So, are you missing Big Ben yet? Mason Rudolph’s play was as dreary and miserable as the Pittsburgh weather against the lowly Lions on Sunday. The quarterback once heralded by Steelers’ brass as possessing first-round talent and heir-apparent potential has proven to be a below average NFL backup, at best. This leaves the 2021 Steelers exactly where they were entering the season. Namely, hoping against hope that 39-year-old Ben Roethlisberger can rally for one last rodeo. In this case, Big Ben is battling COVID-19. If he can whip the virus this week, he’ll earn the right to go up against the Chargers in Los Angeles Sunday night. That’s Ben’s reward. The Steelers’ punishment would be another start by Mediocre Mason, who didn’t have enough to break a terrible, 16-16 tie against the previously losing Lions. The West Coast trip commences a brutal stretch run for the Steelers. It comes as COVID has sidelined not just Big Ben, but also Minkah Fitzpatrick, in quarantine protocols. Who knows who’s next. But at least the virus doesn’t pick sides. Chargers’ defender Joey Bosa is also in COVID quarantine. But it’s not just the virus stinging your Steelers. A wave of injuries has swept the team. The biggest of which leaves superstar linebacker T.J. Watt questionable for the contest. This is not good for a defense that’s having trouble tackling. Despite all this, the 5-3-1 Steelers are still in the thick of things in a wide-open AFC. As slow, limited and weak-armed has Roethlisberger has looked at times, he’s by far the best answer the Steelers’ have. This is by design. The Steelers decided to forgo any succession plans at quarterback going into this season. They would ride with Roethlisberger one more time. And here they are -- still in the saddle for a playoff run. Sure, Pittsburgh has problems on both sides of the ball. They have a roster pinched by COVID and beset by injuries. They have questions that will only multiply as this season gets tougher. Yet, despite all this, they still have a chance. A chance against the Chargers. A chance to win the AFC North. A chance to make some real noise in the AFC playoffs. It’s all still right there for this team. Like so many seasons before, those Pittsburgh prospects will be largely up to one player: Ben Roethlisberger. He’s still the best chance these Steelers have. 

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