New reader jason97673 offers up his second analytical look at Big Ben vs. the rest of NFL QB crop. Check out his first thought-provking entry here. Though the data he offers below certainly calls into quesiton some of the preconceptions many of us hold about Roethlisberger and his procilivites in the pocket, I don't think the data is quite that black and white. Another fine offering though from BTSC's newest contributor. I look forward to some of the comments and questions, and I plan on asking several myself about what exactly these numbers may mean and how they should be interpreted.

-Blitz-

..Or does it just appear that way?

I know a lot of people think he should throw the ball away more. And sometimes he should, but statistically Roethlisberger throws the ball away more than most QBs.

A lot of times we're screaming at the T.V for Ben to get rid of the ball quicker right? Well, I guess you could say he either does need to get rid of it quicker or throw it away.

I agree with the getting rid of it quicker argument. But there could be a bad side of getting rid of it quicker(more later). However, others use the "Throw it away argument" which in my opinion is ridiculous. I believe it only looks like Ben holds onto the ball too long because two seconds after the snap, there is already someone in his face and he needs to start running.

Point is, we don't want our Quarterback to change in this area. Many of his big plays have come from holding onto the ball and not throwing it away.

Palmer was sacked only 17 times last year which would indicate he has a great OLine. However, after reading their boards, and forums, it seems as if there OLine is really bad, but his sack numbers were one of the best in the NFL. I am assuming since I have not watched many cincy games except against the Steelers, that he faces a lot of pressure, but gets rid of quickly to avoid the sack.

In turn, what happened? He tossed 20 interceptions and had I believe 8 or 9 returned for touchdowns.

So the question is, would you rather have Roethlisberger take a sack, or get rid of it quickly when hes not ready and possibly throw an interception? You can overcome sacks, but you can not always overcome interceptions. If you get sacked, unless on third down, you still have another shot for the first. Interception? That drives over. Not too mention, Roethlisberger is unbelievable on third down.

Now, the point of the post. According to sports illustrated, these are the total "Intentional Throw Away Passes" and total attempts which gives you how often he throws a pass away. (Only using last years numbers)

Brady - 16/578 - Every 36 passes
Palmer - 8/575 - Every 71 passes
Roethlisberger - 11/404 - Every 36 passes
Rivers - 24/460 - Every 19 passes
Brees - 14/652 - Every 46 passes
Romo - 2/520 - Every 260 passes
Manning - 13/515 - Every 39 passes

As you can see, he throws the ball away enough. Out of the QBs I looked at, only Rivers throws the ball away more. And is way above other QBs like Palmer, and Romo. Even Favre who is not shown here, threw it away only 3 times last year.

The idea of him getting rid of quicker is a legitimate possibility, but as I displayed with Palmer, it could have consequences.