Ben Roethlisberger could set records in his 17th NFL season

Can Ben Roethlisberger outperform the expectations?

Is there a better word to describe the quarterback Roethlisberger is other than toughness? From the on-field challenges and moments to his ability to stand tall in the pocket, Big Ben represents more than just his stature. 2020 will be a test not only physically, but with a roster that has so much skillful youth to it. He will be without a real number one and bell-cow back he has been accustomed to, but it shouldn’t stop him from setting new heights.

Everyone knows the exercise where the best of any particular position gets picked apart to create the “Superman-like” totality of that grouping. Patrick Mahomes’ creativity with Lamar Jackson’s running and Russell Wilson’s on-the-run throwing, etc., etc… Taking that same idea, take a slight left.

Year 17 QBs All-Time Highs (min. 10 games)

Throwing Yards – 4334 (2017 Drew Brees)

Touchdowns – 28 (Tied w/ 2016 Tom Brady & 2007 Brett Favre)

Completion Percentage – 72.01% (2017 Drew Brees)

Interceptions – 2 (2016 Tom Brady)

QB Rate – 112.2 (2016 Tom Brady)

Yards Per Game – 296.2 (2016 Tom Brady)

Combining the ultimate year 17 QB statistically, this is a sensational season altogether. High marks for efficiency plus volume, the names speak for themselves, and Ben has a chance to add himself to the list.

Out of the six stats provided, Roethlisberger has already surpassed passing yards, touchdowns, and yards per game multiple times, latest being in 2018. Flirting with Tom Brady’s leader passer rating among this group back in 2007 (104.1) & closest to being with Brees completion percentage in 2017 (68.0), not only would eclipsing these numbers be unheard of ever at this age but for Ben’s career as well.

Now, in reality, as long as Ben can and will lead this team to victories, that’s all that matters. However, if Ben was to perform at a level that played around with 4,500 yards, 30 touchdowns & a 70+ completion percentage alone, how far can the Pittsburgh Steelers go? The interceptions are the biggest question, as, despite his greatness, he has only thrown under 10 INTs in a single-season, where he played at least ten games, just four times. Still an illustrious career & with a defense that led the league in turnovers in 2019, it’s not a cause of concern if he throws more than 2 INTs, although it would be careful not to.