Big Ben

**akashicrecorder** · 11-13-2012, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by Captain Silver

Only if he grows his uni-brow back.

I have noticed this. I think he has slightly begun to shave the middle.

Speaking of Flacco facial hair, BRING BACK THE FU MANCHU!!!

**RedSkins Fury** · 11-13-2012, 01:35 PM

Since Joe's big NFL payday when he was drafted, I believe he has hired a fashion consultant. His hair and brow line look much better. He just needs to talk with the NFL about reshooting his NFL photo. They may charge him a $5 feel for the re-shoot. He can get in line behind Jay Cutler.

**Saltwater_Rider** · 11-13-2012, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by RedSkins Fury

Hey, this made me wonder... If he gets hit on the field and his lose clavicle comes out of his ear... And P. Manning takes a sack and dislocates his cervical vert. and Tom Brady bleeds out through his vagina.... Does Joe Flacco become Elite by default?

Post of the Month, for all my internet travels!

**moose10101** · 11-13-2012, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by RedSkins Fury

Hey, this made me wonder... If he gets hit on the field and his lose clavicle comes out of his ear... And P. Manning takes a sack and dislocates his cervical vert. and Tom Brady bleeds out through his vagina.... Does Joe Flacco become Elite by default?

Not while Matty Ice still breathes.

**trailhiker85** · 11-13-2012, 02:01 PM

This will be interesting. I don't know much about the type of injury in question, but there seems to be uncertainty about the severity. Just a few thoughts that cross my mind:

Although Ben has a bit of the drama-queen history, he also has a history of playing hurt. I don't question his toughness. If it's actually a severe injury, that's one thing. But if it's borderline, he'll probably play.

Sometimes the Steelers have played Ben when it might not have been in their best interest. Case in point was last year, when he played hurt week 17 in Cleveland. My guess as to the reasoning was that Pittsburgh hoped that a win over the Browns would win the division ...IF the Ravens lost against Cincy. Since the Ravens didn't lose, it was a moot point and the Steelers would've been a wild card regardless of their outcome vs the Browns. By playing Ben, they likely aggravated his injury and it was clear he wasn't nearly at 100% the next week at Denver. I still believe that was a factor in their wild card loss to Tebow. Did Ben lobby Tomlin to play in Cleveland, and persuade his coach? Or was that purely Tomlin's decision based on objective medical advice?

So again, depending on the severity of the present injury, how much will the Steelers ...and/or Ben himself ...want to push things over the next couple of weeks? In the back of their minds they must realize that 10-6 would almost certainly snag a wild card spot in this year's AFC. So even if they lose a couple of games in the short term, it's hardly an end to their season. The last part of their schedule isn't that hard.

Finally it's worth noting that they are capable of beating other teams ... even the Ravens (if we have one of our Mr. Hyde performances) ...without Ben, though it's much less likely.

We may have to wait for further updates on the injury, but this could be an interesting strategic decision coming up by Pittsburgh.

**Ravenboy2003** · 11-13-2012, 02:04 PM

He's probably already practicing.

Left-handed.

Just in case.

**RedSkins Fury** · 11-13-2012, 02:05 PM

Regardless, Ben would not have played a snap on the defensive side of the ball even when healthy. The Ravens will have to beat the #1 Ranked Defense. If they put up a showing like they did on the road in KC... 1 PIT TD and 1 PIT FG will win the game.

**Dade** · 11-13-2012, 02:08 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially confirmed that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a COMPLETE tear of his right labia! ~ Tweet from @Pangwin

**ccoolahan14** · 11-13-2012, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

smh...

I guess you didn't watch last night's game. Or really any Ravens-Steelers game in recent years. The media always looks for a narrative for why the Flacco couldn't beat the Steelers for a period of time when the teams are so equally matched., with the prevailing theory being that Roethlisberger is the difference and he just outplays Flacco. Since 2009:

Flacco vs Steelers (average/game): 20-34, 232 yards, 1.4 TDs (10 in 7 games), 0.4 INTs (3 in 10 games), 88.5 QB Rating

Roethlisberger vs Ravens (average/game): 20-36, 269 yards, 1.2 TDs (6 in 5 games), 1.2 INTs (6 in 5 games), 77.4 QB Rating

Clearly the difference isn't Roethlisberger. Meanwhile the Ravens have a huge advantage at RB so....Perhaps it's the fact that the Ravens have had 3 TDs called back by penalty in those games (I'd be SHOCKED if the Steelers had 3 TDs called back in their last two full SEASONS) and ALL THREE were questionable (at best) calls:

1). Holding penalty on Kelly Washington to negate a Willis McGahee TD when the Ravens had ALL of the momentum.

2). Holding penalty on Edgar Jones (IIRC) to negate the Lardarius Webb TD that would have put the Ravens up in the final minutes of the AFC Championship game.

3). Holding penalty on Torrey Smith to negate an 80 yard TD run by Ray Rice on the first play from scrimmage in Pittsburgh (after the Steelers were absolutely dismantled from the get-go in the first Ravens-Steelers game, think that would have affected the Steelers' psyche?)

This isn't even close to the worst indictment of Steelers games being rigged. Just watching the games will show that when the Steelers really need a W, the refs will come through for them (again, what is the explanation for why they go 3-0 before losing on the last play against the Ravens with Charlie Batch at QB? Isn't Roethlisberger supposed to be their whole offense?)

**Boulderraven** · 11-13-2012, 02:17 PM

Based on initial reports and various reporters and having a SC Joint issue with rib issues as well looks like he will miss 3 weeks to 3 months, based a degree of sprain. Then how effective is he if he plays is another question? He played on a bum ankle last year and was pretty bad if you remember for a while.

**NCRAVEN** · 11-13-2012, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Dade

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially confirmed that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a COMPLETE tear of his right labia! ~ Tweet from @Pangwin

**Boulderraven** · 11-13-2012, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by ccoolahan14

I guess you didn't watch last night's game. Or really any Ravens-Steelers game in recent years. The media always looks for a narrative for why the Flacco couldn't beat the Steelers for a period of time when the teams are so equally matched., with the prevailing theory being that Roethlisberger is the difference and he just outplays Flacco. Since 2009:

Flacco vs Steelers (average/game): 20-34, 232 yards, 1.4 TDs (10 in 7 games), 0.4 INTs (3 in 10 games), 88.5 QB Rating

Roethlisberger vs Ravens (average/game): 20-36, 269 yards, 1.2 TDs (6 in 5 games), 1.2 INTs (6 in 5 games), 77.4 QB Rating

Clearly the difference isn't Roethlisberger. Meanwhile the Ravens have a huge advantage at RB so....Perhaps it's the fact that the Ravens have had 3 TDs called back by penalty in those games (I'd be SHOCKED if the Steelers had 3 TDs called back in their last two full SEASONS) and ALL THREE were questionable (at best) calls:

1). Holding penalty on Kelly Washington to negate a Willis McGahee TD when the Ravens had ALL of the momentum.

2). Holding penalty on Edgar Jones (IIRC) to negate the Lardarius Webb TD that would have put the Ravens up in the final minutes of the AFC Championship game.

3). Holding penalty on Torrey Smith to negate an 80 yard TD run by Ray Rice on the first play from scrimmage in Pittsburgh (after the Steelers were absolutely dismantled from the get-go in the first Ravens-Steelers game, think that would have affected the Steelers' psyche?)

This isn't even close to the worst indictment of Steelers games being rigged. Just watching the games will show that when the Steelers really need a W, the refs will come through for them (again, what is the explanation for why they go 3-0 before losing on the last play against the Ravens with Charlie Batch at QB? Isn't Roethlisberger supposed to be their whole offense?)

This. Steelers always get the bail out call. Like last night with late flags ticky tack or imagery penalty flags hitting the ground, usually having nothing to do with the play. The offensive PI on Moeaki was lousy, bailed out by a 4th and 15 catch. The holding penalty on the Cheif lineman so weak 10 yards after the play, cmon. The Steeler OLine was tackling the Chief dline the whole night.

**Jsmoove** · 11-13-2012, 02:22 PM

I think it's pretty serious, if he could have finished that game, being as close as it was and playing a conference game that other divisional and conference teams have played and won, they wouldn't risk keeping him out of the game if he could finish it, ben might be out for a few weeks.

**Jsmoove** · 11-13-2012, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by ccoolahan14

I guess you didn't watch last night's game. Or really any Ravens-Steelers game in recent years. The media always looks for a narrative for why the Flacco couldn't beat the Steelers for a period of time when the teams are so equally matched., with the prevailing theory being that Roethlisberger is the difference and he just outplays Flacco. Since 2009:

Flacco vs Steelers (average/game): 20-34, 232 yards, 1.4 TDs (10 in 7 games), 0.4 INTs (3 in 10 games), 88.5 QB Rating

Roethlisberger vs Ravens (average/game): 20-36, 269 yards, 1.2 TDs (6 in 5 games), 1.2 INTs (6 in 5 games), 77.4 QB Rating

Clearly the difference isn't Roethlisberger. Meanwhile the Ravens have a huge advantage at RB so....Perhaps it's the fact that the Ravens have had 3 TDs called back by penalty in those games (I'd be SHOCKED if the Steelers had 3 TDs called back in their last two full SEASONS) and ALL THREE were questionable (at best) calls:

1). Holding penalty on Kelly Washington to negate a Willis McGahee TD when the Ravens had ALL of the momentum.

2). Holding penalty on Edgar Jones (IIRC) to negate the Lardarius Webb TD that would have put the Ravens up in the final minutes of the AFC Championship game.

3). Holding penalty on Torrey Smith to negate an 80 yard TD run by Ray Rice on the first play from scrimmage in Pittsburgh (after the Steelers were absolutely dismantled from the get-go in the first Ravens-Steelers game, think that would have affected the Steelers' psyche?)

This isn't even close to the worst indictment of Steelers games being rigged. Just watching the games will show that when the Steelers really need a W, the refs will come through for them (again, what is the explanation for why they go 3-0 before losing on the last play against the Ravens with Charlie Batch at QB? Isn't Roethlisberger supposed to be their whole offense?)

We have learned our lesson from all those let downs, if its one thing about Harbaugh when it comes to the steelers now he leaves no stone unturned. We have had so many heartbreaking losses that now we prepare for them in every aspect.

**Bhcforlife** · 11-13-2012, 02:30 PM

I can't believe people still buy into the Jen "injury" drama. He was legitimately hurt last night, not questioning that, but it could have been something that was hurting last night but is overall minor.

I'll believe the rumored severity of it if he isn't out there at 8:20 on Sunday. Until then, it should be looked at as typical Big Jen pre-Ravens drama. We've seen this too many times to believe it's anything more than that.

**GaTechRavens** · 11-13-2012, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Bhcforlife

I can't believe people still buy into the Jen "injury" drama. He was legitimately hurt last night, not questioning that, but it could have been something that was hurting last night but is overall minor.

I'll believe the rumored severity of it if he isn't out there at 8:20 on Sunday. Until then, it should be looked at as typical Big Jen pre-Ravens drama. We've seen this too many times to believe it's anything more than that.

None of that drama ever involved him staying out of an actual game with critical implications.

People said the same thing in 2009, yet when the game started, Ben wasn't there. He's human. If he's too injured to play, he's too injured to play.

**bensmotorcyclehelmt** · 11-13-2012, 02:55 PM

Tomlin noted in his presser today it was a Sprained SC joint:

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/1...oulder-sprain/

It was the injury that took down Farve's streak:
Check out #19 on this list:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...s&sportCat=nfl

And this:

http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/9629...ac-injury-.htm

**Paintballguy** · 11-13-2012, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by bensmotorcyclehelmt

Tomlin noted in his presser today it was a Sprained SC joint.
It was the injury that took down Farve's streak:
Check out #19 on this list:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...s&sportCat=nfl

That doesnt sound good

19. Sprained sternoclavicular (SC) joint, right shoulder

Year: 2010

Favre file: Finally forced to miss start versus New York Giants.

Feels like: Very, very painful. Swelling and tenderness in the front of the chest. The SC joint attaches the collarbone to the breastbone -- in essence, the arm to the body -- which means most upper-body motions are affected. Worst case scenario: An unstable collarbone can compress major blood vessels, including the jugular vein and aorta.

Standard treatment: Requires careful evaluation by a specialist. Less severe cases require ice, anti-inflammatories, wearing a sling for a few weeks and rehab with range-of-motion exercises. More severe cases require surgery to rebuild torn ligaments.

Average recovery time: Three weeks to more than three months.

Weekend warrior impact: Your status as a jeans-wearin', backyard football all-time quarterback may be in doubt. "It's typically an extremely difficult injury from which to recover fully," Millett says. "Especially for an overhead-throwing athlete."

Additional thanks to Dr. Joshua Zimmerman of the Human Motion Institute at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Dr. Bill Moutzouros of the Henry Ford Medical Group, Dr. Patrick McCulloch of the Methodist Center for Sports Medicine in Houston and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune for cataloging many of Favre's career injuries and subsequent performances.

Patrick Hruby is a freelance writer and ESPN.com contributor. Contact him at PatrickHruby.net.

**RavenMadness** · 11-13-2012, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenboy2003

He's probably already practicing.

Left-handed.

Just in case.

just as long as he can lift his newborn..........

**Uli2001** · 11-13-2012, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by Boulderraven

Based on initial reports and various reporters and having a SC Joint issue with rib issues as well looks like he will miss 3 weeks to 3 months, based a degree of sprain. Then how effective is he if he plays is another question? He played on a bum ankle last year and was pretty bad if you remember for a while.

That's what people are forgetting. It may be *better* for the Ravens if he insists on playing injured. I don't think he would be effective at all with a sprain on his throwing shoulder.