Whether you're a fan of Ben Roethlisberger or not, you have to admit that he's clearly lost the spring in his step through the first two games of the Pittsburgh Steelers this season.
Not everyone can be Tom Brady. But the Roethlisberger has looked every bit that part of a man less than half a year from turning 40 years old.
This has reportedly led to mounting concern from within the Steelers organization, according to a report from Jason La Canfora. Several executives from around the league are taking notice as well, with many casting doubt on Big Ben being able to even get through the season.
Via CBS Sports:
“This looks like what I saw last December,” said one AFC exec who has kept a close eye on the Steelers. “He isn't any better, and he's getting hit all the time now, too. That's a problem.”
The Steelers were unbeatable during the early part of last season, going 11-0 and lording over the NFL as the only unbeaten team left. But just as Ben Roethlisberger started running out of the gas, the team floundered, losing five of their last six games including the embarrassing Wild Card loss to the Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers have been seeing that same second-half QB from last season so far. One that's quick to the trigger to get the football out of his hands and is no longer as effective getting the ball downfield.
“The ball gets out in two seconds, or he gets hit,” said another executive. “And he can't shake 'em off like he used to. I don't think they can get him through the season like this.”
These next few games will be huge in terms of how the Steelers plan to operate for the rest of the year. If Ben Roethlisberger can't combat Father Time any longer, things could get interesting.
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