The Pittsburgh Steelers put on quite a show Sunday at Heinz Field, and I was lucky enough to watch it from Section 124, Row P, Seat 14.

It was my first NFL game — aside from working as a “Beer Man” at Gillette Stadium for the Patriots in college — and the atmosphere did not disappoint.

Kudos, Steeler Nation. I couldn’t help but respect the non-stop cheering, twirling of the Terrible Towels, irrational chastising of refs and pure hatred for the Patriots. The last two might sound negative, but it’s exactly what a fan base should do.

I grew up in New Hampshire and was raised a New England supporter, but my fanhood for the Patriots was ruined by Tom Brady.

I never bought into the hype when he took the reins in 2001 and was forced to argue with friends about how much impact he had on New England’s success.

I’ve always maintained the Patriots won their titles with defense and special teams and Brady was a glorified game manager. The debates were so frequent and frustrating that rooting for the Pats wasn’t even enjoyable.

Sunday confirmed my belief that I would rather have a guy like Roethlisberger behind center.

I’ll give Brady, a former sixth-round pick, credit for maximizing his talents. He effectively reads defenses before the snap (insert Spygate joke here) and can dismantle a secondary with short, accurate throws.

Brady might be the best in the business at executing plays, but he struggles to make plays — and there’s a big difference.

If the offensive line fizzles in front of Roethlisberger, he has the ability to make something out of nothing. He can shrug off defenders, roll out and fire a pass on the money 45 yards downfield. Sorry New England, but Brady just can’t.

When throwing the ball 30 yards or farther in the air, he’s gone just 6 of 28 for 271 yards, three TDs and two interceptions since the start of 2010.

In four fewer games, Roethlisberger is 16 of 36 for 762 yards with eight TDs and two interceptions when the ball is launched more than 30 yards.

Brady was anointed by many as the most clutch QB in the game after winning three Super Bowls in his first four years as a starter.

It’s simple reasoning and seems sound at first. But every single one of Brady’s game-winning drives in the playoffs ended with an Adam Vinatieri field goal.

He went 10-0 in his first 10 playoffs games — another solid reason he was crowned as clutch — but the New England defense limited opponents to 15.8 points per game in that span.

He’s has actually grown as a quarterback since then. However, the Patriots have gone 4-5 in the playoffs thanks to increased pressure on Brady, while the New England defense — ranked sixth (2001), first (2003) and second (2004) in its Super Bowl years — has gone downhill, allowing 23.6 ppg.

Like Brady, Roethlisberger has had the benefit of great defenses, as well. Roethlisberger can pick apart secondaries with short throws, too. I saw it with my own eyes on Sunday.

Roethlisberger operates — sometimes thrives —when protection breaks down and it’s up to the quarterback to salvage yards, move the chains or exploit loose coverage downfield. In the same situation, Brady suffocates.

Roethlisberger simply gives an offense more options. That’s why I’d take Big Ben each and every Sunday, no matter how many rings Brady has.

Jason Orfao is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.