One year ago against this opponent at Heinz Field, Ben Roethlisberger passed for over 500 yards and threw six touchdown passes in a performance that was historic in some ways and merely magnificent in others while guiding the Steelers to a big win that served as something of a springboard for the team through the middle portion of its schedule. He couldn’t possibly manufacture an encore against these same Indianapolis Colts, right?
Maybe not statistically, but in terms of significance and magnificence, Roethlisberger came awfully close. He finished by completing 24-of-39 (61.5 percent) for 364 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a rating of 126.4. He also ran once for 13 yards to convert a third down. Roethlisberger had seven completions for 20-plus yards through the first three quarters during a game in which he completed passes to six different receivers, two of whom had over 100 yards, and three of whom caught at least one touchdown pass. And this 45-10 victory over Indianapolis was significant because it followed a loss in Seattle, and December is no time for losing streaks for a team fighting for a playoff spot.
Roethlisberger is the Steelers Digest Player of the Week.