Big Ben: MVP?

[tbsteel]

At this point it's Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, and everyone else. Probably the best chance he's ever had for the award and the last two weeks he's played at an All Pro level (other worldly). I thought today was his best game so far this year with regard to his decision making and accuracy. If he can keep piling on the wins and TD passes he'll have a great chance to officially cement his status as one of the best players of his era.

[BethlehemSteel]

Pedal to the metal

[Legacy User]

I could care less about MVPs. I want Lombardis.

[Steelafan77]

We'll have to revisit this thread after October 23rd, then again after November 13th.

[BethlehemSteel]

We need to lay waste to the opposition and keep fighting till we raise LI

[RemoAZ]

He'll need to put big point totals on the board against the good teams for this team to be a serious SB contender. If he does that, BenVP could finally happen.

[bradshaw2ben]

At this point it's Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, and everyone else. Probably the best chance he's ever had for the award and the last two weeks he's played at an All Pro level (other worldly). I thought today was his best game so far this year with regard to his decision making and accuracy. If he can keep piling on the wins and TD passes he'll have a great chance to officially cement his status as one of the best players of his era.

high praise from you-- you've been a pretty strong critic recently

[Kodiak]

Best I've seen Ben throw the ball all year....only those two passes nearly picked, which may have been miscommunication, were really off target.

You look at that one dart Coates dropped - if he doesn't hesitate the ball is perfectly placed. That one floater over Bell - if he didn't get his feet tangled he probably gets that.

And Ben really uncorked a few fastballs today (Coates says thank you).

[bradshaw2ben]

Best I've seen Ben throw the ball all year....only those two passes nearly picked, which may have been miscommunication, were really off target.

You look at that one dart Coates dropped - if he doesn't hesitate the ball is perfectly placed. That one floater over Bell - if he didn't get his feet tangled he probably gets that.

And Ben really uncorked a few fastballs today (Coates says thank you).

Hmm--- could it be the perfect weather + protection for a change?

[Legacy User]

fuck mvp..I don't like steeler players or team getting praise..id rather be underdog always. disrespected and angry always..steelers feed off this. let them get the praise when retired and going to canton!

[Kodiak]

And Ben really uncorked a few fastballs today (Coates says thank you).

Hmm--- could it be the perfect weather + protection for a change?[/quote]

Protection always makes a big difference.

But, yeah, weather. He really threw the ball quite well in those monsoons.

[stillcajun]

As great as Ben has been, for him to get any consideration things will hinge on the upcoming game against the Cheats. If he goes toe-to-toe w/ Brady and co and he puts together a game like the last 2. He will get the media ball-washing for MVP but if not then he'll be overlooked just like always.

[Legacy User]

glad to see he's leading the league in TDs

i don't think i was the only one who wanted to see him finally put up 40 this year

that said, 12 in a two-game span in 2014 didn't lead to much, so we'll see if the trend continues

[rocky mtn stiller]

What I saw in Ben last night was the maturation from field general to field marshal. It didn't just happen, but last night it was evident. Coates was having a rough string of incompletions. He was at risk of losing his confidence and withdrawing from the game. Ben kept going to him knowing that he had to stay engaged in the game. I think a lot of other QB's would have abandoned his stone handed receiver. I suppose if the Steelers had lost I might question his decision making. Coates needed to step up and Ben made sure he had the opportunity.

[tbsteel]

At this point it's Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, and everyone else. Probably the best chance he's ever had for the award and the last two weeks he's played at an All Pro level (other worldly). I thought today was his best game so far this year with regard to his decision making and accuracy. If he can keep piling on the wins and TD passes he'll have a great chance to officially cement his status as one of the best players of his era.

high praise from you-- you've been a pretty strong critic recently

He's cutting down on TOs, showing smarter decision making, putting up huge numbers and winning games. It's not like I ever said he wasn't a top QB, but right now he's playing like the best QB in football and is putting up the numbers to back it up. If he can avoid dud games and lead the Steelers to a first round bye? He'll have a great chance at MVP.

[tbsteel]

that said, 12 in a two-game span in 2014 didn't lead to much, so we'll see if the trend continues

That has always been the thing in the past: consistency. You can't expect numbers like he's put up the last two weeks every week, just avoid outright clunker performances and stretches where it looks ugly and the TOs are numerous. Cut those out, and he'lll be in serious contention.

[bradshaw2ben]

At this point it's Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, and everyone else. Probably the best chance he's ever had for the award and the last two weeks he's played at an All Pro level (other worldly). I thought today was his best game so far this year with regard to his decision making and accuracy. If he can keep piling on the wins and TD passes he'll have a great chance to officially cement his status as one of the best players of his era.

high praise from you-- you've been a pretty strong critic recently

He's cutting down on TOs, showing smarter decision making, putting up huge numbers and winning games. It's not like I ever said he wasn't a top QB, but right now he's playing like the best QB in football and is putting up the numbers to back it up. If he can avoid dud games and lead the Steelers to a first round bye? He'll have a great chance at MVP.

If you look at Ben's last 16 games or so, including playoffs-- I'd wager almost every INT or poor throw hinges on one of three things:
1. weather
2. miscommunication on already outrageously successful but small margin for error throws to AB
3. young receivers learning the ropes
4. some combination of the above with struggling OL protection

Way down the page form there but probably next is 5. forcing it to AB when no one else is getting the job done and generally desperation game situations.

His INTs are down because his supporting cast is playing better and therefore he doesn't have to deal with 3 or 5 and less emphasis on 2. Yesterday, he had to deal with only a little 2 and 3 and he looks like league MVP. The number of pure bad decisions and wildly inaccurate throws for no reason is staggeringly low in that time frame.

[StillerInCT]

I could care less about MVPs. I want Lombardis.

I tend to agree, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't care a little bit about Ben's legacy. An MVP does nothing but solidify his legend. An MVP and Lombardi...you're talking about one of the best of all time.

[jeemie]

If you look at Ben's last 16 games or so, including playoffs-- I'd wager almost every INT or poor throw hinges on one of three things:
1. weather
2. miscommunication on already outrageously successful but small margin for error throws to AB
3. young receivers learning the ropes
4. some combination of the above with struggling OL protection

Way down the page form there but probably next is 5. forcing it to AB when no one else is getting the job done and generally desperation game situations.

His INTs are down because his supporting cast is playing better and therefore he doesn't have to deal with 3 or 5 and less emphasis on 2. Yesterday, he had to deal with only a little 2 and 3 and he looks like league MVP. The number of pure bad decisions and wildly inaccurate throws for no reason is staggeringly low in that time frame.

The one he threw to the sidelines in his first game back against the Bengals last year and I think another very similar one (can't remember which game it was in) are the only two "What the fuck, Ben" interceptions I can remember over the last year or so.

There was the hideous one he threw against the Jets in '14 as well.

He still has a little cleaning up of holding onto the ball when he gets hit in the pocket, though- still a few too many what appear to be too easy fumble sacks.

[Legacy User]

That slow-mo replay of the pass over a fully extended defender was pretty sick.

[bradshaw2ben]

That slow-mo replay of the pass over a fully extended defender was pretty sick.

You could make the argument that it's the single greatest play of Ben's career-- especially if you are not weighting for situation. Instead of making him a bust in Canton, they should just play a loop of that on a monitor with his name under it.

[steelmann58]

Ben pass was unreal but I don't think he win any MVP as long a Brady is here even missing 4 games

[steelmann58]

Get a 3rd Lombardi and fit him for that bust

[bradshaw2ben]

Ben and Brady are playing at an entirely different level than every other QB in the league right now. Even Rodgers has had some mediocre play.

If we can manage to take care of business in Miami, it's going to be a hell of a matchup.

[bradshaw2ben]

Get a 3rd Lombardi and fit him for that bust

p.s.: by the end of this season, ben will likely be top 10 all-time in:

Passing yards
Completions
Completion Percentage
Yards Per Attempt
wins as a starter
winning percentage as a starter
playoff wins
Super Bowl wins

I'm pretty sure he's going to the Hall Of Fame regardless.

[R_S]

I was listening to NFL radio the other day. I can't remember who said it...it may have been Jim Miller. But he said Ben told him he doesn't even pick up a football in the offseason. Literally. Guys like Brady and Manning are throwing multiple times a week and Ben doesn't pick up a ball until camp. He said Ben's philosophy is that your arm only has so many throws in it in a lifetime. Anyway, Miller said if Ben would work in the offseason like Brady and Manning he could be the best to ever play the game.

[Legacy User]

Ben pass was unreal but I don't think he win any MVP as long a Brady is here even missing 4 games

Ben can win MVP even with Tom being back there's a lot that can happen and we will see so hold on and see how it all plays out for Ben he is having an awesome start to rhe season and he may throw for 50 touchdowns maybe we'll see.

[Kodiak]

I was listening to NFL radio the other day. I can't remember who said it...it may have been Jim Miller. But he said Ben told him he doesn't even pick up a football in the offseason. Literally. Guys like Brady and Manning are throwing multiple times a week and Ben doesn't pick up a ball until camp. He said Ben's philosophy is that your arm only has so many throws in it in a lifetime. Anyway, Miller said if Ben would work in the offseason like Brady and Manning he could be the best to ever play the game.

Not sure how Ben could be throwing the ball any better than he has most of the last 2-3 years. What's made a difference is protection and receivers.

[Donnie Brasco]

That slow-mo replay of the pass over a fully extended defender was pretty sick.

The one throw that doesn't get much recognition to me is the one TD throw to AB vs the Chiefs. AB is behind a LBer and there is an extremely small window to put it in before the safety is closing. If Ben puts that ball anywhere else the LBer tips it or AB is getting wheeled off on a stretcher

[Baltostiller]

That slow-mo replay of the pass over a fully extended defender was pretty sick.

You could make the argument that it's the single greatest play of Ben's career-- especially if you are not weighting for situation. Instead of making him a bust in Canton, they should just play a loop of that on a monitor with his name under it.

I was at the game. Which throw are you referring to here.