The Next Big Ben? Pittsburgh’s Search for a New Franchise Quarterback

Can the Steelers Break the Quarterback Curse in 2024?

As the NFL preseason unfolds, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a familiar crossroads—a search for a quarterback who can lead them back to glory. For a franchise steeped in history and success, the quarterback position has always been a pivotal piece of the puzzle. But since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have struggled to find a consistent, reliable signal-caller who can guide them through the rigors of the NFL season.

The Shadow of Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger’s departure left a gaping hole in the Steelers’ lineup. A future Hall of Famer, Roethlisberger wasn’t just a quarterback; he was the face of the franchise for nearly two decades. His leadership, toughness, and ability to make big plays in crucial moments were the hallmarks of his career. But with his retirement, the Steelers have been left in search of a successor—someone who can not only manage the game but also rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.

A History of Misses

In the years since Roethlisberger’s exit, the Steelers have cycled through a number of quarterbacks, none of whom have been able to capture the magic of their predecessor. Each new face under center has brought with them a sense of hope, only to see that hope dashed as the season wore on. The latest candidates for the job have shown flashes of potential but have also struggled with consistency, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the Steelers can ever find their next great quarterback.

The Current State of Affairs

As we enter the 2024 NFL preseason, the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh is once again a hot topic. The defense is strong, the offensive weapons are in place, and the coaching staff is as experienced as ever. But without a reliable quarterback, all of these pieces may be for naught. The current contenders for the starting job each have their strengths and weaknesses, but none have yet to emerge as the clear leader.

For rival fans, particularly those of the Bengals, the Steelers’ quarterback woes are a source of schadenfreude. The idea of Pittsburgh being stuck in mediocrity is a tantalizing prospect for those who have long viewed the Steelers as a perennial powerhouse. But for Steelers fans, the frustration is real. The team has the talent to compete at the highest level, but without stability at the quarterback position, their potential remains unfulfilled.

A League-Wide Problem

The Steelers’ quarterback situation is not unique in the NFL. Across the league, teams are grappling with the same issue—finding a quarterback who can consistently perform at a high level. Players like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, once heralded as the future of the league, have struggled to live up to expectations. Wilson, in particular, seems to be past his prime, while Fields has yet to prove that he can be the franchise quarterback that many hoped he would be.

The Road Ahead

As the preseason continues, the pressure on the Steelers to make a decision at quarterback will only intensify. The front office and coaching staff know that the success of their season hinges on finding the right man for the job. Whether that means sticking with a current candidate or looking outside the organization for a fresh face, one thing is clear—the Steelers cannot afford another season of uncertainty at the quarterback position.

For now, the Steelers’ quarterback conundrum remains one of the most compelling storylines of the NFL preseason. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how it all unfolds, and whether Pittsburgh can finally find the leader they need to return to the top of the league.