Sports Illustrated’s Monday Morning Quarterback, the brainchild of long-time NFL writer Peter King, is in the process of going through the 100 most important people in the National Football League.
Today, MMQB writer Andy Benoit lists Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at number 47 on that list. You won’t see much in the article that disparages Roethlisberger but what I found interesting was a tweet from the MMQB handle.
The MMQB 100: Ben Roethlisberger had a career year in '14. Now he must top it. By @Andy_Benoit http://t.co/5ok2r3vIRP pic.twitter.com/MkK75LZDWR
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) June 30, 2015
Now he must top it? I don’t know whether that comment comes from Benoit or King or some intern at MMQB but my question is why?
Does he have to have a better season because he got a new contract?
Does he have to have a better season because of the young defense?
Does he have to have a better season to prove last year wasn’t a fluke?
The article was right in this regard; the Steelers will only go as far Big Ben can take them. But can’t we expect and shouldn’t we expect this defense to be better than it was in 2014?
The pressure on Roethlisberger is high as it always is but I think he already knows this. Getting a little help from the defense in the way of turnovers, sacks and shorter fields isn’t asking too much is it?
I think there is room for Ben to improve especially in regards to being more effective in the redzone. As far as the defense goes, it’s anybody’s guess. I’m hoping for the best but the jury hasn’t even left the courtroom on these guys.
Players can always improve Bob, I agree. I just think asking more of him is asking a lot.