Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Players that must show up big vs. Patriots in Week 1

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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a touchdown to running back James Conner #30 in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Ben Roethlisberger, QB

Even though the Steelers won the last time they faced the Patriots, it wasn’t a pretty game for Roethlisberger. Big Ben posted his fourth-worst quarterback rating of the season against the Pats, and he also had his lowest yardage total of the season. While he averaged 320.6 yards per game during the entire season, Roethlisberger threw for just 235 yards against the Patriots. Two of his 34 pass attempts were intercepted.

While he doesn’t have to have a perfect game, Roethlisberger can at least aim for not throwing an interception. The Patriots do have two great defensive backs in Stephon Gilmore and Devin McCourty, but it’s not like this is Big Ben’s first time playing against great defensive backs. Roethlisberger can’t be turning the ball over against a team like New England. That’s just a formula for losing.

Without a doubt, Roethlisberger is Pittsburgh’s greatest asset and weapon. When he’s on fire he’s unstoppable. There’s a reason why he holds the record for the most 500-yard passing games in league history. However, Roethlisberger is also accustomed to making mistakes and getting injured. He can’t afford to do either against the Patriots.

A win against New England would provide the opening tone-setter the Steelers are looking for in their first game of the post-Killer Bs era. It could be exactly what the team needs to start a resurgent season.

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