The old clichè “nothing lasts forever” holds especially true for careers in the NFL.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming to grips that this may be one of the last seasons with the the face of their franchise in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Pittsburgh Steelers Last Push With Ben Roethlisberger
Back in January, the Steelers 6’5″ gunslinger considered calling it quits prior to the 2017 season. Big Ben was on the record stating he had to “consider all options” going forward with his career, according to CBS Sports.
To many fans’ relief, Roethlisberger took to Twitter to announce he would come back for another year.
Informed the team I am looking forward to my 14th season. Steeler Nation will get my absolute best! — Ben.
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) April 7, 2017
But, how much does he have left in him, health-wise.
Now entering his 14th season as a pro, Roethlisberger has been the definition of injury riddled. Since 2006, he has accumulated a litany of injuries. From his head (concussion) all the way to his toes (foot sprain), and everything in between, staying healthy has been a challenge for the veteran signal caller.
In his career, he is only averaging 14 games played per year, while coming off a torn meniscus in his left knee in 2016.
Statistically, he still has thrown for 28 or more touchdowns in three of the last four years with 3,800-plus yards each season in that span.
Even with an ailing body, the five-time Pro Bowler knows he has legitimate shot at earning his third Super Bowl title.
In each of the last three years, the Steelers have won ten or more games.
Their offense has been elite with superstar players like Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Now, Roethlisberger has even more toys, with the addition of talented rookies in bruising running back James Conner and large, high flying wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
All of this took place while having a top-three offensive line, according to ProFootballFocus.
Roethlisberger, Steelers Need Defense to Succeed
To be successful in 2017, the 35-year-old field general needs to see improvement in his defense.
The period of being known as an elite defense are long behind the Steelers. The last time the team was listed number one in total defense was nearly five years ago.
But after years of declining numbers in sacks and turnovers the Steelers can have a drastic turnaround next season.
What was once known as an aging defense, now only has two 30-year-old starters in linebacker James Harrison, 39, and safety Mike Mitchell, 30.
There has been an emergence of young talent.
At linebacker, Bud Dupree has shown his ferocity, while Ryan Shazier emerged as a Pro-Bowler last season. Now add to the equation the Steelers’ first round pick, T.J. Watt, who could be a lengthy edge rusher.
The Steelers defensive front is strong, especially with their anchors Cameron Heyward (returning from injury), Stephon Tuitt and Javon Hargrave.
However, the Black and Gold’s biggest issue, which was apparent last season, was their lackadaisical pass defense.
Last year, the Steelers made it to the AFC Championship game, where they were torched by the New England Patriots, 36-17.
Tom Brady had his will against their defense, completing 32-of-42 passes for 384 yards and three touchdowns.
If year-two players in cornerback Artie Burns and safety Sean Davis can improve upon their successful rookie years their secondary can be strong. Among the duo, they combined for four interceptions and 135 combined tackles.
Mitchell has stepped up and said he has high expectation from his Steelers’ D.
“I think we’ve made some progress, I think we took some strides last year to become a better defense,” Mitchell told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “But if we’re not number one, we’re not good enough.
To make the leap, the Steelers need more help in their defensive backfield. The group ranked 30th in pass defense in 2016.
In the off-season they acquired defensive back help through the draft in third-rounder Cam Sutton and fifth-rounder Brian Allen.
They also signed veteran cornerback Coty Sensabaugh in free agency.
The Steelers still haven’t seen the talents of injured cornerback Senquez Golson, who was the 56th overall pick in the NFL 2015 draft.
If the Steelers can get the secondary help they need, Roethlisberger’s last ride could end in more bling to his collection.
