The Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) narrowly edged out the Kansas City Chiefs (1-8) at home Monday in what was seemingly developing into a "trap" game for the Steelers (a trap game is where a far superior team falls to an immensely inferior team due to the former lowering their figurative guns and taking the day off). Although they may have came away with the victory, they may have lost all hopes of winning the division with the Baltimore Ravens lurking around the corner. "Big" Ben Roethlisberger was sandwiched by Justin Houston and Tamba Hali as he was stepping up into the pocket in an attempt to avoid the relentless pass rush of Kansas City. Roethlisberger crumbled to the ground under the weight of both of the 265 pound defenders in what seemed to be just another victory for the Chief's defense, until all of Steeler nation (which I am not a part of nor will I ever be) held their collective breathes as Big Ben made his way to the locker room clutching his right shoulder and arm. The split-second play jeopardized the game and potentially the season for Pittsburgh, but Byron Leftwich was able to manage the team and lead them to a victory in overtime.
News of Big Ben's injury was thought of only to have been a common shoulder sprain in the quarterback's throwing shoulder until light was shed upon the affliction on Tuesday morning. According to Ben and his medical examiners, the 6'4", 241 pound man under center has suffered an extraordinarily rare rib dislocation, an injury only seen once before in any professional sport which the first being a rugby player in '95. What really makes Steeler fans and NFL fans in general cringe just at the thought of is that the dislodged rib happens to be directed towards his aorta and if pressed upon, could puncture his lung and potentially kill the quarterback. The Steelers have obviously took precautionary measure and has ruled their quarterback out for Sunday night's game against their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens have lost a their own fair share of star player this season. Their 13 time Pro Bowl selection Inside lineback, Ray Lewis, tore his pectoral muscle earlier in the season and led some analysts to believe that the all time great may finally hang up the cleats on a phenomenal career. This, however, does not necessarily even the playing field for the two teams. Ray Lewis may have had a far greater career when compared to Roethlisberger but Ben happens to play a far more important position (quarterback > inside linebacker). The Baltimore Ravens should be a clear favorite for their next meeting with the Steelers but if that wasn't bad enough for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh and Baltimore happen to face off again two weeks after the Sunday night game. If Baltimore can take advantage for the Steelers misfortunes, Baltimore should easily be able to win the division and secure a playoff spot along with a first round bye.
This sole injury may have a lasting effect on every team as the clubs begin to make their annual playoff push this December. The Steelers may make the playoffs but they should provide an easy target for any team they encounter on the road to the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh's shortcomings may leave the door open for any team to perhaps "fluke" their way into championship contention, but only time will tell. The Steelers season rests on the recovery time of Big Ben's ribs and as far as I am concerned, take your time Ben's ribs. We are in no hurry for your return. Love Baltimore.
