You’re watching the Steelers last playoff run with Ben Roethlisberger

The Pittsburgh Steelers could make a deep postseason run or have an early exit. Either way, this is the end of Ben Roethlisberger as we know him. 

Of the 14 teams that made the postseason, five have quarterbacks that are over the age of 35. Aaron Rodgers is having an MVP season at 37 while Tom Brady continues to defy age at 43. Drew Brees will turn 42 next week and Philip Rivers recently turned 39.

The two latter quarterbacks both are ready to call it careers no matter their playoff outcomes. But what about the 38-year-old Ben Roethlisberger? What’s his status moving forward?

The Pittsburgh Steelers will play host to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday night. Barring a win, the team chemistry won’t last much longer.

Roethlisberger is regressing each snap, this could be the final run in the Steel City for the long-time franchise quarterback.

Whether he decides to return or not is irrelevant, as the Steelers cap decisions suggest it’s time for Pittsburgh to prepare for the future at multiple positions — including quarterback.

The Steelers could enter rebuild mode this offseason

Roethlisberger returning to the gridiron is already a win in his book. Last season, fans wondered if he’d ever be able to throw again following elbow surgery. An offseason later, he’s back in the postseason.

For the problems the Steelers have faced over the final month of play, one still has to give Roethlisberger credit. He led the offense to an 11-0 start, the best in franchise history. He also threw for 3,890 yards and 33 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.

The problem? Passing length. Roethlisberger set a career-low average with 6.3 yards per throw. Blame it on Randy Fichtner’s play-calling? Sure. Age? Without a doubt.

Perhaps the magic of Roethlisberger could return one final time at Heinz Field this season. Earlier this season, the Steelers managed to pull off a 38-7 victory over the Browns, their largest margin of victory on the year.

Roethlisberger was consistent, throwing for 162 yards and a touchdown while his defense caused a pair of turnovers and four sacks.

There’s a changing of the guard when it comes to quarterback greats. Roethlisberger will enter the legacy of great pocket-passers from the 2000s whenever he decides to hang up his cleats. But the Steelers have pressing needs in the short-term.

If Sunday could be his final playoff game, Roethlisberger better make it special for the fans of black and yellow.