The Pittsburgh Steelers offense looks to be diverse and dynamic entering the 2014 NFL season, as long as their franchise quarterback doesn't miss any time due to injury.
The talent behind Ben Roethlisberger has never been phenomenal in his 10 year career, but the talent has at least been manageable. Think back to the days of Dennis Dixon, Charlie Batch, Byron Leftwich and even Brian St. Pierre. They all were capable of winning a football game or two if Roethlisberger went down due to injury, and lets be honest, that happens more than it doesn't.
In fact, Roethlisberger has only played in every NFL game in a season three times in his career. His rookie year in 2004, his suspension laden 2010 season and the 2013 season where he started and finished all 16 games.
Every other year of Roethlisberger's 10 year career has seen him miss at least one game due to injury.
Remember those games where Charlie Batch was able to step in and lead the troops to victory in Baltimore against the Ravens? Fast forward to 2014 and the result of a Roethlisberger injury might look more like 2005 when Tommy Maddox stepped in for an injured Roethlisberger and imploded in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at Heinz Field.
The Steelers' backup quarterback situation is certainly in dire straits going forward. Landry Jones had his chance Saturday night to show what he is capable of with the second string players, and to say he fell on his face is an understatement. Bruce Gradkowski hasn't been much better either.
Gradkowski got the second string nod in week one of the preseason, but was seemingly unable to complete a pass longer than a check down.
If Steelers fans are worried about the backup quarterback situation, you have every right to be, considering Roethlisberger's history of missing games due to injury.
All signs point to the Steelers keeping only 2 quarterbacks on the roster, and as of now, that quarterback looks like it will be Bruce Gradkowski. Will the Steelers be okay with Gradkowski being the man on Sundays if Roethlisberger goes down?
Unless a move is made after roster cuts happen, then the Steelers look to be content to head into week one with a giant question mark behind Ben Roethlisberger on the team's depth chart.