The folks at MMQB have created their own Top 100 this offseason and their list includes the most influential people for the upcoming 2015 NFL season.
On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was revealed as being ranked 47th overall and Andy Benoit recapped the selection. Here’s an excerpt:
Good thing Ben Roethlisberger was correct when he said in early June that this is the most talented offense he’s ever been on. Once Le’Veon Bell returns from suspension (he is appealing his three-game ban), the Steelers could have the most explosive offense in football. On the ground their young front line has blossomed into a cohesive group, and Bell is one of the game’s few backs who can consistently create his own space. He can also flex out and be a weapon in the passing game, joining the likes of Antonio Brown (the quickest, crispest route runner in football) and Martavis Bryant (a long-striding second-year deep threat capable of posting 1,000 yards on 55 to 60 catches). Best of all: Roethlisberger, contrary to longtime expectations, has matured into a cerebral, highly accurate pocket passer in coordinator Todd Haley’s system. At 33, he’s coming off the best season of his career. If he can top it, the Steelers, despite a rebuilding defense, are legitimate contenders in the AFC. If he can’t, it could be a return to 8-8.
It’s a fair assessment by Benoit but like every other team that figures to have a shot at winning it all in 2015, their quarterbacks must play well on a consistent basis and that’s exactly what Roethlisberger has mostly done his entire career.
Personally, I don’t think Roethlisberger needs to top his 2014 numbers in order for the Steelers to win it all in 2015. More than anything, the offense needs to improve their red zone scoring percentage and the defense needs to stop giving up so many explosive plays in the passing game and force a few more turnovers. Those three things alone could result in the Steelers quite easily owning the best record in the AFC by the time the regular season comes to an end.
In case you missed it, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell also made the top 100 as he was ranked 95th overall.
You would have to think that wide receiver Antonio Brown will be listed with the top 40. We’ll keep a lookout for that.
