Big Ben's post concussion performances

Ben has played in all games this year so that was his last one. Incidentally we beat Cleveland 32-0

the Raider game from 2006. He played a week after getting hammered in the Falcon loss (OT, at Atlanta) and I think he threw 2 INT’s that got returned. One of those games where we had twice the yards, twice the time, and lost the game because of turnovers.

Steel in FL is right about his last concussion, in the last game of last year. In that case, he had the bye to clear his head.

Dawgs was correct about the Oakland game in 2006, which was the game following BB’s concussion in Atlanta. Ben was picked off 4 times — 2 of which were returned for TDs. His final stat line read 25-37 for 301 yards, 1 TD and 4 INTs.

As Steel pointed out, Ben sustained another concussion against the Browns in the final regular season game of the 2008 season. After 2 weeks of rest (1st round playoff bye), he went 17-26 for 181 yards, 1 TD and 0 INTs against San Diego in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Vintage Big Ben numbers here — nothing to write home about, but enough to get the win, with the help of a strong rushing attack. (FWP carried 27 times for 146 yards and 2 TDs).

I guess I should also acknowledge the concussion Ben sustained from his motorcyle accident following SB XL. This is a different situation, because he had months to recover and train before the team’s first regular season game, and he ended up missing the season opener anyway, due to his emergency appendectomy. Nevertheless, Ben laid an egg against Jacksonville in his first regular season game following the concussion, going 17-32 for 141 yards, 0 TDs and 2 INTs. Take those numbers for what they’re worth.

The sample is too small and distorted to really reach any conclusions, I guess. This weekend will be a good test.

I know he wants to play and was “medically cleared”… but man… I for one am very concerned about him. I’d rather see him sit it out even if it costs us dearly than to risk him for the final stretch of the season (and longer.) This really concerns me for his future not only with the Steelers…but after he retires.