Ben Roethlisberger expressed a pessimistic outlook on the current state of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise during his podcast, “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger.” Following the team’s disappointing 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots, Roethlisberger criticized the coaching decisions, particularly Coach Mike Tomlin, regarding the mismanagement of timeouts in crucial moments.
According to Roethlisberger, burning unnecessary timeouts in the second half reflects poor coaching, hindering the team’s ability to execute critical plays late in the game. He emphasized the strategic importance of timeouts and highlighted how having one more could have potentially altered the outcome of the game.
This defeat marks a departure from the norm for Roethlisberger, who is unaccustomed to witnessing the Steelers’ consistent struggle. The team’s 7-6 record has been achieved despite the defense compensating for an inconsistent offense. This season marks the first time the Steelers have missed the postseason since Roethlisberger’s absence.
In nearly two decades with the Steelers, Roethlisberger never experienced a losing season and played a pivotal role in winning two Super Bowls, along with reaching a third. His concern stems from a perceived lack of the traditional Steelers’ toughness and camaraderie.
Roethlisberger questions the absence of leadership within the team, specifically referencing the need for players to embody the ethos of the iconic ’70s Steelers – the Steel Curtain era with four Super Bowls featuring legends like Nolls, Bradshaws, and Blounts. He yearns for someone on the offense to step up, echoing the leadership demonstrated by veterans Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward during his early years.
The quarterback reflects on the challenge of preserving the team’s legacy over time, emphasizing the importance of passing down values in the right manner. He suggests a loss of this connection within the current team, noting a sense that some players prioritize personal success over the team’s well-being.
In essence, Roethlisberger’s concerns revolve around the diminishing sense of Steelers tradition and the absence of strong leadership that has defined the franchise’s historic success.
