Ben Roethlisberger in the '09 Playoffs: Big Ben Godsend or the Steeler Downfall?

First and foremost; I am an avid Steelers fan. My moods on Mondays are highly affected by how the "Black n' Gold" perform on the field of play the day before. If they lose, I'm seeking sweet redemption on the following Sunday, but my week sure as heck drags by until my wish becomes a reality.

Twelve out of the last 17 Sundays (17 includes a bye week), I have seen the Steelers accomplish what they sought after: a victory. Sure, they weren't always pretty, but I would accept every win possible with the NFL's toughest schedule of the 2008-2009 season.

The man above is the reason we have won as many games as we have this season. Roethlisberger has taken a severe beating game in and game out, yet he makes plays come alive once the blocking breaks down. Without a doubt, I believe he is one of the few if not the only quarterback who can lead the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That being said, Ben has played a major role in all four of the losses this year.

In the loss to the Eagles in Week Four, he had one interception and two lost fumbles.

(It should be heavily noted that in this game at the Eagles that the line allowed eight or nine sacks, so he had horrific protection.) 

In the 21-14 loss to the Giants, Big Ben had four interceptions.

When the Colts defeated the Steelers, Roethlisberger had three interceptions.

In the 31-14 loss to the Titans, he had four total turnovers combined, and the Titans scored 21 points off turnovers in the battle for AFC home-field advantage.

The point I am presenting is either the Good Ben or the Bad Ben shows up in the Steelers games—and also in the win and loss columns.

The Steelers' fate in the 2009 playoffs lives and dies in the hands of Ben Roethlisberger.

Will the good Ben or bad Ben show up?

The ratio of the good to bad games is one bad game to four good ones. If the good Ben shows up in the playoffs, then all he has to do is win his four games...En route to a sixth World Championship.

Thanks for stopping by and taking time to read, as I have thoroughly enjoyed writing my first article for you all. Happy new year, best of wishes for your 2009. Leave your comments below if you wish.