Twitter
Facebook
RSSEveryone in SteelerNation has to answer this question regarding Ben Roethlisberger: Do you want to see him traded or not?
If you've answered yes to that question, then hear this: Pittsburgh has had a bevy of very good teams since the end of the 80's and not a single one ended in a championship until Ben.
The excellent teams of 1992, 1994, and 1995 with O'Donnell under center excelled during the regular season and into the playoffs. But without a franchise caliber quarterback they failed to win the Lombardi. Those teams had some of the best defenses you'll ever see. Great running games. A host of versatile receivers. Still, it comes down to the QB not being able to make the big plays when called upon.
The great teams of the late 90's and early 2000's, including 1997 and 2001 with Kordell Stewart, also failed to win "One for the Thumb". Why? Stellar defenses, crushing ground games, and threats at wide receiver. What happened? The quarterback couldn't stand up to the pressure when needed.
The best record in Steeler history was recorded in 2004 at 15-1 with a young Ben on the field. However, that was mainly because of a dominant defense and unstoppable running game. When it came time for the then young quarterback to pull out a big win, he floundered.
Starting with 2005, and a now fairly seasoned Roethlisberger slinging the ball, Pittsburgh began to achieve greatness not seen since the 1970's. Same high-caliber defense and great ground game - but the difference was Ben.
Each year since the team has relied more and more on the throwing arm of Roethlisberger and less on the ground game. The defense is still dominant, but when it flounders Pittsburgh has a QB in Roethlisberger that can win the game on offense.
Pittsburgh searched every nook and cranny for an above average quarterback since 1983, throwing on the field the likes of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Kordell Stewart, and Kent Graham. Most made it to the playoffs (thanks to their supporting cast members) - none got over the hump.
So ask yourself this - do you truly, truly want to go back to being "a game away" for the next 20 years or are you willing to put up with the unproven allegations and give the man a chance to make up for his bad judgment?
The 2010 season could very easily bring Pittsburgh a 7th Lombardi with Ben, or it could be another "one game away"
If you've answered yes to that question, then hear this: Pittsburgh has had a bevy of very good teams since the end of the 80's and not a single one ended in a championship until Ben.
The excellent teams of 1992, 1994, and 1995 with O'Donnell under center excelled during the regular season and into the playoffs. But without a franchise caliber quarterback they failed to win the Lombardi. Those teams had some of the best defenses you'll ever see. Great running games. A host of versatile receivers. Still, it comes down to the QB not being able to make the big plays when called upon.
The great teams of the late 90's and early 2000's, including 1997 and 2001 with Kordell Stewart, also failed to win "One for the Thumb". Why? Stellar defenses, crushing ground games, and threats at wide receiver. What happened? The quarterback couldn't stand up to the pressure when needed.
The best record in Steeler history was recorded in 2004 at 15-1 with a young Ben on the field. However, that was mainly because of a dominant defense and unstoppable running game. When it came time for the then young quarterback to pull out a big win, he floundered.
Starting with 2005, and a now fairly seasoned Roethlisberger slinging the ball, Pittsburgh began to achieve greatness not seen since the 1970's. Same high-caliber defense and great ground game - but the difference was Ben.
Each year since the team has relied more and more on the throwing arm of Roethlisberger and less on the ground game. The defense is still dominant, but when it flounders Pittsburgh has a QB in Roethlisberger that can win the game on offense.
Pittsburgh searched every nook and cranny for an above average quarterback since 1983, throwing on the field the likes of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Bubby Brister, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Kordell Stewart, and Kent Graham. Most made it to the playoffs (thanks to their supporting cast members) - none got over the hump.
So ask yourself this - do you truly, truly want to go back to being "a game away" for the next 20 years or are you willing to put up with the unproven allegations and give the man a chance to make up for his bad judgment?
The 2010 season could very easily bring Pittsburgh a 7th Lombardi with Ben, or it could be another "one game away"
No comments:
Post a Comment