Big Ben One of Top 5 QBs of All Time

Interesting article from coldhardfootballfacts.com.

Now that Ben has thrown more than the minimum number of passes, he can be ranked with quarterbacks in career numbers. And he does very well.

#5 All-Time in Passer Rating:

1. Steve Young – 96.81
2. Peyton Manning – 94.25
3. Kurt Warner – 93.52
4. Tom Brady – 92.91
5. Ben Roethlisberger – 92.52

#5 in Yards Per Pass Attempt (an even better indicator of a winning quarterback):

1. Otto Graham – 8.63 YPA
2. Sid Luckman – 8.42
3. Norm Van Brocklin – 8.16
4. Kurt Warner – 8.14
5. Ben Roethlisberger – 8.10

The article thinks that if Ben can continue this performance for another 4 years, he is a sure fire first ballot Hall of Famer.

The only downside to this is that the trends in Ben's career in both of the above stats are heading downward, no doubt a result of playing behind an awful offensive line and having to exist in Bruce Arians' nonsensical offensive scheme.

Funny how I didn't see Carson Palmer on this list...

No Doubt About It: Frattare retiring

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08275/916581-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml

Lanny Frattare, the voice of the Pirates for 33 years, is retiring.

Frattare, who began broadcasting the team's games in 1976, has called the team games longer than any other announcer, including the venerable Bob Prince.

"In the 122-year history of this proud franchise, nobody has brought the action to Pirates fans longer than Lanny," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said. "Lanny's positive impact on the Pirates and the Pittsburgh community reaches far beyond the broadcast booth. Whether it was the countless number of appearances he made in the community on behalf of the Pirates or his two decade-long personal push to raise funds for mentally challenged individuals in our area, Lanny is part of the fabric of this community."

33 years is a long time and longer than Myron with the Steelers or Lange with the Pens. But Lanny will never enter the conversation with the other two as great Pittsburgh broadcasters. Prince will remain as the most beloved Bucco play by play man.

To me, Lanny never really captured me. There were times when I got caught up in his excitement but too many others when he just didn't make the game exciting enough. Ok, maybe he had a difficult task considering most of the teams he covered. Still, I won't miss him that much, unless someone like Kent Dierdivanis replaces him.

I will of course miss the "And there was noooooooooooooo doubt about it!!!!" even after a 9th inning comeback.