Roethlisberger's comeback ability second to none

By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Monday, January 17, 2011

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was 19-32 for 226 yds
and 2 TDs against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

A piece of unsolicited advice to coach Rex Ryan and the New York Jets: Do not, repeat do not, give Ben Roethlisberger a second chance to win a game at the end of it if you want to go to your first Super Bowl since Joe Willie Namath owned Broadway.

The Jets visit the Steelers on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game, and the one thing that stands out about their 22-17 victory at Heinz Field on Dec. 19 is what didn't happen.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers down the field in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter but came up agonizingly short.

That is one of the few times during his career that Roethlisberger has not delivered with the game on the line.

He still threw for 68 yards and rushed for 22 more in leading the Steelers to the Jets' 10-yard line before consecutive incomplete passes ended the Steelers' comeback bid.

The Jets may have vanquished Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the way to their second consecutive AFC title game. But they don't exactly get a bargain with Roethlisberger, as Ryan noted after his team's stunning 28-21 upset of New England yesterday.

"Now (it's) 'Mission Impossible, Round Three,' " Ryan said.

The Ravens probably wouldn't argue that Ryan laced the Jets' next assignment with some hyperbole, given how the Steelers ended Baltimore's season Saturday.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers on an 11-play, 65-yard touchdown drive after the Ravens had tied the score at 24.

Roethlisberger's 58-yard pass to rookie wide receiver Antonio Brown set up Rashard Mendenhall's 2-yard scoring run.

And it only bolstered the argument that he is as clutch as any quarterback of his generation -- and may go down as one of the greatest gamers of all-time. Remember: Roethlisberger is only 28 years old.

"I have confidence in our guys. It's not just me by any means; all I have to do is throw it," Roethlisberger said of his penchant for late-game heroics. "The guys did a great job of protecting on the long pass play. I just had to throw it up and let them make a play."

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger celebrates the game winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Such humility probably wouldn't play too well in Baltimore, where Roethlisberger may be as reviled as Robert Irsay, the owner who moved the beloved Colts from the Charm City to Indianapolis in 1984.

He improved to 9-2 lifetime against the Ravens and again found a way to beat them at the end of a high-stakes game.

Roethlisberger's success against the Ravens is just a reflection of what he has done since going 13-0 as a starter as a rookie during the 2004 regular season -- no quarterback has ever done that in the NFL -- and then leading the Steelers to a Super Bowl title the following year.

"He may not be Brady or all the other guys, but you can't knock the guy for what he has done," Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said. "He is a proven winner in the playoffs. And me as a player, I am just glad to be a part. When I see him in that huddle, I know I've always got a chance to win a ballgame."

The Jets probably share the same sentiment after watching Roethlisberger nearly snatch a victory from them a month ago.

"He's proven time and time again that he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league," Steelers tight end Heath Miller said. "He doesn't get a lot of respect outside of here, as much as he deserves. Hopefully we can bring home a ring this year to solidify that. Maybe his game isn't as pretty as some of the other quarterbacks who stand in there and throw the ball, but I think he's one of the best at what he does."


Playoff comparison

Ben Roethlisberger

9-2 overall (4-2 home, 3-0 away, 2-0 neutral site)

AFC title games: 2-1

Super Bowls: 2-0

Tom Brady

14-5 overall (8-2 home, 3-2 away, 3-1 neutral)

AFC title games: 4-1

Super Bowl: 3-1

Peyton Manning

9-10 overall (6-4 home, 2-5 away, 1-1 neutral)

AFC title games: 2-1

Super Bowl: 1-1

-- Source: Tribune-Review research