Patrick Mahomes vs Ben Roethlisberger: wild card appearances, stats and records
In an AFC showdown two of the league's most talented quarterbacks go head to head. While stats and history factor in, the result remains to be seen.
As the Steelers prepare to face the Chiefs in a NFL Wild Card showdown, all eyes are on the two quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes vs Ben Roethlisberger
If we're honest, Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers face a monumental task on Sunday night when they face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card of the 2021-22 NFL Playoffs. Indeed, Roethlisberger himself was not so confident in his comments about the game. On the other hand Chiefs' QB Patrick Mahomes only had words of praise for Pittsburgh's veteran star. Are there psychological games afoot between the two? Probably. With one trying to assume the role of the underdog and the other maintaining a manner of respect for the opponent, it's clear just how much is riding on this game - aside from the obvious - for both sides. That being said, let's take a look at how the two players match up.
Big Ben and the Baby GOAT by the numbers
As Roethlisberger approaches what appear to be his final days as a Pittsburgh Steelers player, it's worth noting that his level of play has stayed constant throughout. The Steelers as a team on the other hand do have reason to be concerned. With a record of 9-7-1 they could be considered lucky to have a Wild Card opportunity against the Kansas City Chiefs who are 12-5. With that in mind, here's a look at how both quarterbacks stack up as they prepare to face each other in what will undoubtedly be a defining moment for both.
Clearly Roethlisberger has been around for quite some time compared to the much younger Mahomes. To date the Steelers' QB has played in 249 games compared to Mahomes 63. In that time, however, the winning percentages have definitely been telling. Big Ben has won 165 games, while Mahomes has 50 which equates to a winning percentage of 67% vs 79% respectively. Mahomes' rise through the ranks has been quite frankly, meteoric. When it comes to pass completion, the Chiefs' QB has completed 1,550 passes in his time in Kansas City, which gives him a pass completion percentage of 66.1%. When we compare that with Roethlisberger has 64.4% with 5,440 passes, Mahomes talent starts to become evident. Overall Roethlisberger has a QB rating of 93.5 which when stacked up against Mahomes' 105.8 - in less time - becomes quite indicative of the gulf between them. On the other hand, as every NFL fan knows it's always comes down to the idea of 'any given Sunday.'
What NFL records does Patrick Mahomes hold?
When it comes to records, there is a fair share between the two players. Where Mahomes is concerned, there aren't many play makers either past or present who can share company with him. To date, Mahomes jointly holds the record for the most consecutive 300+ passing yard games with 8. In addition he also registered 10,000 yards faster than any QB before. Then there is also the matter of the most touchdown passes thrown in a game, which he did in 2018 with six TDs. In that same year he also arrived at 50 touchdowns which was the most registered by a QB in a single season.
What about Ben Roethlisberger's records?
As a veteran one might argue that the Steeler's QB has more time to work on his craft, that being said, class is class. To be clear, Big Ben holds the record for most regular season wins in a single season with 13 in 2004. That of course goes hand with the fact that he also has the most wins as a starter with 51 from 2004 to 2008. Roethlisberger also boasts the most games with a completion percentage higher than 80% from back in 2007 when he ran the gambit for 4 games. Then we can't forget the fact that he has the most career games with 500+ yards passing.