Originally posted by: Joemonkey
and my poor steelers i really hate ben when he throws 3 INTs like that
The last one was on a desperation absolute last second 4th down no timeouts hail marry. However the other 2 gift wrapped 14 Indy points in a game that could very well have otherwise been a blowout.
Steelers could be 8-1 and very much in the chase for first seed, but instead are 6-3 and in danger of losing 2nd, 3rd, or even their own division, and all because of Ben. I don't think the offensive line can be blamed as much as they are. He's good enough to have gotten them their 6 wins (I think he still could have managed a win in Washington, however I don't think the win would have been as convincing), but it helps to have the league's absolute best defense.
Yes, Ben is physically hurt, but while that may not be enough to bench him, I think he's mentally rattled after so many sacks and INTs this season thus far...whenever Leftwhich has come in (not just the Washington game) his game play can be night and day different if only because he doesn't have a little nagging voice in the back of his head saying, "be careful or else your ass is going to get sacked or picked off again." So instead of focusing on the play he's distracted, ultimately negatively affecting his play.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think there's any sort of QB controversy, I just think there's something wrong with Ben and he needs to be benched until he can get straightened out. Its as if he has this mentality that he has to put the team on his shoulders and win the games for them, each and every game, but the problem is the team is good enough that such a mentality isn't necessary and is ultimately more harmful than good, perfect example is the 17-7 lead before halftime in this game where he makes an absolutely horrible throw that was made worse by the fact that it was also completely unnecessary. Just punt and get into the half most likely 17-7 or 17-10, instead of 17-14 and having to kick off.