From Big Ben To Worthlessberger

This year is a completely different story for Big Ben and the Steelers.

Even though Roethlisberger started the season almost perfect—literally, completing 13 of 14 passes with 137 yards and two touchdown against the Texans—his shoulder injury is slowing him down.

After Week Two against the Browns, Roethlisberger has struggled against the NFC East teams.

Against the Eagles, Roethlisberger was sacked eight times, lost two fumbles and went 13 for 25 with no touchdowns and one interception, finishing with a rating of 50.6.

Against the Giants in Week Eight, he went 13 for 29 passes with one touchdown and four interceptions and fumbled once.

And in his worst Monday Night performance, he threw five for 17, no touchdowns and one interception.

Although the game was saved by Byron Leftwich, who took over the offense after Roethlisberger left the game at halftime with complications with his throwing shoulder. 

After that Monday Night Football disaster, Roethlisberger received a new nickname from some Steeler fans: “Worthlessberger.”

I had a conversation with a Steelers' fan wearing a Heath Miller jersey while watching Sunday’s game against the Colts, and he referred to Roethlisberger as “Worthlessberger” every time he threw an interception.

“Oh, Worthlessberger,” he said. “Yeah he’s a waste of my time. But in Leftwich, he’s healthy.”

Although Worthlessberger completed a season-high 30 passes for 284-yards, he had no touchdowns and three interceptions in the 24-20 loss.

The Steelers' fan was the first to jump up and agree during Roethlisberger's post-game press conference. "You’ll never hear me say 'I' anything, but I lost this game," confessed Roethlisberger.

The fan replied, “Damn right you lost the game. Stop crying and take a seat,” referring to starting Leftwich.

Whether it’s “Big Ben” or “Worthlessberger,” you have to admit, Ben Roethlisberger is not the same quarterback he used to be.

He is playing injured, and while he is hurting himself—most importantly—he’s hurting the Steelers.

Let me know what you think.

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