In a candid episode of his podcast, “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger,” Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger expressed deep concern about the state of the historic franchise.
Known for their long history of toughness and consistency, the Steelers seem to have lost their way.
Their horrific 21-18 loss at home to the New England Patriots last Thursday served as a perfect example of how much things have changed in Pittsburgh.
“Maybe the tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers is done,” Roethlisberger said.
Big Ben did not mince words when critiquing the coaching decisions, particularly targeting head coach Mike Tomlin with his criticism.
“You can’t afford in the second half of games to burn silly timeouts and to not have them late in the game,” he stated. “To me, that’s bad coaching.”
Big Ben on if the Steelers are losing the Steeler way:
“You need someone to stand up in that room on offense and be like hey this isn’t what it means to wear the black and gold.”#steelers
🎥YT/Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger pic.twitter.com/lh2iws5pWK
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) December 11, 2023
“If we have one more timeout there, we get a completion, we can work the middle of the field and all you got to do is give Boz [Chris Boswell] a 60-yard chance,” he emphasized. “Give him a chance, and he’ll tie the game.”
Big Ben is a sure-fire Hall of Famer and is beloved in Pittsburgh for his leadership and toughness … Those are two traits that certainly seem to be lacking with the current team.
“Who is grabbing someone by the face mask and saying, ‘That’s not what we do?'” he questioned. “You need someone to stand up in that room, on offense, and be like, hey, this isn’t what it means to wear the black and gold.”
Never would I have thought I’d see the day Ben threw tomlin under the bus. I’m all for it though
— BengalsHead (@BengalsHead) December 13, 2023
“This isn’t what has been handed down from those teams of the ’70s. The Steel Curtain, the four Super Bowls, the Nolls, the Bradshaws, the Blounts. All those people, it’s unbelievable,” he continued.
There’s also the reoccurring problem of diva receivers in Pittsburgh – something that was a problem even in Big Ben’s days.
However, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are taking the term “diva” to a whole other level … And as Roethlisberger alluded to, there doesn’t seem to be anyone on the team that can reel them in.
I feel like it died with all the AB and Bell drama TBH
— Ute James (@RaigeGage) December 13, 2023
Having said all of this, it’s not all doom and gloom in the Steel City … At 7-6, they are still in the thick of the AFC playoff race.
However, the clock is ticking for them to figure things out – and even if they do make the postseason, they probably won’t be striking much fear in many teams.
Najee Harris responding to Ben Roethlisberger’s recent comments. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/yAFKhOwg3P
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) December 13, 2023
A Saturday showdown against the Indianapolis Colts is up next … We’ll see if the Steelers can muster up some of that old pride they used to have.
What are your thoughts on Big Ben’s comments?
The Steelers are on the Mount Rushmore of NFL franchises … But have they lost their way???