The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a precarious position heading into Week 15 NFL action, grappling with a two-game losing streak against inferior opponents. This downturn has prompted widespread speculation about the team’s struggles.
Former Steelers quarterback and team legend, Ben Roethlisberger, has offered a critical perspective, pointing a finger at coaching as a potential source of the team’s recent woes.
Roethlisberger, discussing the Week 14 defeat to the New England Patriots on his podcast, highlighted what he perceives as shortcomings in Mike Tomlin’s coaching approach.
Breaking Down Big Ben’s Criticism Of The Steelers
Given their extensive history together spanning 15 years from 2007 to 2021, Roethlisberger is intimately familiar with Tomlin’s coaching style. Hence, the notable critique from the legendary quarterback adds a surprising element to the conversation about Tomlin’s future with the Steelers.
Roethlisberger went further to express a concern that the longstanding tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers might be in jeopardy.
“Maybe the tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers is done.”
This sentiment is underscored by recent locker-room issues, including disruptive behavior from wide receiver George Pickens throughout the season and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick publicly calling out the team for a lackluster performance against the Patriots.
Despite the challenges, the Steelers currently hold a 7-6 record and occupy a playoff position in the AFC for the time being. However, their grip on the second Wild Card spot is tenuous, with five other teams sharing the same record.
The upcoming Week 15 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts carries significant playoff implications, and the Steelers face a challenging path ahead with matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, and Baltimore Ravens to conclude the regular season.
The urgency to rectify coaching concerns and address internal dynamics looms large as they navigate this crucial stretch.