever. We know he is always a risk of missing games (or even worse, underperforming while you start him when he plays hurt). But if Ben gets off to a slow start, he might get sat down by the new coaching staff. Remember, this coaching staff didn't get to the super bowl. They didn't draft Ben Roethlisberger. And coaches oftentimes want their own players anyway. To assume that the new coach is going to stick with a struggling QB he didn't pick who hasn't been any good in two years is foolish.

I think he is a good QB. I think he will play better in 2007. I don't expect him to lose his job. But it CAN happen. I've always compared him to Jim McMahon in the sense that he has ability but he may never develop it because as injuries mount and rob him of his skills.

Ben also got sacked a lot more in 2006, took more hits, and made poorer decisions than we've seen from in the past. Ben suffered two concussions in a span of 4 months.

First concussion

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2482701

Second concussion

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_476474.html

I don't know how much more he can take. Here's an interesting article on concussions.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/11/18/footb...concussions.ap/

Instead, the findings suggest that one concussion might cause tissue injury that leaves players more vulnerable to additional concussions, said Kevin Guskiewicz, director of the sports medicine research laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Multiple concussions are known to increase the risk of permanent brain injury, and Guskiewicz said after three or more concussions it "might be time to think about taking up tennis or golf."

In one study, players with three or more concussions within seven years of the study period were three times more likely to suffer a repeat concussion than players with no concussions.

Ben Roethlisberger 20073000 yards, 16 TDs, 16 INTs, 75 rushing yards 0 rushing TDs

 

[kevinray]

Ben Roethlisberger is an injury-prone QB. He also has never played a full 16 game season. He also led the NFL in interceptions last year. The quickest way to get benched is to throw lots and lots of interceptions,and more interceptions than TDs. Ben enters 2007 with more risk than ever. We know he is always a risk of missing games (or even worse, underperforming while you start him when he plays hurt). But if Ben gets off to a slow start, he might get sat down by the new coaching staff. Remember, this coaching staff didn't get to the super bowl. They didn't draft Ben Roethlisberger. And coaches oftentimes want their own players anyway. To assume that the new coach is going to stick with a struggling QB he didn't pick who hasn't been any good in two years is foolish.

I think he is a good QB. I think he will play better in 2007. I don't expect him to lose his job. But it CAN happen. I've always compared him to Jim McMahon in the sense that he has ability but he may never develop it because as injuries mount and rob him of his skills.

Ben also got sacked a lot more in 2006, took more hits, and made poorer decisions than we've seen from in the past. Ben suffered two concussions in a span of 4 months.

First concussion

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2482701

Second concussion

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_476474.html

I don't know how much more he can take. Here's an interesting article on concussions.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/11/18/footb...concussions.ap/

Instead, the findings suggest that one concussion might cause tissue injury that leaves players more vulnerable to additional concussions, said Kevin Guskiewicz, director of the sports medicine research laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Multiple concussions are known to increase the risk of permanent brain injury, and Guskiewicz said after three or more concussions it "might be time to think about taking up tennis or golf."

In one study, players with three or more concussions within seven years of the study period were three times more likely to suffer a repeat concussion than players with no concussions.

Ben Roethlisberger 20073000 yards, 16 TDs, 16 INTs, 75 rushing yards 0 rushing TDs

You know what, I completely agree with you about the potential for Bens career to end abruptly if he has a few more head injuries. He's put his noggin through a lot the past two seasons and that potential risk is far greater then any other young QB. While he also has a history of hand injuries to go along with the concussions he also a solid history of playing through the minor below the head stuff. He played great with a splint on his finger, and has played well despite random knee concerns. So other then the head injuries he's more your McNair/Leftwich injury prone guy whose only going to be out for the big things. The offense line transition scares me a bit to since it played bad in pass pro last year and is going to have a few more new faces this year.On the bright side though Bens always been great in the pocket when healthy and this season he'll have his senses and mobility back and that should play a big role in him not getting killed.

 

[Steel Mike Tomczak]

Now Ben has a steel enforced skull. Hes the robo cop of the NFL. With a fresh system I think he will shake off a very bad 2006 season and make 2007 a defining year in the mold of 2004/5. Hes more than just a average to good QB, I think he proves it this year.

3520 yards, 25 tds, 18 ints 100 rush yards, 2 TDs

 

[Jous]

This is going to be Roethlisberger's most important season. He clearly has every physical and mental intanglible nescessary to be one of the elite QB's in the league, but if he lets his injuries continue to get to him, he will still underperform.

I say he responds well, but he will not reach his full potential quite yet.

2007 stats:

3,212 yards, 23 TD's, 15 INT's

 

[Sea Bass]

I see many two te sets for the Steelers this season. Consevative play calling will prevent him from top ten status.

 

[BassNBrew]

Now Ben has a steel enforced skull. Hes the robo cop of the NFL. With a fresh system I think he will shake off a very bad 2006 season and make 2007 a defining year in the mold of 2004/5. Hes more than just a average to good QB, I think he proves it this year.3520 yards, 25 tds, 18 ints 100 rush yards, 2 TDs

award

 

[Godsbrother]

I knew coming into this thread that BGP would be playing the injury-prone QB card. I have no desire to get into an argument with BGP over this. Let me just throw out this as a rebuttal and let you decide whether Ben is injury-prone:

For starters, Big Ben did not miss any games due to injury in his rookie season. Ben played 16 games in 2005 and ZERO games were missed due to injury

In 2005 Ben missed 4 games due to a knee injury. This was the only season that Ben missed any games due to injuries sustained on the field. Even with those 4 games missed, he still played in 16 games that year.

In 2006, despite a near fatal motorcycle accident, Ben missed 1 game and that was due to an emergency appendectomy surgery only one week before the season began. So even with all of his non-football related problems Ben only missed one game despite being sacked almost 50 times last season. The guy is NOT a china doll by any means.

In summary Ben Roethlisberger has started 47 games in three seasons, an average of 15.33 games per year.

As far as production this season it is really hard to say. As with all QBs he can only be as good as the o-line in front of him and last season the o-line was very inconsistent. One change this season is that Roethlisberger will be responsible for setting the pass protection instead of Center Jeff Hartings.

I also like the fact that new OC Bruce Arians is supposedly in favor of four wide receiver sets, even on some first downs and that TE Heath Miller will be lined up in the slot at times. It should open up some running lanes for Parker and give Roethlisbeger more options to get rid of the ball. But with change comes risk and who knows how well Ben and the team will respond.

Taking out my dart board I predict:

3400, 22 TD, 15 int, 90 rush yards, 2 rush TDs

 

[poopdawg]

I knew coming into this thread that BGP would be playing the injury-prone QB card. I have no desire to get into an argument with BGP over this. Let me just throw out this as a rebuttal and let you decide whether Ben is injury-prone:

For starters, Big Ben did not miss any games due to injury in his rookie season. Ben played 16 games in 2005 and ZERO games were missed due to injury

In 2005 Ben missed 4 games due to a knee injury. This was the only season that Ben missed any games due to injuries sustained on the field. Even with those 4 games missed, he still played in 16 games that year.

In 2006, despite a near fatal motorcycle accident, Ben missed 1 game and that was due to an emergency appendectomy surgery only one week before the season began. So even with all of his non-football related problems Ben only missed one game despite being sacked almost 50 times last season. The guy is NOT a china doll by any means.

In summary Ben Roethlisberger has started 47 games in three seasons, an average of 15.33 games per year.

As far as production this season it is really hard to say. As with all QBs he can only be as good as the o-line in front of him and last season the o-line was very inconsistent. One change this season is that Roethlisberger will be responsible for setting the pass protection instead of Center Jeff Hartings.

I also like the fact that new OC Bruce Arians is supposedly in favor of four wide receiver sets, even on some first downs and that TE Heath Miller will be lined up in the slot at times. It should open up some running lanes for Parker and give Roethlisbeger more options to get rid of the ball. But with change comes risk and who knows how well Ben and the team will respond.

Taking out my dart board I predict:

3400, 22 TD, 15 int, 90 rush yards, 2 rush TDs

Pay no attention to him. Thats exactly what he wants. I gave up on this fool awhile ago. Anyways, I see 3100 yds, 24 TDs, 16 INTs, 120 rush yds, 3 TDs.I think he reverts back to '05 form. Anyone who says the accident had nothing to do with his poor start last year is off their rocker. Only time will tell, but Im optimistic.

 

[Traders2001]

I think that he will not even be a starter by next season.

I see .

3200yds - 14 Tds - 22Ints .

He is just a bad QB as simple as that .

 

[NorrisB]

There's already word that Arians is putting in a new set of terminology that makes everything easier for Ben.

 

[BGP]

For the record, I warned that Ben is injury-prone last time we did this. And I was right then. He was injured, and the consensus was he was rushed back too soon. Then on top of that he got hurt again and suffered another concussion against the Falcons and then threw 2 TDs and 7 more INTs in the next two games.

So I was 100% correct. You cannot say he is not injury-prone. Yet the response in this year is to mock me and then predict Ben will set a career-high in TDs this year despite the questions on the OL and the mounting injuries. Sorry, I just don't see it.

 

[NorrisB]

For the record, I warned that Ben is injury-prone last time we did this. And I was right then. He was injured, and the consensus was he was rushed back too soon. Then on top of that he got hurt again and suffered another concussion against the Falcons and then threw 2 TDs and 7 more INTs in the next two games. So I was 100% correct. You cannot say he is not injury-prone. Yet the response in this year is to mock me and then predict Ben will set a career-high in TDs this year despite the questions on the OL and the mounting injuries. Sorry, I just don't see it.

I agree with you, Ive been trying to prove to some steeler fans that Ben is injury prone, can you elaborate on why you think Ben is injury prone.

 

[BGP]

For the record, I warned that Ben is injury-prone last time we did this. And I was right then. He was injured, and the consensus was he was rushed back too soon. Then on top of that he got hurt again and suffered another concussion against the Falcons and then threw 2 TDs and 7 more INTs in the next two games.

So I was 100% correct. You cannot say he is not injury-prone. Yet the response in this year is to mock me and then predict Ben will set a career-high in TDs this year despite the questions on the OL and the mounting injuries. Sorry, I just don't see it.

I agree with you, Ive been trying to prove to some steeler fans that Ben is injury prone, can you elaborate on why you think Ben is injury prone.

He has suffered various injuries every season and has yet to play a full 16-game schedule - and that's including the fact that the Steelers let him play in games where he probably shouldn't have. We can go all the way back to the playoffs as a rookie. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...-01-notes_x.htm

PITTSBURGH — Another week, another injury for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger said Thursday his right thumb injury "is pretty painful," but he is hopeful it won't severely affect his throwing in Sunday's key AFC North game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The injury, not disclosed until Wednesday, follows injuries to both knees that kept Roethlisberger out of four games. Coach Bill Cowher also said Roethlisberger "tweaked" his ankle during a 26-7 loss to Indianapolis on Monday night, but that injury was not listed on the team's first injury report of the week.

Roethlisberger may have played in both Steelers playoff games last season with an injured thumb, although neither he nor the team confirmed it. However, TV cameras caught Roethlisberger clutching his thumb in visible pain, during a playoff game against the Jets in which he threw two interceptions.

Asked afterward about a thumb injury, Roethlisberger said, "I'm not going to make excuses."

Neither Roethlisberger nor the Steelers have said whether this latest injury is a reoccurrence of any problem Roethlisberger had last season, or is a new injury.

+ Fairly obvious thumb injury he played with during the 04 playoffs, and he put up terrible numbers.+ Injured both knees and re-injured thumb in 2005, missing several games.

+ Car crash and multiple concussions in 2006, played thru them but did horribly and probably should have sat and healed.

The Steelers have traditionally been known as a team with a strong OL and power running game taking pressure off the QB. And yet Ben still keeps getting hurt. What happens to him as the OL weakens? Plus, as per the doctor quoted earlier in this thread, suffering multiple concussions in a short amount of time can have long-lasting effects and lead to more concussions.

 

[Godsbrother]

For the record, I warned that Ben is injury-prone last time we did this. And I was right then. He was injured, and the consensus was he was rushed back too soon. Then on top of that he got hurt again and suffered another concussion against the Falcons and then threw 2 TDs and 7 more INTs in the next two games. So I was 100% correct. You cannot say he is not injury-prone. Yet the response in this year is to mock me and then predict Ben will set a career-high in TDs this year despite the questions on the OL and the mounting injuries. Sorry, I just don't see it.

All I did was disagree with you. If you consider that mocking then you have pretty thin skin.His injury last season was non-football related which does not translate to being injury prone IMO. If you can show me other QBs that ram face-first into moving vehicles and have emergency appendectomies that miss less time I am a all ears.As far as the concussion goes it did not cause him to miss any games. You can't prove the 7 ints in the next 2 games were caused by the concussions. He was also sacked 9 times in those 2 games which means he wasn't getting great pass protection.

 

[poopdawg]

For the record, I warned that Ben is injury-prone last time we did this. And I was right then. He was injured, and the consensus was he was rushed back too soon. Then on top of that he got hurt again and suffered another concussion against the Falcons and then threw 2 TDs and 7 more INTs in the next two games.

So I was 100% correct. You cannot say he is not injury-prone. Yet the response in this year is to mock me and then predict Ben will set a career-high in TDs this year despite the questions on the OL and the mounting injuries. Sorry, I just don't see it.

I agree with you, Ive been trying to prove to some steeler fans that Ben is injury prone, can you elaborate on why you think Ben is injury prone.

He has suffered various injuries every season and has yet to play a full 16-game schedule - and that's including the fact that the Steelers let him play in games where he probably shouldn't have. We can go all the way back to the playoffs as a rookie. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...-01-notes_x.htm

PITTSBURGH — Another week, another injury for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger said Thursday his right thumb injury "is pretty painful," but he is hopeful it won't severely affect his throwing in Sunday's key AFC North game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The injury, not disclosed until Wednesday, follows injuries to both knees that kept Roethlisberger out of four games. Coach Bill Cowher also said Roethlisberger "tweaked" his ankle during a 26-7 loss to Indianapolis on Monday night, but that injury was not listed on the team's first injury report of the week.

Roethlisberger may have played in both Steelers playoff games last season with an injured thumb, although neither he nor the team confirmed it. However, TV cameras caught Roethlisberger clutching his thumb in visible pain, during a playoff game against the Jets in which he threw two interceptions.

Asked afterward about a thumb injury, Roethlisberger said, "I'm not going to make excuses."

Neither Roethlisberger nor the Steelers have said whether this latest injury is a reoccurrence of any problem Roethlisberger had last season, or is a new injury.

+ Fairly obvious thumb injury he played with during the 04 playoffs, and he put up terrible numbers.+ Injured both knees and re-injured thumb in 2005, missing several games.

+ Car crash and multiple concussions in 2006, played thru them but did horribly and probably should have sat and healed.

The Steelers have traditionally been known as a team with a strong OL and power running game taking pressure off the QB. And yet Ben still keeps getting hurt. What happens to him as the OL weakens? Plus, as per the doctor quoted earlier in this thread, suffering multiple concussions in a short amount of time can have long-lasting effects and lead to more concussions.

These are not because he is injury prone, these are ACCIDENTS, #####!! You use the term injury-prone way too much and innacurately. Taking a face plant off a car is NOT because he is SUSCEPTIBLE to injury. Being susceptible to injury is the definition of injury prone. I hate the term altogether, but someone like David Boston is injury prone where you have recurring injuries with the same conditions. And yes, he did play a full season in his rookie year, but unfortunately got hurt in the playoffs. But your suck ### Browns wouldnt know anything about that. Go piss somewhere else.

 

[BGP]

For the record, I warned that Ben is injury-prone last time we did this. And I was right then. He was injured, and the consensus was he was rushed back too soon. Then on top of that he got hurt again and suffered another concussion against the Falcons and then threw 2 TDs and 7 more INTs in the next two games. So I was 100% correct. You cannot say he is not injury-prone. Yet the response in this year is to mock me and then predict Ben will set a career-high in TDs this year despite the questions on the OL and the mounting injuries. Sorry, I just don't see it.

All I did was disagree with you. If you consider that mocking then you have pretty thin skin.

I was called a fool. Noy by you, but the other guy.

 

[BGP]

I'd rather not see this thread turn into yet another arguement we've had too many times already. I'm not responding any further here.

 

[NorrisB]

For the record, I warned that Ben is injury-prone last time we did this. And I was right then. He was injured, and the consensus was he was rushed back too soon. Then on top of that he got hurt again and suffered another concussion against the Falcons and then threw 2 TDs and 7 more INTs in the next two games.

So I was 100% correct. You cannot say he is not injury-prone. Yet the response in this year is to mock me and then predict Ben will set a career-high in TDs this year despite the questions on the OL and the mounting injuries. Sorry, I just don't see it.

I agree with you, Ive been trying to prove to some steeler fans that Ben is injury prone, can you elaborate on why you think Ben is injury prone.

He has suffered various injuries every season and has yet to play a full 16-game schedule - and that's including the fact that the Steelers let him play in games where he probably shouldn't have. We can go all the way back to the playoffs as a rookie. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...-01-notes_x.htm

PITTSBURGH — Another week, another injury for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger said Thursday his right thumb injury "is pretty painful," but he is hopeful it won't severely affect his throwing in Sunday's key AFC North game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The injury, not disclosed until Wednesday, follows injuries to both knees that kept Roethlisberger out of four games. Coach Bill Cowher also said Roethlisberger "tweaked" his ankle during a 26-7 loss to Indianapolis on Monday night, but that injury was not listed on the team's first injury report of the week.

Roethlisberger may have played in both Steelers playoff games last season with an injured thumb, although neither he nor the team confirmed it. However, TV cameras caught Roethlisberger clutching his thumb in visible pain, during a playoff game against the Jets in which he threw two interceptions.

Asked afterward about a thumb injury, Roethlisberger said, "I'm not going to make excuses."

Neither Roethlisberger nor the Steelers have said whether this latest injury is a reoccurrence of any problem Roethlisberger had last season, or is a new injury.

+ Fairly obvious thumb injury he played with during the 04 playoffs, and he put up terrible numbers.+ Injured both knees and re-injured thumb in 2005, missing several games.

+ Car crash and multiple concussions in 2006, played thru them but did horribly and probably should have sat and healed.

The Steelers have traditionally been known as a team with a strong OL and power running game taking pressure off the QB. And yet Ben still keeps getting hurt. What happens to him as the OL weakens? Plus, as per the doctor quoted earlier in this thread, suffering multiple concussions in a short amount of time can have long-lasting effects and lead to more concussions.

X 100I swear if it's not the toe's, it's the knee, or the apendix, or 104 degree fever, a concussion or the thumb for the thousandith time, Ben always has some hang nail what a wimp!

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Roethlisberger is not injury prone. Aside from Favre, Brady and Manning, I can't think of another NFL QB that consistently plays 16 games every year. Roethlisberger's injuries have always been of the minor 1-2 game variety (with the exception of the accident, which you cannot count, as it didn't happen on the field.) Compare this with a guy like McNabb, who has suffered multiple season-ending injuries, and tell me which guy you'd take hoping he'd play 16 games. Forget the injury factor. Project Roethlisberger for 14-15 games if you'd like, and rest easy that he'll play that many. The guy's been dinged up, but he's tough. He simply doesn't miss a lot of time, as he gets back on the field quickly, for better or worse.

Now, regarding the new coaching staff. Arians has intimated that he wants to use more 4 receiver sets with the QB under center, which is not something Steeler fans have seen recently (4 receiver sets were used almost exclusively on 3rd and 5 or more, and always out of the shotgun formation.) However, I think people are taking this way too far in terms of projecting Roethlisberger's passing attempts. Tomlin has already said that his offensive philosophy is to "win by attrition" - namely, by running the ball and stopping the run. This is the Steelers' trademark, and if you think that lunchpail attitude is going to dissipate in favor of a spread attack, forget it. Air Coryell doesn't play in Pittsburgh. The Steelers will still be among the league leaders in run/pass ratio. So, temper your enthusiasm over Roethlisberger in the new regime. Last year, he averaged over 30 pass attempts per game, as the Steelers were playing from behind a lot more frequently than they were his first two seasons... don't expect to see #s that high again this year, as they should settle back to their usual double-digit win totals.

As usual, Ben has done all the right things regarding putting in extra work during the offseason, meeting extensively with the new staff to discuss philosophy, expectations, and new schemes. He'll be prepared. He's also stepping into more of a leadership role. He'll be calling out his own protections this year for the first time. What effect this has remains to be seen. The major problem last year for Roethlisberger is that the pass protection was spotty. He was forced to make too many split decisions, and when that happens, he tends to force the ball into coverage. He has too much Favre in him, and still needs to learn to bail on a play. The line simply needs to be able to hold up better to give the receivers time to get open, as Roethlisberger is the type of QB that can absolutely shred you if he has time (or buys the time) to let the receivers get free. Towards the end of the year last year, he got a lot better as the line stepped up, and this year, the line play will again dictate his success. Having a new C in there means there will be an adjustment period and it will take time to come together. This, coupled with the adjustment to new coaches and formations, and to Ben calling the protections himself, will likely mean the second half of next season will be kinder to fantasy owners than the first. I think Roethlisberger presents a classic buy low candidate around midseason, but is probably only worth a mid-round selection at your draft. Santonio Holmes is emerging as a dangerous big-play threat, but still needs another year to really break out. Ward is getting older, but is still reliable.

Projections :

243/388 - 3134 yards - 19 TD / 15 INT - 35 rush / 105 yds / 2 TD

 

[Steeler]

I'd rather not see this thread turn into yet another arguement we've had too many times already. I'm not responding any further here.

Seems to me the only reason you came into the thread was to derail it... mission accomplished.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

For the record, I warned that Ben is injury-prone last time we did this. And I was right then. He was injured, and the consensus was he was rushed back too soon. Then on top of that he got hurt again and suffered another concussion against the Falcons and then threw 2 TDs and 7 more INTs in the next two games.

So I was 100% correct. You cannot say he is not injury-prone. Yet the response in this year is to mock me and then predict Ben will set a career-high in TDs this year despite the questions on the OL and the mounting injuries. Sorry, I just don't see it.

I agree with you, Ive been trying to prove to some steeler fans that Ben is injury prone, can you elaborate on why you think Ben is injury prone.

He has suffered various injuries every season and has yet to play a full 16-game schedule - and that's including the fact that the Steelers let him play in games where he probably shouldn't have. We can go all the way back to the playoffs as a rookie. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...-01-notes_x.htm

PITTSBURGH — Another week, another injury for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger said Thursday his right thumb injury "is pretty painful," but he is hopeful it won't severely affect his throwing in Sunday's key AFC North game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The injury, not disclosed until Wednesday, follows injuries to both knees that kept Roethlisberger out of four games. Coach Bill Cowher also said Roethlisberger "tweaked" his ankle during a 26-7 loss to Indianapolis on Monday night, but that injury was not listed on the team's first injury report of the week.

Roethlisberger may have played in both Steelers playoff games last season with an injured thumb, although neither he nor the team confirmed it. However, TV cameras caught Roethlisberger clutching his thumb in visible pain, during a playoff game against the Jets in which he threw two interceptions.

Asked afterward about a thumb injury, Roethlisberger said, "I'm not going to make excuses."

Neither Roethlisberger nor the Steelers have said whether this latest injury is a reoccurrence of any problem Roethlisberger had last season, or is a new injury.

+ Fairly obvious thumb injury he played with during the 04 playoffs, and he put up terrible numbers.+ Injured both knees and re-injured thumb in 2005, missing several games.

+ Car crash and multiple concussions in 2006, played thru them but did horribly and probably should have sat and healed.

The Steelers have traditionally been known as a team with a strong OL and power running game taking pressure off the QB. And yet Ben still keeps getting hurt. What happens to him as the OL weakens? Plus, as per the doctor quoted earlier in this thread, suffering multiple concussions in a short amount of time can have long-lasting effects and lead to more concussions.

X 100I swear if it's not the toe's, it's the knee, or the apendix, or 104 degree fever, a concussion or the thumb for the thousandith time, Ben always has some hang nail what a wimp!

The guy has had a thumb injury, knee injury, concussions, a burst appendix, and a severe motorcycle accident requiring radical reconstructive surgery and has missed 5 games in three years. A wimp? Steve McNair has missed the same # of starts per season on average since he became a full time starter, and he's widely considered one of the toughest players in the game at any position. Donovan McNabb has played 1 full season in the last 5 and is averaging 4 missed games a year. Mr. Reliable, Trent Green, missed half of last season. Marc Bulger gets hurt every year. Your own beloved Palmer would have missed an entire eyar if that knee injury had occurred when Roethlisberger's bike accident did, rather than in the last game of their season.Aside from Favre, Manning, and Brady (so far) - there's really not a single QB you can draft and more or less forget about a backup. Roethlisberger is no more injury prone than any other QB... if anything, you can say he's a quicker healer than most. So, take your elsewhere - this thread is for relevant fantasy discussion, not the bitter musings of a guy whose team's season was ended by Mr. Roethlisberger and the Steelers two years in a row...

 

[Lutherman2112]

There's already word that Arians is putting in a new set of terminology that makes everything easier for Ben.

http://kdka.com/steelers/local_story_078231049.html

There was a new playbook, too, now that the Steelers have a new offensive coordinator, Bruce Arians.

He was on Cowher's staff last season under former offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, but is incorporating some of his own ideas.

"It's different terminology," Wilson said. "He (Arians) is a passing-game type of guy, so as a receiver you've got to really learn a lot and that's why this time here is so important for us right now."

http://news.steelers.com/article/75373/

One of the new things that Roethlisberger was faced with was the terminology installed by offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. While the plays are remaining relatively the same, what they are called is changing and it's an early challenge for Roethlisberger and the offense.

"It's a little different with some of the calls," said Roethlisberger. "I almost feel like I am a rookie again with a little more knowledge than I had the first time around. All of us, all of the quarterbacks, are working together at this point, talking and asking each other what we see and if we did anything right or wrong."

Roethlisberger is going to have a little more freedom with the offense this year, being able to make some of his own calls. It is something he will have to adjust to as time goes on, and mini-camp is the perfect time for him to give it a try.

"It makes it tougher right now," he said. "Initially it makes it a lot harder because there are a lot more things. You break the huddle and you forget what you called it on. You forget what the protections are. Right now it's tough, but once we get the hang of it, it will make it a lot easier and better."

While it will give him more freedom, it also gives him a lot more responsibility and that is something he welcomes.

"It makes it easier because there won't be as many complications," he said. "There still will be complications. I'm still going to screw up. We're not going to be 100 percent clicking on every single play, but hopefully we can on most plays."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_504062.html

The Steelers eased Roethlisberger into the expanded role he will have next season.

Roethlisberger will be responsible for setting the pass protection -- in the past years an offensive lineman has called it -- and he continued to work on that yesterday.

While Arians called the pass protection before plays, Roethlisberger was given the freedom to change it or make adjustments at the line of scrimmage.

http://pass.steelers.com/article/75377/

"It's mini-camp, we still have a long ways to go, but I like where we're going," said Ward. "I like what Coach Arians is putting in offensively – it's going to give a chance for a lot of guys to really be active. He's going to put guys in the right position to make plays. That's the good part of this offense, he's going to put you in position to go out and make plays and be successful.

"We know we have a long ways to go, but it all starts here. Right now, it's about starting a foundation, getting everybody acclimated to the new offense's terminology and still going out there and playing Pittsburgh Steelers football."

 

[Fiddles]

i dont mind bgp spreading his opinion in this thread

hopefully he can get people on board with his opinion and ben will slide in redrafts

 

[Godsbrother]

i dont mind bgp spreading his opinion in this threadhopefully he can get people on board with his opinion and ben will slide in redrafts

I don't mind his opinion either. As long as I am free to disagree and post a rebuttal then I am A-OK with his analysis of Ben Roethlisberger or any other player. That's what this message board is all about.

 

[poopdawg]

i dont mind bgp spreading his opinion in this threadhopefully he can get people on board with his opinion and ben will slide in redrafts

I don't mind his opinion either. As long as I am free to disagree and post a rebuttal then I am A-OK with his analysis of Ben Roethlisberger or any other player. That's what this message board is all about.

For the record, I am okay with everyone's opinion as well, unless its BGP. I dont think its a coincidence that this Player Spotlight is one of the few that he has posted in. But god forbid if anyone should piss in his Brownies thread.

 

[Cookiemonster]

i dont mind bgp spreading his opinion in this threadhopefully he can get people on board with his opinion and ben will slide in redrafts

I don't mind his opinion either. As long as I am free to disagree and post a rebuttal then I am A-OK with his analysis of Ben Roethlisberger or any other player. That's what this message board is all about.

For the record, I am okay with everyone's opinion as well, unless its BGP. I dont think its a coincidence that this Player Spotlight is one of the few that he has posted in. But god forbid if anyone should piss in his Brownies thread.

After grabbing a bit from a post of his to explain one of the many reasons why, he is the only poster that has ever earned my "ignore" tag.

 

[el-gato-grande]

I have to honest in saying that I was enthralled with Big Ben as a fantasy player when he came out as a rookie. Since then, I have come to the realization that as long as Roethlisberger is in Pittsburgh, he will be nothing more than a fantasy backup and situational starter. In three seasons, he has thrown a single TD or less 60% of the time. In a third of his starts, he has thrown more INT's than TD's. Not exactly the numbers you like to see in your QB1.

Despite the turnover in coaching, Steeler football has always been about running the football.

2007 Stats Projection:

GS 14

Att 350

Comp 210

Yds 2835

TD 18

INT 18

Ru Att 35

Ru Yd 100

Ru TD 2

 

[-OZ-]

If the defense doesn't keep the opponent in check, Ben is going to throw more than before.

I'm going to say the defense doesn't improve much from last year, and Ben throws 28 times per game.

While his career completion % is 62.4, I'll adjust for more attempts and say he completes 61% (just a little better than last year). His career YPA is 8.3, but I'll use 8 here (again, adjusting down for more attempts). For his career, he has 1.2 TDs and 1 INT per game. I'm going to adjust TDs a little higher, 1.3 and INTs at 1.1. He runs for 6 yards per game, and scores 2 TDs a year on the ground.

Per game:

Att - 28

Comp - 17

Yds - 224

TD - 1.3

INT - 1.1

Ru Att - 2

Ru Yd - 6

Ru TD - 0.125

Season:

(I don't project injuries, so assuming 16 games)

Att - 448

Comp - 272

Yds - 3584

TD - 21

INT - 18

Ru Att - 32

Ru Yd - 100

Ru TD - 2

IMO, this is conservative, the bottom. He could easily throw for 250/1.5/1 per game.

 

[Tau837]

If the defense doesn't keep the opponent in check, Ben is going to throw more than before.

I'm going to say the defense doesn't improve much from last year, and Ben throws 28 times per game.

While his career completion % is 62.4, I'll adjust for more attempts and say he completes 61% (just a little better than last year). His career YPA is 8.3, but I'll use 8 here (again, adjusting down for more attempts). For his career, he has 1.2 TDs and 1 INT per game. I'm going to adjust TDs a little higher, 1.3 and INTs at 1.1. He runs for 6 yards per game, and scores 2 TDs a year on the ground.

Per game:

Att - 28

Comp - 17

Yds - 224

TD - 1.3

INT - 1.1

Ru Att - 2

Ru Yd - 6

Ru TD - 0.125

Season:

(I don't project injuries, so assuming 16 games)

Att - 448

Comp - 272

Yds - 3584

TD - 21

INT - 18

Ru Att - 32

Ru Yd - 100

Ru TD - 2

IMO, this is conservative, the bottom. He could easily throw for 250/1.5/1 per game.

Good post. However, IMO you are high on ypa. Look at Ben's ypa so far in his career:2004 - 295 attempts - 21.1 attempts per game - 8.9 ypa

2005 - 268 attempts - 20.6 attempts per game - 8.9 ypa

2006 - 469 attempts - 31.3 attempts per game - 7.5 ypa

IMO, he is likely to be closer to last year's 7.5 than 8. I think 3400 passing yards is more reasonable, and obviously that is based on 16 games played. While I don't want to get into the argument about that, I am not confident in Ben's ability to play 16.

Some people have suggested that there are only a few QBs who can be counted on to do that. Let me add one - Philip Rivers. He started 51 of 51 games in college, and played through various injuries. In his one season so far, he played 16 games. This is one reason why he will probably be undervalued this year. Sorry for the sidetrack.

 

[Tau837]

I have to honest in saying that I was enthralled with Big Ben as a fantasy player when he came out as a rookie. Since then, I have come to the realization that as long as Roethlisberger is in Pittsburgh, he will be nothing more than a fantasy backup and situational starter. In three seasons, he has thrown a single TD or less 60% of the time. In a third of his starts, he has thrown more INT's than TD's. Not exactly the numbers you like to see in your QB1.

Despite the turnover in coaching, Steeler football has always been about running the football.

2007 Stats Projection:

GS 14

Att 350

Comp 210

Yds 2835

TD 18

INT 18

Ru Att 35

Ru Yd 100

Ru TD 2

Good info here.

 

[Pittsburgh United]

I'm not responding any further here.

 

[On The Rocks]

I am just coming into the realization the BenBurger threw 23 picks last year.

Can someone that watched him a lot tell me why that number was so high?

Can you tell me why you think it will be lower this year?

Or why you think it won't get any better?

That 23 picks is a big eye popping number in a league where we get -5 for each pick.

 

[-OZ-]

In three seasons, he has thrown a single TD or less 60% of the time.

Good info here.

True, but it's worth noting that he's thrown a single TD or more in 77.5% of his starts. (not Peytoneesque, but pretty consistent)

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I am just coming into the realization the BenBurger threw 23 picks last year.Can someone that watched him a lot tell me why that number was so high?Can you tell me why you think it will be lower this year?Or why you think it won't get any better?That 23 picks is a big eye popping number in a league where we get -5 for each pick.

Ben was tentative all year - rusty and befuddled. Between the car accident, appendectomy, and concussion, he was never able to get on track.

 

[BigRed]

He was that good in 2005, even if he didn't get to throw it that much.

...which is why he's a bad play. Consider: despite all his problems, he still threw a career high in TDs!18. I see very little upside and I want some of that from my QB2. No thanks.

 

[Tau837]

In three seasons, he has thrown a single TD or less 60% of the time.

Good info here.

True, but it's worth noting that he's thrown a single TD or more in 77.5% of his starts. (not Peytoneesque, but pretty consistent)

I assume the point of 1 TD or less was because with 1 TD or less it is likely not a great fantasy game. Furthermore, you deleted the other part that I thought was good info: In a third of his starts, he has thrown more INT's than TD's. Is that typical? I wouldn't think sn the other hand, I did just look at his game logs, and he has scored 15 or more fantasy points (FBG scoring) in 24 of 42 regular season games in his career. Now, is 15 points a good cutoff? Not sure.

 

[-OZ-]

In three seasons, he has thrown a single TD or less 60% of the time.

Good info here.

True, but it's worth noting that he's thrown a single TD or more in 77.5% of his starts. (not Peytoneesque, but pretty consistent)

I assume the point of 1 TD or less was because with 1 TD or less it is likely not a great fantasy game. Furthermore, you deleted the other part that I thought was good info: In a third of his starts, he has thrown more INT's than TD's. Is that typical? I wouldn't think sn the other hand, I did just look at his game logs, and he has scored 15 or more fantasy points (FBG scoring) in 24 of 42 regular season games in his career. Now, is 15 points a good cutoff? Not sure.

Bottom line, I wouldn't draft him very high, but at his current ADP (103/QB16), he has enough consistency and potential that I'd love to have him as my QB2. (FWIW, in one dynasty league, I do)

 

[rzrback77]

I really like the fantasy prospects for Big Ben Roethlisberger this year. He is a former 11th overall pick who has spent three seasons with the Steelers. He started right away in his rookie season playing 14 games. He had probably his worst season last year, but had the severe summer motorcycle injury and also had his appendix removed.

His three seasons stat review:

04 - 14 gms 196 comp 295 attempts (66.4%) 2621 (8.9 ypa) 17 TDs 11 ints 144 yds and 1 TD #21 QB

05 - 13 gms 168 comp 268 attempts (62.7%) 2385 (8.9 ypa) 17 TDs 9 ints 69 yds and 3 TDs #19 QB

06 - 15 gms 280 comp 469 attempts (59.7%) 3513 (7.5 ypa) 18 TDs 23 ints 98 yds and 2 TDs #10 QB

Even with the injury and accident, I see yearly totals that are not that bad. He started out very slowly and scored less than 10 fantasy points in each of his first three starts and also missed one game. But looking only the final twelve games,

Big Ben had TD passes in 11 of the 12 games

He had five multiple passing TD games (7 if you include rushing TDs)

He averaged 245 yds passing per game

Now consider that his coaching staff has expressed a desire to improve the passing attack. Big Ben also has multiple receiving options including Ward, Holmes, Washington, and Miller. I think that last year was one that he spent working through the life changing off field episodes and he seemed to shake that off down the stretch. I think that he comes back strong and the Steelers pass more than they have in years.

Big Ben 16 gms 300 comp 510 attempts (58.8%) 3978 yds (7.8 ypa) 24 TDs 14 ints 80 yds rush & 3 TDs

 

[Tau837]

I really like the fantasy prospects for Big Ben Roethlisberger this year. He is a former 11th overall pick who has spent three seasons with the Steelers. He started right away in his rookie season playing 14 games. He had probably his worst season last year, but had the severe summer motorcycle injury and also had his appendix removed.His three seasons stat review:04 - 14 gms 196 comp 295 attempts (66.4%) 2621 (8.9 ypa) 17 TDs 11 ints 144 yds and 1 TD #21 QB05 - 13 gms 168 comp 268 attempts (62.7%) 2385 (8.9 ypa) 17 TDs 9 ints 69 yds and 3 TDs #19 QB06 - 15 gms 280 comp 469 attempts (59.7%) 3513 (7.5 ypa) 18 TDs 23 ints 98 yds and 2 TDs #10 QBEven with the injury and accident, I see yearly totals that are not that bad. He started out very slowly and scored less than 10 fantasy points in each of his first three starts and also missed one game. But looking only the final twelve games, Big Ben had TD passes in 11 of the 12 gamesHe had five multiple passing TD games (7 if you include rushing TDs)He averaged 245 yds passing per game Now consider that his coaching staff has expressed a desire to improve the passing attack. Big Ben also has multiple receiving options including Ward, Holmes, Washington, and Miller. I think that last year was one that he spent working through the life changing off field episodes and he seemed to shake that off down the stretch. I think that he comes back strong and the Steelers pass more than they have in years.Big Ben 16 gms 300 comp 510 attempts (58.8%) 3978 yds (7.8 ypa) 24 TDs 14 ints 80 yds rush & 3 TDs

Career highs in completions, attempts, yards, passing TDs, and rushing TDs...

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Career highs in completions, attempts, yards, passing TDs, and rushing TDs...

Is that crazy to expect given the move from a pound-the-rock coach to one that's expressed a desire to throw more?And it's not like we're talking about career highs for someone that's been playing for 10 years here. We're talking about beating the previous totals of a 1st and 2nd year QB in a heavily run-first offense and a 3rd year QB who was going through all kinds of injury and near-death issues and improved heavily as he moved away from those.Quite frankly, I would be much, much, much more surprised if Roethlisberger DIDN'T put up career highs in most of those categories this year.