PITTSBURGH STEELERS

CAN BEN ROETHLISBERGER SURVIVE FIVE MORE SEASONS

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, is looking to play five more seasons. But is it a realistic goal?

Ben Roethlisberger is 36-years-old. He has played 14, tough, seasons in the NFL. After each of the past two seasons, he publicly contemplated retirement. Then, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph this year.

Afterwards, Ben said he wants to play another 4 or 5 seasons. He has two years left on his contract. I’m hearing that the Steelers will negotiate an extension following this season.

Presuming both parties reach an agreement. Should the extension be two, three or four years? And, what factors should be considered?

Putting myself in Kevin Colbert’s shoes, I would factor into the contract negotiations Ben’s age, history of injuries and style of play.

NEXT: FACTOR 1: AGE

According to Evan Horowitz of the Boston Globe, QB performance starts declining around 38 years of age. By this time, most QBs are generally less efficient. They throw shorter passes and more INTs. In fact, their INT rates skyrocket 140%, while their yards per attempt plummets 30%.

But, all QBs are not created equal. One’s fitness program, diet and injury history directly affects performance. Look at Tom Brady. MVP at age 40.

Roethlisberger shows no signs of slowing down. But, Father Time is undefeated! If Ben wishes to play a few more seasons, he better maintain a disciplined regimen.

FACTOR 2: INJURY

According to Sports Injury Predictor, Ben Roethlisberger has sustained 23 injuries during his career. Everything from concussions to MCL, shoulder and foot sprains.

Because of his mindset, toughness and heart, Ben has missed only 19 games. Remarkable, considering he played behind a porous OL for the first five years. Between 2006 and 2009, opponents sacked Ben an average of 47 times per season.

Thank goodness, the Steelers finally addressed their OL situation. Starting in 2010, they drafted Maurkice Pouncey, Marcus Gilbert and David DeCastro in consecutive years. Two Pro Bowlers and a solid contributor. Great investment! Since the 2015 season, Ben has been sacked no more than 21 times.

However, this season, the Steelers enter Training Camp with some OL questions. Can they replace the losses of Chris Hubbard (FA) and Jerald Hawkins (ACL)? Will B.J. Finney, Matt Feiler and rookie Chukwuma Okorafor step up? Who knows? But, doing so, keeps Roethlisberger healthy and chasing more championships.

NEXT: FACTOR 3: PLAY STYLE

There’s no QB better than Roethlisberger at extending plays and accurately throwing downfield. When he rolls out, Steelers fans get nervous! Will he get picked? Will he get hurt?

We know Ben holds the ball too long. Then tries to force it into a tight window. With his arm strength and accuracy, Ben believes he will make every throw, every time. This gunslinger mentality sets him apart from most QBs and makes him great.

Through the seasons, Ben realized he is but a mere mortal. He understands if he wants to continue playing he must adapt his game.

First, he quickened his release time. According to Pro Football Focus and Next Gen Stats, Ben has shortened his release time from 2.73 seconds (2011) to 2.56 seconds (2017). This makes the OL’s job easier and keeps Ben upright.

Second, he has reduced his average rushing attempts to two per game (Sports Injury Predictor). Ben understands that running exposes him to a greater risk of injury. Throw the ball away! Live to play another play!

There you have it. Ben Roethlisberger can compete (at a high level) for the next 4 or 5 seasons, if he plays smart and remains motivated, fit and relatively injury free.

With 5 more seasons, Ben’s career passing stats would look something like this: 5,884 completions in 9,168 attempts, for 71,240 yards, with 472 TDs and 241 INTs.

He should also have more than 200 wins.

So, as Ben Roethlisberger’s career starts winding down. Please reflect on what he has accomplished for himself, the City of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation. First-Ballot Hall of Famer!