Sporting News: Roethlisberger gives “the Steelers the fourth-best all-around QB in the division.”


Is the Bengals' Joe Burrow really better than Ben Roethlisberger?


… "Or maybe not"


Are Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow actually better than Ben Roethlisberger in 2021?


That was what Sporting News was intimating with their analysis of the Steelers’ chances for 2021. TSN ranked them 14th primarily because of their defense, but is this really accurate?


Truth be told: Preseason rankings mean nothing, and this power ranking will flesh out as the season starts next month. Right now, Roethlisberger is being remembered for his woeful performance in the Steelers playoff encounter in 2020. 


In the game, the Steelers fell behind the Cleveland Browns 28-0 by the end of the first quarter. Roethlisberger threw four interceptions in that loss, and the Steeler exited the playoffs again in abject horror. 


They lost to the Browns who had won something like only one playoff game in about two decades?


That is what led the magazine to question whether or not Roethlisberger is not as good today as Mayfield, Jackson, and Burrow. They are all young, not in their late 30s, and they represent a bright future for all of those teams. 


Here is the entirety of what the magazine wrote,


14. Pittsburgh Steelers (16)


The Steelers don't need to worry about their defense being a reliable strength. They go into camp with new offensive coordinator Matt Canada trying to restore their power running with rookie first-rounder Najee Harris. Ben Roethlisberger is trying to hold back Father Time with better health, but after a bad playoff end with a weaker arm, the 39-year-old needs a standout camp leaning on play-action to inspire again. Whispering Big Ben still will give the Steelers the fourth-best all-around QB in the division.


The Sporting News


Ben has been QB for the past ten years when the Steelers have not been close to a Super Bowl. This year will be no different — and may be much worse. 


Remember that Roethlisberger surprised everyone last year as the Steelers ran out to an 11-0 start. Maybe the same will happen this year.


Or maybe not. 


The Steelers may have the worst offensive line in their recent history. 


Or maybe not. 


They may have a rookie hall of fame running back according to many optimists. 


Or maybe not. 


Mike Tomlin may continue to win 65 percent of his regular season games. 


Or maybe not. 


Time will tell. 


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