If you’re old enough to remember the final game of Terry Bradshaw’s career than what we are seeing with Ben Roethlisberger is all too similar. Bradshaw retired due to an elbow injury he just couldn’t get past and now Big Ben, who left at halftime in yesterday’s loss is scheduled for surgery on his own elbow and is lost for the season per Mike Tomlin.
Ben Roethlisberger will have elbow surgery and be placed on Injured Reserve. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/bxDPvUWo4A
— SteelCityBlitz (@SCBlitz) September 16, 2019
Mason Rudolph, drafted two years ago in the third round now becomes the face of the Steelers’ offense. In relief of Roethlisberger Sunday Rudolph was 12 of 19 for 112 yards 2 TDs and an interception. This is exactly why Kevin Colbert and the Steelers drafted him. They needed stability and talent in their backup quarterback job and that’s what they are hoping Rudolph will provide them.
As we move forward, the Steelers are already in a difficult spot. They stand at 0-2, have to travel West to play a 2-0 Niners team in their home opener and have other players dealing with injuries as well. This is without question Mike Tomlin’s greatest challenge as the head coach of the Steelers. He must manage a young quarterback, straighten out an offense that has become stagnant and predictable and correct problems on defense that seemingly have no solutions.
At this point, a .500 record by the end of this season would probably be seen as a success. Someone pointed out to me that Roethlisberger’s injury could be the excuse that saves Tomlin should the season go south. I think there is some truth to that but I also think the other aspects of how Tomlin handles this team will go a long way towards determining whether or not his job is truly in jeopardy.
As for Big Ben we can only hope things go well and wish him the best with his surgery and his recovery. This is yet another reminder of how cruel this game and sports in general can be.
Photo credit NBC Sports
