1**Title: Late for Work: Ben Roethlisberger Picks Ravens to Beat Steelers, Praises Lamar Jackson**
In the world of professional football, former players often stay in the spotlight long after they’ve hung up their cleats. Whether through media roles, podcasts, or candid interviews, these former stars continue to shape the narrative surrounding the game they once played. Ben Roethlisberger, one of the most iconic quarterbacks in Pittsburgh Steelers history, has recently made waves with a bold prediction and some high praise for his former rivals.
In a segment for his podcast *Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger*, the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback surprised fans by picking the Baltimore Ravens, his team’s bitter AFC North rivals, to beat the Steelers. Adding even more intrigue, Roethlisberger took the time to praise Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, a player with whom he has always shared a mutual respect. His comments were particularly notable given the rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens, which has been one of the most intense in the NFL for over a decade.
Roethlisberger’s remarks sparked a range of reactions from fans, analysts, and even current Steelers players. But beneath the surface of the headline-grabbing comments lies a fascinating look at how Roethlisberger views the evolution of the NFL, the respect he has for his peers, and his candid approach to analyzing the game.
### A Bold Prediction
For decades, Steelers vs. Ravens games have been the epitome of hard-nosed, physical football. The rivalry has been defined by fierce competition, memorable plays, and a sense of pride from both fanbases. Roethlisberger, who spent 18 seasons with the Steelers, was a central figure in those matchups, playing in numerous contests that decided the balance of power in the AFC North. He was accustomed to battling against the Ravens’ defense, a unit known for its relentless pressure and ability to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
So, it was surprising when Roethlisberger, in a recent episode of his podcast, predicted that the Ravens would emerge victorious in a matchup with the Steelers. He explained that, while he still had deep affection for his former team, he believed the Ravens had the edge in the particular matchup he was discussing. “I’m going to pick the Ravens,” Roethlisberger said, much to the surprise of many. “Their offense has just been too good this year, and Lamar Jackson has taken that next step.”
Roethlisberger’s pick was not just a random prediction; it was an acknowledgment of the strength of the Ravens’ current team. Baltimore, led by Lamar Jackson, had been performing at a high level and had established itself as one of the most potent offenses in the league. The Steelers, meanwhile, were in the midst of a rebuilding phase with new faces under center and a young roster trying to regain its footing after Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2022.
In this context, Roethlisberger’s pick makes a lot of sense. He acknowledged the talent gap and the shifting dynamics in the AFC North. It wasn’t a dismissal of the Steelers’ potential, but rather a reflection of the realities of the current landscape. The Ravens had been playing at a high level, while the Steelers were still trying to find their identity without their long-time leader.
### The Praise for Lamar Jackson
What caught even more attention, however, was Roethlisberger’s glowing comments about Lamar Jackson. Over the years, the two quarterbacks had met on the field numerous times, often in high-stakes games that defined the AFC North. While Roethlisberger had dominated many of those matchups, especially in the postseason, there was always an underlying mutual respect between the two signal-callers.
In his podcast, Roethlisberger didn’t hold back when discussing Jackson’s growth as a player. He praised the Ravens quarterback for his remarkable development, particularly in his passing game. “Lamar’s come a long way,” Roethlisberger said. “We all know he’s always been a great athlete, but now he’s becoming a great quarterback. His ability to throw the ball with accuracy and touch, while still being the dynamic player that he is on the ground, is a nightmare for defenses.”
Jackson, of course, made his name as one of the most electrifying running quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. His ability to make defenders miss and break off explosive runs made him a threat every time he touched the ball. But what Roethlisberger was pointing out was how Jackson had evolved as a more complete quarterback. Over the years, Jackson’s ability to read defenses, make tight window throws, and deliver the ball with precision had developed significantly. This made him not just a running threat, but a legitimate dual-threat quarterback who could dominate both through the air and on the ground.
Roethlisberger’s respect for Jackson is rooted in the evolution of Jackson’s game. He recognized that Jackson was no longer just a quarterback who relied on his athleticism to win games. He was becoming a more well-rounded signal-caller who could execute the Ravens’ offense with precision and intelligence.
It was a stark contrast to how Jackson was often perceived early in his career, when many critics questioned his ability to develop as a passer in the NFL. Roethlisberger, however, saw Jackson’s growth firsthand and acknowledged it as a game-changing evolution that would continue to make the Ravens a major threat in the league.
### The State of the Steelers
The broader context behind Roethlisberger’s prediction also speaks to the current state of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following his retirement after the 2021 season, Roethlisberger left behind a team in transition. With quarterback Kenny Pickett now under center, the Steelers were entering a new era, one without the stability that Roethlisberger had provided for nearly two decades.
While Pickett had shown flashes of promise, it was clear that the Steelers were still a work in progress. Their defense remained one of the top units in the NFL, but their offense was struggling to find consistency, particularly in the passing game. Roethlisberger, having spent so much time in the locker room with the team, was undoubtedly aware of these growing pains. His prediction of a Ravens victory wasn’t a knock on his former team but rather a reflection of the challenges the Steelers faced as they rebuilt.
In his commentary, Roethlisberger acknowledged the difficulties of transitioning from a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback to a new signal-caller. “I know what it’s like to be in the early stages of a career,” Roethlisberger said, referring to Pickett. “It takes time to adjust to the speed of the NFL and to find your rhythm as a quarterback.”
For Roethlisberger, the key for the Steelers’ future was patience. He knew that the Steelers would eventually return to championship contention, but the process would take time. His comments about the Ravens were a sign of respect for the team that was ahead in terms of development, particularly with a proven quarterback like Lamar Jackson leading the way.
### A Moment of Honesty
Ben Roethlisberger’s choice to pick the Ravens over the Steelers and praise Lamar Jackson was a rare and candid moment that showcased his authenticity. As a player, Roethlisberger was known for his toughness and fiery competitiveness, especially in the face of rivalry games against teams like the Ravens. To hear him openly admit that the Ravens were the better team in a given matchup, and to praise Jackson’s growth as a quarterback, was refreshing.
It was also a reminder of Roethlisberger’s deep understanding of the game and his ability to offer nuanced takes on the league’s biggest stars. His predictions and analysis, despite being somewhat unconventional for a former Steelers player, were grounded in a level of insight and respect for the game that went beyond blind loyalty.
In the end, Roethlisberger’s comments serve as a powerful testament to his maturity and growth as an analyst and commentator. He wasn’t just throwing out predictions for the sake of drama or controversy; rather, he was reflecting on the present state of both the Steelers and the Ravens and acknowledging the talents of players like Lamar Jackson, who had earned his respect over the years.
For Pittsburgh fans, it may have been a tough pill to swallow, but ultimately, Roethlisberger’s candid analysis was a reflection of his genuine love for the game — and his willingness to speak the truth, even when it wasn’t what everyone wanted to hear.
