Ben Roethlisberger Raises Concerns About Team’s Culture
Steeler great Ben Roethlisberger has cast doubt on the once-storied tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Speaking on his “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger” podcast, the two-time Super Bowl champion voiced his frank assessment of the team’s culture, suggesting that it may be time to forge a new path.
“Maybe the tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers is done,” Roethlisberger candidly stated. “Maybe it needs to be formed a new kind of way.”
Roethlisberger went on to highlight the defensive leaders, such as Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, who embody the “Steeler Way” in his eyes. The team’s defensive performance has been commendable, with the Steelers ranking seventh in points allowed per game this season. However, Roethlisberger emphasized that the issue lies with the offense.
Struggles on Offense Plague the Steelers
One of the major concerns among Steelers followers is the team’s lackluster offensive performance. Pittsburgh currently ranks 27th in points scored and yards averaged per game this season. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada was even dismissed mid-season due to the poor performance of Kenny Pickett and the offense.
Roethlisberger clarified that his critique was not directed at the defense but rather the offense’s inability to exemplify the “Steeler toughness” that has been synonymous with the team. He stressed the need for someone on offense to step up and remind the team of the legacy left by the Steelers’ illustrious past.
“You need someone to stand up in that room on offense and be like, ‘No, this isn’t what it means to wear the black and gold. This isn’t what’s been handed down from those teams in the ‘70s,'” Roethlisberger expressed.
Roethlisberger, who retired after the 2021 season, referred to himself as the “last guard” alongside players like Hines Ward. He highlighted the unwritten rule of not playing music in the locker room, a practice that late owner Dan Rooney disapproved of. While Roethlisberger acknowledged that playing music did not affect winning or losing, he believed it went against the Steelers’ traditions.
Loss of Intimidation Factor
On the field, Roethlisberger expressed his belief that the Steelers no longer strike fear into their opponents as they once did. He reminisced about a time when the team would already be up three or seven points in the minds of their rivals as soon as they stepped off the bus.
“When we showed up, we were up three or seven nothing no matter who we were playing,” Roethlisberger reminisced. “Because people were intimidated by our defense, people were intimated at times by how good our offense could be. I feel like some of that is lost.”
Roethlisberger concluded by stating that teams are no longer afraid to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it is up to the current squad to restore that aura of intimidation in their remaining four regular-season games.
The Steelers’ playoff aspirations hang in the balance as they strive to regain their former glory. With Mitch Trubisky temporarily taking the reins on offense while Pickett recovers from ankle surgery, the team faces a crucial period to prove their mettle.
