Find the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “next” quarterback is exciting until he’s under center and the next chapter of the team begins.
Coming into the 2017 NFL season, the sports world believed Ben Roethlisberger was about to play his final season of football. Contemplating retirement before the start of the year, analysts began to turn their attention towards the team’s future.
Looking at the 2018 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh was fine. There’s at least four quarterbacks heading to the NFL worthy of a first-round selection. Even a predicted late first round pick could contain a franchise quarterback.
Which got people excited. The Steelers were about to make their biggest offensive selection since Le’Veon Bell. It might have meant a set back in this team’s Super Bowl plans, but hey, new quarterback.
Fans gets excited about new quarterbacks. It’s the most exciting draft pick in football. Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, who wouldn’t be ready to go order that rookie jersey?
No one remembers how bad it’s going to get, though. Yeah, guys like Deshawn Watson and Dak Prescott pulled off some incredible things for rookies. Watson probably could’ve won the Super Bowl if he didn’t tear his ACL. But it’s a long shot.
Most times you’ll get a year or two of scoping it out. You’ll find players like Carson Wentz and Jared Goff; guys who can win you playoff games, but need a year or two to kick everything into gear and start really winning.
Pittsburgh’s too talented all around not to stay a playoff team without Ben. So, worrying about becoming the Browns isn’t a fear anyone should have.
There’s an adjustment period, though. This team isn’t going to continue winning 13, 14 games. Staying competitive for a Super Bowl isn’t as likely. On top of it all, you waste years off Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell’s careers.
You don’t have these issues with Roethlisberger. You have the constant worry of when his talent runs out, but until then, you’re safe. The faith this team should have in him, seeing everything he’s done for Pittsburgh over the years, there shouldn’t be a question whether or not he’d tell them when he’s losing it.
The moment Ben begins to feel like he’s not positively impacting this team, he’d make an adjustment, even if that meant him not playing.
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Never look at Big Ben as the old guy. He’s still got it. And no one’s going to know how badly the Steelers will miss him until he’s gone.