Ben Roethlisberger ranked number 41 by NFL Network?!

The NFL Network has been unveiling their list of the 100 best players in the NFL going into 2011. Last night the list lost all of its credibility when Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger showed up at number 41 on the list. Let me say that again, Ben Roethlisberger was ranked as the 41st best player in the NFL.

So you’re telling me that there are 40 players better than Roethlisberger? That’s ridiculous. Roethlisberger, a Pro Bowler, has won two Super Bowls, three AFC Championships, rookie of the year, and is in the top 10 all-time in qb rating should be way higher up the list.

Of course, Ben’s haters, critics, detractors will tell you that he only wins because of his team. That’s ridiculous as well. Ben has never had an elite, world-class receiver to throw to. He’s been forced to play behind a mediocre offensive line for the majority of his career. And here’s a great stat, the Steelers are 8-6 without Roethlisberger as the starter since he’s been in the league. The New England Patriots are 11-5 without Tom Brady. Just saying.

Fact is no other quarterback has had more game-winning drives or 4th quarter-comebacks in the first seven seasons then Roethlisberger. All he does is win. Some say the Steelers defense has way more to do with the Steelers winning. So Ben’s the only qb in the NFL that has had good defenses behind him? Tom Brady’s Patriots have had top 10 defenses almost every year of his career, including the number one defense in 2003 and 2004. Peyton Manning has had a top 10 defense in seven seasons, including the number one defense in 2007. I guess it only counts when the Steelers have the number one defense.

I also have to laugh that Philip Rivers and Mike Vick are ranked ahead of Big Ben. Rivers has a losing record in the playoffs and failed to make the playoffs last year with the number one offense and defense in a weak division. Rivers has had top 10 defenses and has played with more Pro Bowler’s then Roethlisberger. Also, Rivers has never gone an entire playoff game without throwing an interception. So why is Rivers ranked higher than Roethlisberger? My guess is fantasy football.

As for Vick, don’t get me started. Most overrated player in the league by far. Accuracy sucks, turns the ball over at critical times, and isn’t a good leader. Great athlete but what has he ever won? Didn’t he just throw a pick on the last drive of the game in the playoff loss to the Packers last year? Also go look at the stats, Ben’s stats crush Vick’s and he has two Super Bowls. So how is Vick better? Bias.

I still think Ben is better than Brees. Brees was average at best in San Diego. I have Brees as the 5th best qb in the league but not better than Ben. Brees has benefited from his head coach (Sean Peyton) more than any other qb in the NFL.

As for the list its self, I’m not sure how it is based. Are they just basing it on last year? That would explain some things, but it wouldn’t explain why Terrell Owens and Donovan McNabb are on the list at all. And even if it is based on last year, didn't Ben go five straight games without throwing a pick? Didn't he help get the Steelers to the Super Bowl?

If it’s supposed to be more than last year then Roethlisberger has to be in the top 25. He’s been to three Super Bowls in seven seasons, winning two. He has arguably the greatest Super Bowl winning drive in history. He’s always among the leaders in yards per completion and yards per attempt.

Roethlisberger is now the most underrated player and quarterback in the league. If the 7th best quarterback is a two-time Super Bowl champion in his prime than something is wrong. Is it because of Ben’s off the field issues? I sure hope not because why would Vick be so high. He is a convicted felon after all. Is it because Ben isn’t liked very well? Maybe so, keep drinking that hatorade fellas.

Roethlisberger is the Rodney Dangerfeild of the NFL . Never gets the respect he deserves. That’s alright. He’ll just keep making impossible plays and winning games. Hell, I’m convinced that he could retire with 5 Super Bowls and not get into the Hall of Fame at this point.