Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger gets ultimate test against tough 2021 schedule

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is going to be challenged against some of the league’s best quarterbacks in 2021.

They say your team will only go as far as your quarterback can take you. Ben Roethlisberger is about to put that theory to the test for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021. After playing a record number of backup quarterbacks in 2020 that helped aid an 11-0 start, the face of the franchise has a daunting task ahead of him that could send him into retirement on a high note or leave Steelers fans unsatisfied.

Football is a team sport; there’s no getting around that. Even the best quarterbacks need a group of guys they can count on to help them win games. However, today’s NFL is changing rapidly as it transitions into a pass-heavy league. Because of this, average quarterbacks no longer seem to cut it.

Last year, elite quarterbacks dominated the competition. Just look at the playoff bracket. The four quarterbacks in the Championship Games last year were Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Josh Allen. Ironically enough, these were your MVP candidates last season, with Rodgers taking home the trophy.

Yes, there is talent around them, but it’s no coincidence that arguably the four best passers in the league all made it to the Conference Championship game last year. The question is, can Ben Roethlisberger go toe-to-toe with some of the league’s best quarterbacks in 2021?

Steelers have an uphill battle with Big Ben at the helm

This isn’t meant as a slight against Ben Roethlisberger by any means. We all know that Ben has had a terrific career that will result in Hall of Fame honors. However, there’s no doubt that it is going to be difficult for the 39-year-old to outpace some of the league’s best passers in 2021.

The Steelers have challenging matchups against the Packers, Chiefs, and Seahawks. Each of these teams, for my money, has a top-five quarterback in the league. There’s no question that Rodgers, Mahomes, and Russell Wilson are capable of dropping 30-40 points on any given game – even against the stingiest defenses.

In addition, other quarterbacks Pittsburgh must face like Baker Mayfield, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Derek Carr all have an arrow that is pointed up. Even Joe Burrow could prove to give the Steelers a run for their money twice per year now.

Obviously, it’s possible that Big Ben could improve on his 2020 performance – especially if Pittsburgh can get things going on the ground this year. Unfortunately, any improvement we might see probably won’t be drastic, as Roethlisberger is pushing 40.

A great defense can only get you so far in today’s passing league, and they still have difficulties against elite quarterbacks. If Ben is on the money, he’s certainly good enough to compete against the best the league has to offer, but his 2021 schedule is undeniably tough this year.