By: Bill Washinski
SteelerNation.com
Despite not attaining the recognition other QBs have received, Ben Roethlisberger is unquestionably among the all-time greatest QBs in NFL history. While Roethlisberger has obliterated the "experts" predictions his career being over in 2020, he has already quietly surpassed many legendary Hall of Fame QBs in the record book as he approaches a series of exclusive milestones this year.
2020 ACHEIVEMENTS & MILESTONES:
1. 60,000 yards
Currently: 59,079 yards – 7th All-Time.
Roethlisberger only needs to average 154 yards passing/game to join the exclusive six-member group and is currently at 253 yards passing/game. However, his productivity has clearly been trending up as the early season caution about his 2019 elbow injury has transformed into a 2020 confidence and strength. Projecting at his recent pace, it's likely he'll amass the 921 yards in Week 14 vs. the Buffalo Bills.
Next on All-Time List: Dan Marino – 61,136 yards. It's improbable Roethlisberger will surpass Marino's passing benchmark this year.
2. 5,000 Completions
Currently: 4,906 – 7th All-Time.
Roethlisberger entered the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars needing only 22 completions to surpass Eli Manning and he had 32. Over the course of 2020, he's held consistent at 25/game – but with increasing productivity in terms of yardage, 1st downs and TDs. Big Ben should hit this milestone vs. the Buffalo Bills, potentially making it a historic game for him - as it would also be an exclusive group comprised of only six QBs in NFL history.
Next on All-Time List: Dan Marino – 4,967. While one Marino ranking is likely to hold on this year - Roethlisberger could potentially overtake Marino vs. the Washington Football Team.
3. 400 Touchdown Passes
Currently: 387 – 8th All-Time.
Roethlisberger began the year at 363, and while it would require a franchise record, with 24 TDs already he only needs 13 to break achieve this mark, and if he continues close to the pace he has over the last four games, he'll break both his own team record (34) and hit this milestone.
Next on All-Time List: Aaron Rodgers has 393 and has been outpacing Roethlisberger this year.
4. 300-yard games: 64
Currently: Tied for 6th All-Time with Aaron Rodgers
Coming off his season high of 333 yards; Big Ben’s back-to-back 300-yard games moved him past Dan Marino and Brett Favre on the All-Time list.
5. Fourth Quarter Comebacks
Currently: 34 – Tied at 4th All-Time with Johnny Unitas
While not the number we enjoy seeing Roethlisberger move up the list as much as other categories, he passed John Elway and Dan Marino this year already.
Next on All-Time List: Drew Brees currently has 36.
6. Wins
Currently: 154 – 5th All-time
Although impossible to surpass anyone in this category in 2020, Big Ben is one of two QBs in NFL history to have 7-game winning streaks in three different decades (Peyton Manning) and with the 10-0 start, the possibility of an undefeated season is increasing. It’s also worth noting Ben surpassed John Elway and Dan Marino on the all-time rankings this year.
Next on list: Drew Brees – 170 wins
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