Should Steelers Bench Roethlisberger? Take The Patch Poll

PITTSBURGH, PA — Even less than a year ago, the idea would have been unthinkable. Bench Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger? Sit a certain future first-ballot Hall of Famer? What an absurd notion.

But Big Ben has been lousy this season, and that was before Coach Mike Tomlin announced at his weekly news conference Tuesday that Roethlisberger hurt his hip in a disappointing 27-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Despite what could have been a legitimate reason to go with Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins at quarterback, Tomlin responded "absolutely" when asked if Roethlisberger would start this week against the Denver Broncos.

Asked if Roethlisberger, 39, was the best quarterback for the team at the moment, Tomlin responded, "Absolutely. What he does and what he's done make me really comfortable saying that."

What Big Ben has done so far this year through four games is throw four touchdowns and four interceptions. He has a passer rating of 78.9, which ranks (gulp) 27th among NFL starters.

Are you comfortable with that? Patch wants to know who you think should start against the Broncos. Please take a second to complete this form.