According to Gerry Dulac, Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked more times (501) than any active quarterback.
He's third all-time behind Brett Favre (525) and John Elway (516). In the past 3 years, no full time starting QB has been sacked fewer times than Roethlisberger (62).
Ben's been sacked 24, 17, 20, and 21 times the last four years.
Andrew Luck was sacked 41 times in 2016. He missed all of 2017. Andrew Luck was sacked 41 times his rookie year.
He's had a lacerated spleen. I'm not surprised he got out before his health could take an even worse hit.
The Steelers are lucky that Ben didn't walk away a few years ago when he was getting pummeled game after game. Pittsburgh protected their most important asset and player.
Luck was killed with Bruce Arians. So was Ben.
The Steelers acquired Mike Munchak, the best O-line coach in ball. With Todd Haley, they moved to an offensive scheme that got the ball out of Roethlisberger's hand faster. They spent first round picks on Pouncey and DeCastro.
They spent a second on Markus Gilbert. Ramon Foster has been a starter since 2011. Villanueva was a pro bowl player last year.
Ben’s at least thought about retirement. It didn’t happen. He always says that as long as he’s got his line, he’s good. Ramon Foster was brought back this offseason and Maurkice Pouncey was signed to a new deal.
Any player who plays in the NFL is in danger of getting hurt. It's the cost of doing business. But with the Steelers offensive line, Ben's at less of a risk than most.
Had the Steelers not invested in protecting the franchise QB, maybe he'd be on a beach somewhere instead of getting ready for the New England Patriots.