Significance of Roethlisberger’s legendary performance vs Colts is Steelers offense could finally have an identity

How to describe Ben Roethlisberger’s magical performance Sunday evening vs the Indianapolis?

“Legendary” might be the only accurate word to describe how good Roethlisberger was in shredding a team regarded as one of the top AFC contenders.

Roethlisberger had one of the best performances of any quarterback ever in a single regular season game, completing 40 of 49 passes for 522 yards, 6 touchdowns and no interceptions.

What happened today at Heinz Field is the Steelers game planned liked a team that played to the strengths of their franchise quarterback — Get the ball downfield —

As the coaches handed Roethlisberger a game plan filled with big play opportunities, something of a rarity the last two and half seasons, Roethlisberger executed the game plan to near perfection.

“Just a tremendous effort by a lot of people but obviously Ben was the guy tonight,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the win.

The significance of today’s dominating performance from the offense isn’t just that the Steelers sit at 5-3 at the mid-way point, it’s that an identity might have finally been realized by the coaching staff.

This is an offense with an elite franchise quarterback and one of the premier running backs in the game in Le’Veon Bell and a wide receiver in Antonio Brown who is drawing Jerry Rice comparisons.

The big play potential has always been there. A coaching staff not playing to the strength’s of their quarterback and the lack of a big play No. 2 receiver to team with Antonio Brown has held this group back until now.

They have now discovered another dynamic playmaker to the group in the Martavis Bryant. Bryant’s impact the last two weeks can’t be discounted for this offense breaking out and potentially continuing to maximize their potential. The Steelers suddenly have a young Plaxico Burress type player stretching the field.

Bryant hauled in 5 catches for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns in win. He adds a huge dynamic and gives the Steelers another key piece to game plan around to go with Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown.

There’s no excuses for this coaching staff not to finally buy into this offense consistently game planning to Ben Roethlisberger’s strength’s and becoming an attacking down field offense.

Sunday night vs Baltimore will be telling.