Ben Roethlisberger, MVP sleeper?
It seems as if everyone is in on the Steelers offense this coming season. Count CBSSports.com's Will Brinson among them.
Brinson listed 10 under-the-radar candidates for the MVP award, and Ben Roethlisberger landed in the No. 2 spot. To qualify for Brinson's list, a candidate must not have won the MVP previously, and also could not have received votes for last season's award.
Roethlisberger is coming off the best statistical season of his career after passing for 4,952 yards with 32 touchdowns against just nine interceptions.
Many pundits are expecting more of the same from Roethlisberger, who will have another year under his belt in Todd Haley's offense with a vast array of weapons at his disposal. All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell will miss the first three games of the regular season due to suspension, leaving Roethlisberger to shoulder more of the load.
More from Brinson:
The Steelers quarterback was rewarded with a massive contract this off-season, despite not being rewarded in the MVP race a year ago. Big Ben was tied for first in passing yards (4,952), seventh in touchdown passes (32), third in passer rating (103.3), third in yards per pass attempt (8.1), only tossed nine interceptions and was sacked only 5.1 percent of the time. It's entirely possible — likely? — 2014 was the best season of Roethlisberger's career. He managed to take a step in Todd Haley's offense, combining an impressive mental approach to the game with his already ridiculous physical skills. Roethlisberger looked like a quarterback who could easily manage to mature well, something that hardly seemed likely when you think about some of the hits and the style of play that marked the early part of his career. If the Steelers defense is even average, Pittsburgh could easily eclipse double-digit wins. If a few things break their way and Roethlisberger carries them to 12-14 wins, it's an MVP season waiting in the wings.
Topping the list is Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, who like Roethlisberger, remarkably did not receive one MVP vote last year.
Click here for the full top 10.
h/t: Steelers Depot