Ben Roethlisberger: “Maybe I don’t have it anymore” following his 5 INT day

Since 2004, when Ben Roethlisberger was drafted, he never lacked confidence. There was a time whenever Roethlisberger got the football back and needed a late-game drive to win or tie the game, it happened more than it didn’t.

Always exuding confidence, Roethlisberger took charge of the offense and led the team week in and week out. Even after poor performances, which he has had many throughout his 14-year career in the NFL, Roethlisberger never spoke about his ability to play the game at a high level.

After his 5 interception effort against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5, Roethlisberger is starting to question himself, and his ability to play at a high level.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN:

Ben Roethlisberger said after the game, "maybe I don't have it anymore." It was more a stream-of-consciousness moment than a declaration, but what's clear is Roethlisberger took his five-interception performance hard. He said he needs to improve "everywhere."

While the comments could be swept under the rug, it certainly is an eye-opening statement from a quarterback who has never questioned his abilities at any point in his career.

This is when most fans will wonder about Roethlisberger’s overall desire to play after contemplating retirement this offseason, and it brings to mind what ‘The Emperor’ Chuck Noll once said about retirement.

Noll would always say when you start thinking about retirement, you are probably already retired.

No one but Roethlisberger knows just what he has, and doesn’t have, in terms of desire at this stage in his career, but the team desperately needs his play to improve if the offense wants to ever get off the ground and make a run not just in the division, but in the NFL.

Until next week, with a chance to improve his game, fans will be wondering if Roethlisberger “has it” anymore.