What does Philip Rivers’ retirement mean for Ben Roethlisberger?

The Indianapolis Colts quarterback has elected to retire. What does that mean for Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One down, two to go.

Philip Rivers officially announced his retirement after 17 years in the NFL. His legacy will forever be mixed with those believing on a better roster, he’d be a Super Bowl champ. On stats alone, Rivers should be in Canton at some point.

Rivers is the first of the domino effects to fall in the changing of the guard under center. Expectations are that Drew Brees will be calling it a career following the 30-20 loss to Tampa Bay in a matter of days.

So, what about Ben Roethlisberger? Is he the next to hang up the cleats for good?

Roethlisberger announced he plans on returning for the 2021 season. Will it be with the Pittsburgh Steelers? That’s another question. No matter the outcome though, Roethlisberger’s limitations show he’s closer to calling it a career than rejuvenating it.

Rivers’ announcement should be the wake-up call that the clock has struck midnight on Big Ben.

Rivers’ statically had a stronger year than Roethlisberger

Both quarterbacks came into the league in 2004. In 2019, both had setbacks that could have led to an early curtain call. Roethlisberger suffered an elbow injury that sidelined him for all but two games and Rivers was atrocious for the Chargers’ passing attack.

The Colts took a risk on building Rivers back up with Frank Reich and Nick Sirianni. It paid dividends and the 39-year-old regained his confidence and near top-tier form. The Colts finished in the top 10 in total yards, first downs and rushing while Rivers barely missed the cut in passing.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers to an 11-0 start in large part due to defensive success. The team looked to be running away with the division entering the final month of action. Instead, the Steelers dropped four of their last five games, with their lone win coming to the Colts.

Rivers completed 68 percent of his passes with a weaker arsenal. Roethlisberger completed only 65 percent. The Colts’ quarterback had a YPA of 7.7 yards. Roethlisberger went for 6.3. Even with weaker weapons, Rivers’ outdueled Roethlisberger in the battle of ageless wonders for the future.

Roethlisberger will have to learn a brand new offense under Matt Canada. Canada’s approach is more of a pre-snap style of play with plenty of jet sweeps and motions being added at the line of scrimmage. Does that sound like a Roethlisberger-style of offense?

If Roethlisberger has the same respect for the Steelers, Rivers’ announcement should be the sign that it’s time to hand in his two-week notice.