BUFFONE: No Need for Steelers to Rush Ben Back

by John Buffone

Most Pittsburgh Steelers fans are currently between the stages of moderate panic to cardiac arrest after watching their quarterbackless football team turn the ball over eight times and lose, 20-14 to the lowly Cleveland Browns this past Sunday. Fans are now clamoring for the return of Big Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers’ crown offensive jewel has hinted that he may be able to return this week after suffering a shoulder and rib injury two weeks ago. While the Steelers faithful may be happy to see Roethlisberger back on the field, it might not be a bad idea to hold off Ben’s return until after this week’s game in Baltimore. Pittsburgh’s chances of winning the AFC North are all but gone after falling three games behind the first place Ravens with only five games to go. That being the case, the Steelers must now set their sights on one of two available wildcard playoff spots. Besides Pittsburgh, only two other non-division leading teams have a record of over .500 (Indianapolis and Cincinnati). It may be the wiser choice to not rush Roethlisberger back against a physical Ravens defense and make sure he is completely healthy to make a strong push for a wildcard position because if Pittsburgh is forced to continue trotting out the same squad we all saw this past Sunday, a high draft pick is the only thing worth looking forward to.