Super Bowl 2011: The Ben Roethlisberger Effect

Currently posting a 10-2 career playoff record with two Super Bowl victories under two different head coaches (something Terry Bradshaw did NOT do).

Arguably the most elusive QB in the NFL, but definitely the most difficult to bring down.

With that being said, it seems the only way to beat Ben Roethlisberger is to limit his opportunities outside the pocket.

Check out his passing stats in Super Bowl XL:

9-of-21 for 123 yards and two interceptions.

Based on these stats, if you didn't watch this game, would you really have thought Pittsburgh won?

But since he was able to extend plays with his legs and down-the-field vision, he kept the Seahawk D on their toes the whole game.

In turn, he only rushed for 25 yards on seven carries but managed one TD as well.

His unorthodox play at the QB position allowed for the running game to open up, and you then saw Willie Parker take one to the house.

Super Bowl XLIII vs. Arizona was a much better performance, and we saw a man mature as an NFL QB.

Big Ben completed 21 of 30 passes for 256 yards, one TD and one pick.

Pretty decent stats in comparison to the fraternity of Super Bowl-winning QBs. But his spot-on frozen rope that Santonio Holmes "Venus flytrapped" in the corner of the end zone was Joe "Cool" surreal.

To make matters even more impressive, Pittsburgh only totaled 58 rushing yards on 25 carries against the Cardinals.

Therefore, Arizona knew what was coming and still couldn't stop it.

Another thing about Ben is his intangibles—because based on his off-the-field accusations/suspensions, he was expected to underperform this season.

Well, he's back in the Super Bowl, which shows that he is able to separate his work life and personal life.

So whether Steeler haters like it or not, Big Ben is a leader amongst his teammates.

As former NFL WR (soon to be Hall of Famer) Cris Carter once said, "Every good man I know been through somethin'."