Where does Steelers Ben Roethlisberger rank among AFC North quarterbacks?
By Tommy Jaggi
The AFC North is suddenly getting good at the quarterback position. Here’s where I have Steelers Ben Roethlisberger ranked among the group in 2020.
The Steelers have gone more than a decade with indisputably the best quarterback in the AFC North. Ben Roethlisberger was typically considered a top 10 quarterback year after year, and with passers like Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton to compete against, it was really no contest.
During Ben’s career, the Browns have changed quarterbacks more than I can remember before settling on Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick, but even he is in a ‘prove it’ year. Unfortunately, Roethlisberger is not as young as he once was and the rest of the division is quickly catching up at the position.
With that being said, here are my AFC North quarterback rankings for the 2020 season:
1. Lamar Jackson
It’s hard to argue against the league MVP from a season ago, and I’m still bitter about the Steelers passing on Lamar Jackson in 2018 for Terrell Edmunds. Jackson is a rare breed of quarterback. Though he still has some things to work on as a passer, he improved his consistency in 2019 showcased the ability to squeeze the ball into tight windows.
As a runner, he may be the best in the history of the league at the quarterback position. Jackson is incredibly fast, twitchy, and decisive as a runner. Despite his narrow frame, he rarely takes a big hit running the ball.
Even with the return of Ben Roethlisberger in 2020, it’s hard to bet against one of the league’s best young quarterbacks having another good sesaon again this year. Lamar Jackson could be a nightmare for the Steelers for years to come.