Steelers' Roethlisberger Proves His Toughness in Win over Chiefs

Of all the characteristics of a great NFL quarterback, toughness might be the most underrated. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger proved that in Sunday’s 20-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Roethlisberger has always carried the moniker of being a tough guy, and that was on full display on Sunday against the Chiefs. Both teams were fighting for their playoff lives and so until nearly the end of the third quarter, it was only a four-point difference. The game was physical from the opening kickoff, and the hits were coming fast and furious.

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With the Steelers up 10-6, Roethlisberger drove the Steelers down to the Chiefs 3-yard line. The Pittsburgh offensive line had a great game protecting Roethlisberger, which came as something of a surprise. However, as Roethlisberger dropped back on 1st-and-goal, protection broke down.

At the snap, Chiefs defensive lineman Vance Walker got a great push on Pittsburgh guard David DeCastro. This forces Roethlisberger to step up in the pocket, still looking for wide receiver Antonio Brown flashing across the middle of the field. Unfortunately, when Walker realizes that he’s going to lose Roethlisberger, he opts for the bush league move of kicking Roethlisberger right in the knee.

Fortunately, Roethlisberger maintains his composure and his balance, stands in and delivers a strike, only to be driven into the ground by defensive tackle Jaye Howard. Roethlisberger stayed down, which is never a good sign. And after being helped up and heading off with an obvious limp, Roethlisberger went to the locker room, per Michael Fabiano of the NFL Network.

"

Ben Roethlisberger to the locker room. Bruce Gradkowski warming up.

— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) December 21, 2014"

The collective lump in the throats of Steelers fans was huge when the TV broadcast cut to quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, still in his sweats, warming up on the sideline while Roethlisberger limped to the locker room. What happens if the Steelers defense forces a turnover or a quick punt? What happens if Roethlisberger cannot return?

The play itself was dirty by Walker and should be addressed by the league. However, in the moment, it was more about getting Roethlisberger back onto the field as quickly as possible. With all due respect to Gradkowski, this team isn’t going to go very far with him under center. Here’s the play in case you missed it.

Fortunately, the Chiefs held the ball long enough on the ensuing drive that Roethlisberger was able to get everything checked out and make his way back to the sidelines. USA Today writer Jim Corbett sent out this tweet when Roethlisberger returned.

"

Roethlisberger is back on the field. One tough dude after getting leg whipped in right knee. .

— Jim Corbett (@ByJimCorbett) December 21, 2014"

Roethlisberger subsequently went out and led the Steelers to another field goal that sealed the victory. This isn’t the first time this season that Roethlisberger has taken a shot that would have put a lot of quarterbacks out of a game, yet he stayed in and played well.

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But this sort of toughness is the hallmark of what makes Roethlisberger who he is. Back in Week 13, Roethlisberger injured his hand after smacking it on the helmet of New Orleans Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton.

Roethlisberger never missed a beat, even handing the ball off with his other hand for several plays while he got his bearings again, and it was business as usual.

Steelers fans are quick to turn on Roethlisberger when he struggles, but performances like Sunday's should remind everyone that he is not only one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, he's one of the toughest as well.