Ben Roethlisberger versus Carson Palmer

It must be depressing to be a Baltimore Ravens or Cleveland Browns fan right about now. Sure, either or those teams could rise up and win the AFC North, but both would seem to be at a severe disadvantage at the QB position. After all, two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL now ply their trade in the same division. Of course, I'm referring to Ben Roethlisberger and Carson Palmer, starting QB's for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively. New England's Tom Brady and Indianapolis's Peyton Manning still must be considered the two best QB's in the NFL, but both Roethlisberger and Palmer are nipping at their heels.

No doubt, Palmer is the better pure passer, a more polished product. And thus far, Palmer has had the luxury of playing with a more talented group of linemen and skill players. It's no coincidence that Pittsburgh spent almost all its 2006 draft choices on offense; the organization is trying to provide Roethlisberger with the talent to keep up with Palmer and the Bengals' high-powered offense.

While Roethlisberger isn't as 'pretty' as Palmer, it's hard to argue with the results he has achieved. Roethlisberger has a 27-4 career record (including 5-1 in the post-season), and a Super Bowl title. Remarkably, he has lost just one road game in his career, and has yet to lose a game to any NFC team.

My question for both Steelers and Bengals fans is: How do you compare Roethlisberger and Palmer at this point in their careers?