Roethlisberger Drops Truth Bomb on Steelers’ Playoff Failures.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and his latest comments about the team’s recent playoff struggles have certainly turned heads. The two-time Super Bowl champion, who retired after the 2021 season, weighed in on the Steelers’ inability to make deep postseason runs in recent years, offering a candid assessment of their shortcomings.
In a recent podcast episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the legendary quarterback addressed Pittsburgh’s lack of playoff success, highlighting key issues that have plagued the team. Roethlisberger pointed to a combination of inconsistent quarterback play, coaching decisions, and a lack of identity as major factors in the Steelers’ struggles.
“The Steelers have always been built on toughness and execution,” Roethlisberger said. “But in recent years, it just doesn’t feel like the same team. There’s a lack of consistency on both sides of the ball, and when it comes to the playoffs, that’s when those weaknesses really show.”
Roethlisberger also suggested that the organization has yet to find a true leader at quarterback since his retirement. While Kenny Pickett was drafted to be the long-term answer, injuries and underwhelming performances have raised questions about whether he is the right fit for the job. Roethlisberger acknowledged Pickett’s potential but emphasized that the Steelers need more from the position if they hope to compete with AFC powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
“You watch teams like the Chiefs, Bills, and Bengals, and they have dynamic quarterbacks who can take over games,” Roethlisberger explained. “That’s something the Steelers need to figure out. Whether it’s Pickett or someone else, the quarterback play has to be better.”
Beyond quarterback concerns, Roethlisberger also pointed to coaching decisions and team culture as areas that need improvement. He questioned whether head coach Mike Tomlin’s approach has adapted to the evolving NFL landscape and if the Steelers are doing enough to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
“Coach Tomlin is one of the best in the league, no doubt,” Roethlisberger said. “But the league changes, and sometimes you have to evolve. The Steelers have always had a certain way of doing things, but maybe it’s time to adjust a little and get back to what made this team great.”
The Steelers’ recent playoff appearances have been marked by early exits and underwhelming performances, fueling frustration among fans and analysts alike. While Pittsburgh remains a respected franchise with a storied history, Roethlisberger’s comments underscore the harsh reality—the Steelers need to make significant changes if they want to return to championship contention.
As the organization looks ahead to the 2024 season, Roethlisberger’s words serve as a wake-up call. Whether the team heeds his advice remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Big Ben’s assessment of the Steelers’ playoff failures is impossible to ignore.
