Big Ben Singlehandedly Loses Game for Steelers, Promptly Cries*

Great news, Steelers fans: Ben Roethlisberger, after another atrocious performance, takes full responsibility for putting the "Tommy Maddox" back in Pittsburgh quarterbackin'.

Big Ben, a Pro Bowler a year ago, has been nursing various injuries this season and instead of sitting for a week or two to get healthy, he insists on taking the field, game after frustratingly awful game.

Roethlisberger seems to consider toughing it out long enough to throw a couple game-deciding interceptions a badge of honor. Yes, we get it, your irrepressible spirit contributes to your overall awesomeness, but only when you don't play like a drunk, hobbled hobo. It's a fine line, I know.

J.J. dutifully recaps the latest atrocity in which the offense squandered another solid defensive effort. For his part, Big Ben, was adequately emotional after the game:

"You'll never hear me say 'I' anything, but I lost this game," said Roethlisberger, who appeared to be crying into a towel when reporters entered the locker room. "I take it on myself. I let the guys down on offense and defense. It hurts, but we'll learn from it."

It might be hard to tell, but I'm a huge Roethlisberger supporter. Still, if his shoulder isn't 100 percent, or his brain hurts from taking roughly 300 hits a game, maybe he should consider a little vacation.

This isn't to suggest that there's a quarterback controversy, or that he's not one of the league's best QBs when healthy, or that he isn't the face of the franchise. Just that Byron Leftwich, who has the mobility of a statue and the quick release of a fast-pitch softball windup, might be the better short-term option.

Plus, you'll never see him crying* after a loss. I mean, Tommy Maddox wouldn't even do that, and if anybody had reason to, it was that dude.

* allegedly