3 quarterbacks Steelers can bench Ben Roethlisberger for right now
By Mark Powell
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to evaluate their options with Ben Roethlisberger while they still have a playoff spot to protect.
As painful as it may be for a fanbase that has grown accustomed to seeing No. 7 behind center week in and week out, Roethlisberger is actively costing the Steelers games with his poor play and limited offensive output. Sure, his veteran stature and knowledge of the offense has held mend some fences with new offensive coordinator Matt Canada, but at this point, we know what the Steelers are with Big Ben behind center, and it’s not promising.
Roethlisberger’s lack of mobility and arm strength all came to a head in a bad first half against the Cincinnati Bengals, which ended in a pick-6 right to former Steeler Mike Hilton. Could it get any worse for Pittsburgh?
Steelers rumors: Who could replace Ben Roethlisberger right now?
Philip Rivers
Rivers is limited at this point in his career, but for just a few games at the tail end of the season, he may be the perfect replacement. The veteran signal-caller would come in with the quick-hitting knowledge to pick up on the Steelers offense and Matt Canada’s scheme on the fly. Meanwhile, the adjustment for the offensive line and skill position players from Roethlisberger to Rivers wouldn’t be severe whatsoever, as they’re similar quarterbacks at this age.
Last season with the Colts, Rivers looked to be in a similar position to Roethlisberger — running on fumes. Yet, he didn’t necessarily retire by choice. He would’ve played elsewhere if given the opportunity, and has even flirted with a comeback at points this season. Hell, this isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned him as a legitimate option for a team in search of a veteran QB.
For Pittsburgh, it can’t hurt. The Steelers are holding onto playoff positioning by a thread, and even that could be in jeopardy by the end of next weekend. Adding Rivers to the mix at the beginning of the week could make him a legitimate starting option in this offense by next Sunday, at home, against the Ravens.
It’s a tall order, but will Roethlisberger really fare much better moving forward?