Ben Roethlisberger could set dubious NFL record in 2019

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the lucky franchises who have had a franchise quarterback under center for over a decade. You have to go back to the Tommy Maddox era the last time fans had to ask who would be the starting quarterback the upcoming season. But that doesn’t mean it has always been easy for Ben Roethlisberger.

Since being drafted 11th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, Roethlisberger has won his share of games, but has also been in the cross-hairs of the opposition with a high frequency. Yes, I’m talking about taking sacks, and Roethlisberger has taken his share of hits throughout his time in the NFL.

In fact, Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com suggests Roethlisberger could take over Brett Favre’s record of most sacks in a career. See what he has to say:

Career sacks taken: 525

Record holder: Brett Favre

2019 challenger: Ben Roethlisberger

Three thousand seven hundred thirteen miles away from Heinz Field, Big Ben is under repairs, saddled with scaffolding as years of wear and tear are tended to. It’s a miracle the same is not true in Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger is just 25 sacks away from breaking a record held by Favre, the holder of only the most ignominious of NFL records, for most taken by a QB in league history. Now Big Ben (human edition) hasn’t been taken down more than 24 times since 2014, but over the last three seasons, that number has been trending upward with Roethlisberger taking 24 sacks last season -- a far cry from his league-leading 50 in 2009, but still good for 24th among quarterbacks in 2018. With the other Bs (Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell) having buzzed out of the Steelers’ hive, my funny money is on Big Ben struggling to find the open receivers he once did and succumbing to a quarter’s worth of sacks and usurping Favre from this holy mantle.

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At this point, it is most likely not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’ Roethlisberger becomes the place holder for this NFL record. Not quite the record Roethlisberger, or his offensive linemen who have blocked for him throughout the years, would like him to hold. Nonetheless, the hope is Roethlisberger also holds some more prestigious records too before he calls it a career.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they prepare for training camp at the end of July.