Ben Roethlisberger: Why Steelers Will Never Make Super Bowl with Dreadful O-Line

Right about now, there may be just a hint of panic in the streets of Pittsburgh. The Steelers are 2-2 and that big guy on crutches looks a helluva lot like Ben Roethlisberger.

Wait, that is Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger got the boot on Sunday, and no, he wasn't tossed from any bars or anything like that. Big Ben was bounced. He was also thrashed, sacked and rammed again and again by those pesky Houston Texans.

Normally, the talk this time of year turns to titles, playoffs, possible Lombardi Trophies and all the wonderful sort of stuff like that. Now, the Terrible Towels stand as a testimony to something else that's looking "terrible," and that's the Steeler offensive line.

Nice name, because that group has been pretty "offensive" so far.

Roethlisberger's been sacked 14 times in four games—five more on Sunday. The law of physics will tell you that it's not a good thing when 250 pounds crashes to the ground.

On his way to 14, there have been a couple of hits that looked for all intents and purposes like they could have been season-ending shots to the knees.

This offensive line play is not going down very well, and the worse scenario is that fans might get this sickening feeling in their stomachs, and that wouldn't bode well for the sandwich sales over at Primanti Brothers.

It's only a rumor that Roethlisberger purposely avoided ordering takeout there the other day and was afraid he'd flinch if they asked if he'd like a sack for the sandwich.

These offensive line woes are not breaking news. It's been something of an ongoing concern since last season, and it's simply getting worse.

The next outing for the O-line is Tennessee, and suddenly, the 3-1 Titans are looking like a very motivated group of men.

It doesn't help that the Ravens are off to a good start either.

Some are even using the "w" word when it comes to the offensive line, and that's "w" as in worst.

Mike Tomlin's going to have to come up with some real magic this time, considering the state of that offensive line and now the condition of Roethlisberger's foot.

Roethlisberger's not shy about playing hurt. He's played with his foot in a soft cast before, and he's perfectly willing to do it again:

"You know me, if I can be out there, I'm going to be out there...if we have to do it, I'll do it."

And "do it" means a soft cast on his foot. That's not really what you want. Neither is the state of the guys up front.

This is not how Super Bowl dreams are made. It is how they are destroyed.

If the play of the offense line doesn't improve quickly, then the only Lombardi Trophy they polish will be one of those already in the case.