Roethlisberger sizzles with meaty performance.(NFL)(National Football League, Ben Roethlisberger)

Ben Roethlisberger's first NFL pass fell incomplete, and his next one was intercepted. Now look at him. He's playing more like a veteran of five years than a rookie who has played five games.

His 100.1 passer rating ranks fourth in the league. He has completed 78 of 113 passes for 937 yards and seven touchdowns, with four interceptions. He has helped lead the Steelers to four consecutive victories and first place in the AFC North. He has become such a hit in Pittsburgh, a restaurant now features a 1/3-pound hamburger called the "Roethlis-burger."

Roethlisberger--the player, not the sandwich--is 6-4, 241 pounds. He stands tall in the pocket and exhibits ...