Ben Roethlisberger Praises Lamar Jackson and Predicts the Ravens Will Defeat the Steelers

In a recent interview, Ben Roethlisberger, the retired legendary quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, weighed in on one of the most dynamic and promising quarterbacks in the NFL today: Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Roethlisberger, known for his 18-year tenure with the Steelers, recently offered glowing praise for Jackson’s extraordinary talent, agility, and impact on the league. His endorsement, while seemingly a nod to his personal admiration for Jackson’s skills, also contained a bold prediction for the Steelers’ upcoming matchup against their AFC North rivals, the Ravens.

With the Steelers and Ravens set to clash in a critical divisional game, Roethlisberger’s analysis carries weight, particularly as both teams are in the midst of a highly competitive season. His comments offer a unique perspective on not only Jackson’s rise as an elite quarterback but also on how the Steelers, under new leadership, may fare against the Ravens’ powerful offense.

Lamar Jackson: The New Standard for Quarterbacks?

Lamar Jackson’s rapid ascent to NFL stardom has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since being drafted by the Ravens in 2018, Jackson has redefined the role of a quarterback. Renowned for his electrifying running ability, he quickly became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. His feats on the field have made him a dual-threat weapon, capable of evading defenders with ease and delivering pinpoint passes that break down even the most elite defenses.

Ben Roethlisberger’s comments about Jackson reveal deep respect for the young quarterback’s skill set. Roethlisberger, who himself was known for his ability to extend plays and shake off defenders, understands just how special Jackson’s unique combination of speed, strength, and quarterback IQ truly is. He praised Jackson for not just his athleticism but also his leadership qualities and the way he has led the Ravens’ offense since taking over the starting role.

“He’s a playmaker, and that’s what you want in a quarterback,” Roethlisberger said. “Lamar has a rare combination of athleticism, vision, and intelligence that not only makes him difficult to stop, but it also elevates the players around him. The way he can command the game with his legs and his arm is something very few quarterbacks can do.”

Beyond just his play on the field, Roethlisberger noted that Jackson’s approach to the game and his ability to elevate his team’s performance, especially in high-pressure moments, was another trait that impressed him. He pointed to Jackson’s leadership during games, particularly in tight matchups, as a defining characteristic that has helped the Ravens remain competitive in a tough AFC North division.

Steelers vs. Ravens: The Rivalry Continues

The Steelers and Ravens have one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL, built on years of intense matchups, physical play, and playoff contention. The battles between these two teams are never just about winning—they are about pride, tradition, and the desire to claim supremacy in one of the most competitive divisions in football. This rivalry has seen many legendary performances, and with Lamar Jackson now at the helm for Baltimore, it’s safe to say that the stakes are higher than ever.

Roethlisberger, who had a front-row seat to many of these epic clashes, expressed admiration for the Ravens’ success under Jackson. Despite the Steelers’ long history of dominance over their rivals, Roethlisberger made a surprising prediction regarding the upcoming game.

“I think Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are going to win this game,” Roethlisberger said with confidence. “When you look at what Lamar brings to the table, along with how the Ravens have built their team, they’re just tough to stop right now.”

His prediction, while based on respect for Jackson, was also an acknowledgement of the growing challenges the Steelers face in the post-Roethlisberger era. Pittsburgh, under head coach Mike Tomlin, has a roster that is still trying to find its footing after Roethlisberger’s retirement. While the defense remains one of the league’s best, the Steelers’ offense has struggled at times to match the speed and precision of teams like the Ravens.

Roethlisberger added, “The Steelers are rebuilding in some ways. They’ve got some great pieces on defense and some good young players on offense, but they’re still figuring things out. Meanwhile, the Ravens are clicking on all cylinders with Lamar leading the way.”

The Steelers’ Challenges in 2025

While Ben Roethlisberger’s remarks are filled with reverence for Jackson and his current team, they also underscore the difficulties Pittsburgh has encountered in the post-Roethlisberger era. After Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have had to adapt to a new offensive scheme while searching for a quarterback who can fill the shoes of the franchise legend. Despite the stellar efforts of rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ offense has at times struggled to move the ball efficiently, particularly in critical situations.

Pittsburgh’s defense, however, remains a major strength. The Steelers have one of the most ferocious defensive units in the NFL, led by stars like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Heyward. But even a top-tier defense can only do so much when faced with an offense as potent as Baltimore’s, especially when Jackson is on fire.

Roethlisberger was candid about the challenges facing the Steelers. “They’ve got a great defense, but you need more than just defense to beat a team like the Ravens. Lamar is a game-changer, and he can put up points quickly. The Steelers need to be better on offense and find a way to keep up.”

While the Steelers’ defense will undoubtedly make things tough for Jackson, Roethlisberger’s prediction that the Ravens will come out on top highlights the difficulty of containing a quarterback who is as versatile and elusive as Jackson. He pointed out that the Ravens’ ability to capitalize on offensive opportunities and adapt to changing game situations has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for the AFC North

As the AFC North continues to be one of the most tightly contested divisions in football, Roethlisberger’s insights offer a glimpse into the current state of the teams involved. The Ravens, with Jackson as their leader, appear to be in prime position to challenge for the division crown once again. But the Steelers, while in a transitional period, will always be a formidable opponent, especially under the guidance of Tomlin.

For Steelers fans, Roethlisberger’s words serve as a reminder that the road ahead may not be easy. The team is still adjusting to life after their iconic quarterback, but with the right development and some key adjustments on offense, the Steelers will be back in the mix sooner rather than later.

For Ravens fans, the praise from Roethlisberger only adds to the belief that their team is ready to compete for the highest honors in the NFL. Jackson, already a former MVP, continues to evolve, and the sky may very well be the limit for him and his teammates.