By Jessica Costello
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers ended 2019 with a more than unsettling 8-8 season. Missing the playoffs for yet another year, the ultimate factor was the plague of injuries. Most of the season, the team was relying on quarterbacks in their first or second year.
This season wasn't anywhere near what fans expected. Coming out of training camp, the Steelers looked like they had a promising run coming up. Once the Patriots kicked some confidence out of them, things got worse once quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger was out for the season after the elbow injury.
That's when Pittsburgh had to start putting their trust in Mason Rudolph and Devlin "Duck" Hodges. Both quarterbacks undoubtedly had their ups and downs throughout the season. The Steelers also traded Josh Dobbs towards the beginning of the season for a fifth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, releasing yet another backup option.
Roethlisberger was seen throughout the season walking the sidelines taking on a new leadership role for the team. He pledged not to shave his beard until he was back from injury and that definitely took a toll on his appearance.
It's been somewhat of a quiet off-season and fans are still waiting on the green light from Roethlisberger. We shouldn't be too worried though, he's on the same page with everyone else on coming back for the black and gold.
P.S. Contrary to recent reports out there about my football future and my ‘uncertainty’ about playing again, I am working hard and am more determined than ever to come back stronger and better than ever next year!
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) December 25, 2019
The tweet is from December, but his intentions haven't seemed to change. It wouldn't be surprising to see Ben back for the 2020 season.
Statement from #Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who says he fully intends to honor the remainder of his contract.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 16, 2019
"The Steelers committed three years to me this offseason and I fully intend to honor my contract and reward them with championship level play." pic.twitter.com/MppeZxfOmh
Roethlisberger is missed in Pittsburgh and that's no secret. He's had a legendary career which makes it hard to forget about him when he's not active during the season. Per Pro Football Reference, Ben has a record of 144-71-1. Meaning he's won just about two games for every game he's lost.
I don't think we've seen the last of Big Ben. What do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you think he'll be back with 100% certainty? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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