Ben Roethlisberger's injury could kill him
#Steelers Ben Roethlisberger has a rare rib injury that could kill him by pressing against his aorta. Too big risk. Has to wait until heals
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) November 14, 2012
It's a shame first of all for Roethlisberger, who hopefully has a safe recovery.
It also changes the landscape of the AFC a little bit, with some Patriot implications. As you may know, the Steelers play the Ravens twice in the next three weeks.
I'm doubting that Big Ben is able to go for any of those games. The injury isn't expected to be season ending but, I don't think we'll see him for a long time.
So, that's two games that you might be able to chalk up as a loss for the Steelers, and wins for the Ravens who really need to fall apart in order for the Patriots to catch them in the standings.
Aside from their huge win last week, the Ravens have looked terrible since beating the Patriots - struggling with teams like the Browns. That said, I really don't want to go to Baltimore in the playoffs.
The Big Ben injury also probably knocks the Steelers out of the playoffs. If they lose twice to the Ravens, all hope of a division title is gone for them. Then they have to compete with hot teams like the Colts who would have an advantage at the all important quarterback position. I'm not putting my money on Byron Leftwich.
The Steelers did pretty well a few years ago when Roethlisberger was suspended for a few games but that defense is just not the same. Or maybe that's the problem, that defense is pretty much the same. They've gotten older and I'm not sure they can burden the load of carrying Pittsburgh to the playoffs.
That's one less good team the Patriots will have to face, but that also means the Pats might lose out on a first round bye.
