4 takeaways from Steelers overtime win against the Seattle Seahawks
By Tommy Jaggi
Ben Roethlisberger’s struggles cannot be ignored
Some might think that I spend too much time reflecting on the performance of Ben Roethlisberger, but what is more important to the success of the team than your starting quarterback? Though Ben has technically done just enough to get the job done over the past two weeks, I’m worried that it’s not going to be enough to lean on this season.
Against the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, Roethlisberger attempted 40 passes but threw for just 229 yards. His 5.7 yards per attempt was lower than backup quarterback Geno Smith in this contest, and when throwing 10 air yards or beyond, Ben was just 4 of 12 — one of which was a dropped interception.
Prior to this game, Seattle’s defense was the most suspect in the league — surrendering 450 yards per game to their opponents through the first five weeks of the season. Sadly, Big Ben was not able to capitalize.
Roethlisberger has now passed for 5.9 yards per attempt or lower in 3 of 5 games this season and in 11 of his last 16 games dating back to the 2020 season, according to Pro Football Reference. His inability to pass the ball effectively down the field and put up points is going to prove to hold the Steelers back this season.