Big Ben’s Most Memorable Game Each Year: Pt 2 (’07-’09)
Ben Roethlisberger has played in 18 seasons for the Steelers for what should transform into a Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2027. Here’s a look back at Big Ben’s most memorable games each year from 2007 through 2009.
2007: Steelers 38, Ravens 7 (Week Nine)
Big Ben’s season with the highest passer rating would be 2007. After having an 18-23 TD-INT ratio in 2006, Roethlisberger had a 32-11 TD-INT ratio in 2007. In a primetime Monday Night home game against the Ravens, Big Ben had a historic performance. The Steelers were wearing their alternate uniforms with the gold helmets. Roethlisberger threw for five touchdowns in the first half alone and was taken out of the game midway through the 3rd quarter.
Big Ben finished with a perfect 158.3 passer rating. He even amassed five touchdowns over a course of only sixteen pass attempts. The Steelers won the AFC North in 2007 but were defeated by the Jaguars in the Wildcard round 31-29.
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2008: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23 (Super Bowl XLIII)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes catches a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals safety Aaron Francisco defends during the fourth quarter of the NFL Super Bowl XLIII football game, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. Xxx Rd28705 Jpg S Fbn Fl
The Steelers were back at the Super Bowl for the second time in four years. After Roethlisberger’s abysmal performance in Super Bowl XL, he had the goal of performing much better in his next Super Bowl opportunity. On the opening drive, Big Ben drove down the field and nearly punched the ball into the endzone himself, then settling for a field goal. The Steelers scored a touchdown on their next drive to take the 10-0 lead. The Cardinals scored a touchdown and then threatened to score again. James Harrison had a 100-yard touchdown return to make it 17-7 before halftime.
The Cardinals went on a 4th quarter comeback and the Steelers fell behind 23-20. Big Ben led a flawless drive to get inside the red zone in the final two minutes. On 2nd & Goal, Roethlisberger threw a perfect touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes facing double coverage. Roethlisberger seemingly fit the ball through a mail slot and it became one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl History. The Steeler’s defense held the Cardinals on the final drive and the Lombardi Trophy went back to the Steel City for the sixth time.
2009: Steelers 37, Packers 36 (Week 15)
After losing five straight one-possession games, the Steelers were desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive in the game before Christmas. The Steelers started off strong and had a 24-14 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. In the 4th quarter, the Packers scored three touchdowns while the Steelers could only muster two field goals. Down 36-30, it looked like the Steelers were bound for another heartbreaker. Roethlisberger flipped the script and led a drive into Packers territory.
With three seconds left in the game and at the Packer’s 19-yard line, Roethlisberger completed a pass to Mike Wallace for the touchdown. Jeff Reed made the extra point and the Steelers earned the victory. The Steelers would later win their two remaining regular-season games. They were still just shy of a playoff spot with a 9-7 record.
From 2007-2009, Big Ben had a 35-15 overall record, 75-38 TD-INT ratio, 234.4 yards per game, and a 94.6 passer rating.
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