Well, is he or isn’t he…
…an elite quarterback?
“How many Super Bowls does a guy have to win to get some respect around here?” – SI’s Kerry J. Byrne, from his column below.
From Sports Illustrated “Cold Hard Football Facts” columnist Kerry J. Byrne this afternoon:
Ben Roethlisberger’s name never comes up when it comes time to name the elite quarterbacks.
It should.
The truth is Big Ben is one of the most prolific passers in the history of football. The problem is many fans and pigskin pundits are obsessed with meaningless volume numbers and not the meaningful efficiency numbers — such as average per attempt — that have a high correlation to success.
Roethlisberger’s career average of 8.04 yards per attempt is the fifth highest mark in the history of football. Three of the guys ahead of him are in the Hall of Fame (Graham, Luckman, Van Brocklin). He’s topped 8.0 YPA in a season four times in seven years. Peyton Manning’s done it twice in 13 seasons. Tom Brady? Just once.
The Steelers instantly became contenders the day Big Ben walked on the field. And they are a threat to win it all again. Roethlisberger’s historic ability to puncture defenses with long passing plays is the biggest reason.
You can read more from Mr. Byrne here.
From ESPN‘s John Clayton, who has Ben ranked 4th in the Elite Divison:
His formula – these quarterbacks complete better than 60 percent of their passes, have 4,000-yard passing potential and demonstrate fourth-quarter comeback ability. These players can carry a team to the playoffs.
1. Tom Brady
2. Peyton Manning
3. Drew Brees
4. Ben Roethlisberger – Roethlisberger grew up as a person after starting the season with a four-game suspension and remained every bit as good as a quarterback. The only knock is his tendency to have low-scoring games against top defenses.
Mr. Clayton also has Ben ranked as the top tier quarterback in the AFC North.
To understand his ranking system and to read his full list, click here.
And while the Baltimore Sun’s Matt Vensel agreed with Mr. Clayton’s 1 through 4, he differed with the rest of his list:
I briefly mentioned earlier that my definition of an elite quarterback is a little different, […]
Steelers are AFC North Division Champs
“This is one step to what we hope is the ultimate…we love to win the division, especially this division, because it’s a hard division to win. We hope this is just the beginning.” — Ben, to reporters after the game.
Today’s Game: Steelers 41, Browns 9
1st Playoff Game: Saturday, January 15th at 4:30 p.m. (CBS)
Media Notes & Quotes….
From ESPN:
The Steelers (12-4) clinched the AFC North division title and a first-round bye for the second time in three years. Pittsburgh holds the No. 2 seed and would only have to play on the road at New England if both of those teams play in the AFC title game.
The Steelers return to the playoffs for the first time since winning the Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Pittsburgh will play the highest seed from the wild-card round.
You can read more here.
From Tom Withers, AP:
Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes as the Steelers geared up for another Super Bowl run by winning their division and securing a first-round playoff bye with a 41-9 win Sunday over Cleveland. He finished 15 of 22 for 280 yards and has gone 158 consecutive attempts without throwing an interception, the longest streak of his career.
In winning its third division title in four years, Pittsburgh guaranteed itself at least one postseason home game.
Roethlisberger, who got to rest most of the second half, threw a 56-yard TD to Mike Wallace on his first pass. The Steelers (11-5) built a 31-3 halftime lead and rocked the rival Browns (5-11).
You can read more here.
From Slam Sports:
The Steelers were in control throughout the regular season finale, scoring on all six possessions with Roethlisberger under center.
Troy Polamalu, returned from a two-game absence and made an immediate impact with an interception on the second play from scrimmage. On the next snap, Wallace got behind the secondary and hauled in Roethlisberger’s 56-yard bomb for an early lead that was quickly extended.
Wallace’s 41-yard catch and run highlighted a 10-play, 71-yard march that Mendenhall capped with a one-yard run with 6:57 left in the opening quarter.
Pittsburgh continued to impose its will on offense on the ensuing possession, which ended in another Mendenhall one-yard romp for a 21-3 cushion.
McCoy was intercepted on Cleveland’s next two drives. […]
Best quotes of 2010…
From the website manager’s perspective:
All things being equal, give me No. 7. In the NFL’s biggest game, on its grandest stage, I’ll take Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger over Indianapolis Colts’ wunderkind Peyton Manning to win a Super Bowl. — The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review‘s John Harris, January 9th.
“He put a smile on my family’s face today and I’m pretty sure my son will never forget it. If he does, he’s always got a nice picture and autograph to remind him. I should have never prejudged the guy like so many others.” — Colin Gratchen, in an email to me about his son Maddox meeting Ben , April 23rd.
“We’ll welcome him with open arms. He’s still our quarterback, and he doesn’t have to win over anybody.” — Hines Ward, from an interview, May 1st.
“Our relationship with Ben is exactly as it has always been. Nothing has changed…He’s met with kids from all over country, not just our chapter. He’s a hot commodity.” — Judith Stone, the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Make-A-Wish branch, from an interview with Fox Sports, May 3rd.
“When Ben showed up, it was absolutely electric!! The kids were ecstatic and regardless of how the media portrays it, as far as I could tell most, if not all, of the parents were happy to see him, too. I didn’t hear a single negative reaction.” — Parent Anita Doddroe, who was on hand for Ben’s surprise visit to the Coach Tomlin Football Camp, June 27th.
“Driving up here today I was talking to my dad, and for the first time it hit me about what is about to happen and – who knows? I got scared. I really did. He said it is OK to be scared and afraid of those things, and to just be yourself and be human; and that is what hit me coming up here. I don’t know what is going to happen, and I am scared.” — Ben, during an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette‘s Ed Bouchette, July 30th.
“Roethlisberger walked down the hill to practice amid cheers. Not a boo was heard.” — Tweet from Steel City Insider‘s Jim […]
Ben announces grant to Cleveland area police department
Today, Ben announced the ninth and final grant of the 2010 season outside of the Pittsburgh area from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.
The Foundation will be distributing a grant to the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department (CMHAPD), located in Cleveland, Ohio. The Steelers play the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday.
The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department will use the grant to purchase much needed detection training supplies and protection equipment for their K-9 unit. The funds will help fill a void in the department left by the loss of Kubo, CMHA’s three-year old police dog, who died on September 27, 2010 during a training exercise.
Chief of Police Andres Gonzalez said, “I want to thank The Ben Foundation Foundation for this very timely award. We will now be able to enhance our training program and purchase needed items and vests for our K-9 unit.”
CEO and Safety Director George Phillips-Oliver added, “I appreciate the consideration given to us by The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation. This generous grant will significantly enhance our police department. It will be used to improve the K-9 unit.”
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is distributing grants to police and fire departments in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities of each regular season away-game for the Steelers in the 2010 season.
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation invited police and fire departments in the nine cities to submit proposals detailing their needs.
For more info, check out the Foundation page here.
For information on the Giving Back Fund, click here.
You can also contact them directly:
Stephanie Sandler
The Giving Back Fund
310.649.5222
ssandler@givingback.org
Also Today:
“This is December football. If you don’t know what that means, find someone that does and ride with them! Time to ride boys, no more messin’ around!” — Ben, in the huddle during the Steelers vs. Panthers game.
NFL Videos is featuring a Sound FX of a wired Coach Tomlin and Ben from last week’s game against the Panthers.
Does Ben know how to Dougie? Is Coach worried Ben will “John Wayne” it?
You can check it out here.
Ben wins “Chief Award”
Congratulations to Ben!
Ben was the recipient of the Chief Award today, an honor that is given annually to the Steelers player that is most helpful and cooperative with the media.
“I said I need to be more cooperative with people, be a better person,” said Ben. “It’s just a change I wanted to make in my life.”
The award is voted on annually by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association. The award is named after Steelers founder, Art Rooney.
“Anything named after ‘The Chief’ or the Rooney family is an honor,” he said. “So it is an honor.”
It is the first time in 23 years that a quarterback has won the award.
You can watch an interview with Ben about the award here.
Also Today:
Congratulations to rookie center Maurkice Pouncey. He was the recipient of the Joe Greene Award, which is given to the team’s outstanding rookie.
Ben spoke today about Maurkice’s first trip to the Pro Bowl –
“I am not surprised. I told you guys all along he is one of the best in the game. He is going to be the best. The sky is the limit for him. I am just happy and proud that everyone recognized it.”
And:
Career long consecutive pass attempt streak for Ben
Ben has a current streak of 136 consecutive pass attempts without throwing an interception, which is a career long streak. The streak began following his interception by CB Josh Wilson against Baltimore on Dec. 5 (Week 13). His previous best was a streak of 129 pass attempts without an interception during the 2008 season. That streak began at New England 11/30 when he was picked off by Mike Vrabel on his second pass attempt…He then attempted 129 pass attempts vs. Dallas 12/7, at Baltimore 12/14 and at Tennessee 12/21. Ben’s 130th pass attempt was intercepted by Michael Griffin, thus ending his streak at 129.
Ben’s current streak of 136 games is the longest for the Steelers since Kordell Stewart had a streak of 159 consecutive pass attempts without an interception in 2001. Stewart’s streak began after his last pass attempt at Tampa Bay 10/21 when he was picked off by Ronde Barber…it started vs. Tennessee 10/29 and continued vs. Baltimore 11/4, at Cleveland 11/11, vs. Jacksonville 11/18, at Tennessee 11/25 and ended at Minnesota 12/2. Stewart’s fifth pass was intercepted by Robert Griffith, thus ending […]
New fan photos…
Carolina comes through during a quiet week!
Carolina Quintero had great seats and her camera at the December 19th game at Heinz Field against the Jets.
Now, the Steelers didn’t win, but we did with these great photos of Ben and your other favorite players, including some fun shots of the weekly “attack” ritual on Casey Hampton!
You can check out her photos here.
*Thank you so much, Carolina!
Also Today:
Congratulations to Maurkice Pouncey, James Harrison, and Troy Polamalu on their selections to represent the Steelers at the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday, January 30, 2011, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ben and teammates Heath Miller, Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton, LaMarr Woodley, and Ryan Clark are all Pro Bowl alternates.
Thank you to all those fans who voted for Ben and his other teammates as well!
And:
Ben received an Honorable Mention for “A Year Full of Earful: The best sports quotes from 2010” as compiled by the Covers.com staff:
“I look like I went 12 rounds with (Manny) Pacquiao. I guess I’ll be having a little surgery in the morning to get it fixed.” — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the broken nose he suffered following a hard hit at the hands of Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata earlier this season. The next week, Roethlisberger wore a face shield on his helmet.
You can check out more great quotes from their list here.