Ben Roethlisberger Outpacing Rivers and Eli In Hall of Fame Race

Nov 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Compelling trades and drama tied Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning and Philip Rivers together in 2004.  But the question remains.  Who is the best?

Success of ’04 crop still resonating a decade later

The 2004 NFL draft class is widely celebrated as one of the best in pro football history, led by its quarterbacks.  The three that marked the 1st round have gone on to have highly productive careers.  Number one overall pick Eli Manning overcame the scrutiny he faced after shirking the San Diego Chargers for the New York Giants and led his team to a pair of Super Bowl titles, more than his beloved older brother Peyton.

Philip Rivers, who became the centerpiece of the trade that landed Eli in New York successfully replaced Drew Brees in San Diego.  At first he managed a powerful run-oriented offense that featured LaDainian Tomlinson and then altered his game to become the focal point himself.  He has the most Pro Bowls of any quarterback in the ’04 class with five and counting, hasn’t missed a game since he became the starter and led the Chargers to five playoff appearances.

However, the true gem of that class is proving to be Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  He has the same amount of rings as Eli with two and more playoff appearances than Rivers with six.  On top of that he is a combined 5-3 against them with winning records in each series.

The big question ahead for all three though is which one will reach the Hall of Fame.  They all make a case but Big Ben has sprinted to the head of the pack.  Though he only has two Pro Bowls, the 32-year old is playing the best football of his life.  Last season he finished with 4,261 yards, 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.  So far in 2014 he has 2,720 yards, 22 touchdowns and three interceptions in nine games.  He just finished a stretch where he became the only quarterback to top 500 yards passing in a game twice in his career and also the only quarterback to finish back-to-back games with six touchdown passes.

Barring a breakdown he should claim his third Pro Bowl of his career and has proven to his peers that he is not only the best quarterback of the 2004 NFL draft class, but perhaps approaching Hall of Fame status.