Steelers vs. Colts: Are Big Ben's Struggles a Sign of Super Bowl Hangover?

There's the tendency to call Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's struggles thus far in the season a sign of a drop-off after a Super Bowl run last season.

After all, Roethlisberger had three interceptions in two games headed into Sunday's contest against the Indianapolis Colts, and he tossed another as the first half came to a close. In 2010, Roethlisberger threw 17 touchdowns to just five interceptions.

But we should all give Roethlisberger more credit than this. After the Steelers' Super Bowl victory three seasons ago, all Roethlisberger did the next season was throw for 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He's also one of the best quarterbacks in football.

Roethlisberger also endured a stretch of three straight games with an interception last season, only to bounce back with one interception in his last seven games.

Roethlisberger has been so effective throughout his career because he's known for not turning the ball over a lot. Any talk of him all of a sudden becoming a completely different quarterback is like saying the San Francisco 49ers' Alex Smith will lead his team to a Super Bowl this season; it's without any sort of logic.

Every quarterback goes through struggles, including Peyton Manning last season. In fact, Manning threw 11 interceptions in a span of three games last season, and he's considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

There are limited cases when a few games are reason to worry. It usually involves a player that has had one good season under his belt, not several like Roethlisberger.

There's no doubt that Roethlisberger and the Steelers haven't looked like AFC champions in the first three games of the season, but have we forgotten how resilient this team is? You don't make a run to the Super Bowl without some pitfalls along the way. The Steelers have continually shown they know how to rebound, and they've done this behind their leader, Ben Roethlisberger.

Manning threw nine touchdowns to two interceptions after his rough stretch last season. Roethlisberger is capable of doing the same.