CANTON, OH - AUGUST 5: Quarterback Ben Roethl...

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From Pat Kirwan of NFL.com…

It was shocking for Steelers fans to see their beloved quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, being physically beaten by the Eagles defense. Last year, Roethlisberger was sacked 47 times, or once every 9.6 pass attempts, which should have been a warning sign of what could happen in 2008 if a) the line didn’t improve; b) the quarterback didn’t make quicker decisions; and c) the running backs and receivers didn’t lend a helping hand.

Well, things look worse right now. If you remember when David Carr was sacked 76 times on the expansion Houston Texans in 2002, then you’ll recognize the situation: Pittsburgh has given up 14 sacks in three games, an average of 4.7 per game, which puts them on a pace to allow 75 sacks. What makes the Steelers’ situation worse than the ‘02 Texans’ is the number of other hits taken by Roethlisberger — after he throws the ball or is tackled after scrambling past the line of scrimmage to avoid the sack. Carr practically took a knee on many of those sacks in ‘02 as the club tried to prevent injury to their young QB. Roethlisberger isn’t about to take a sack because he is so tough, always looking to throw the ball down the field.

I would doubt he can keep up the pace of the physical beating he has been taking so far this season. In 79 pass plays, he has been sacked 13 times (a 1:6 ratio). He has been hit 18 more times and has been credited for six rushing attempts (when he avoided the sack by fighting his way back to the line of scrimmage). When you combine these hits with the sacks, Roethlisberger has taken a shot once every 2.3 pass plays. If Roethlisberger attempts the same number of passes as he did last year, he will be involved in a hit, sack or tackle 196 times. (Source and the rest of the story)

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