Big Ben: ‘It Wasn’t Easy’ To Stay Quiet During Offseason, But It Was ‘The Right Thing To Do’

[polamalubeast]

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering their second extended break of the offseason, the first of course being the time between the end of their previous season and the start of the new league year months later. This one is shorter, however, and hopefully much less eventful.

In spite of the fact that they didn’t even qualify for the postseason, the Steelers were the most talked about team in the league while the playoffs were going on, with then-current teammates even throwing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger under the bus. That prompted a parade of former teammates to chime in and throw out their two cents as well.

All through that, however, Roethlisberger kept his peace publicly before finally giving an interview on the eve of OTAs in order to try to burst the bubble—or more like a monsoon—of questions that he would get the first time reporters could get a recorder in his face.

His leadership was questioned. His character was questioned. His ego. Everything. And he just had to take it. “Yeah, it wasn’t easy”, he said on SiriusXM yesterday. But, “to stay quiet, I just felt like it was the right thing to do”.

read more

https://steelersdepot.com/2019/06/big-ben-it-wasnt-easy-to-stay-quiet-during-offseason-but-it-was-the-right-thing-to-do/

[AtlantaDan]

After shooting off hot takes for years it presumably wasn’t easy for Ben to actually STFU during the offseason

It probably would be helpful if that continued but since the Tuesday morning radio therapy sessions apparently will continue this season likely not going to continue for long

[stillers4me]

Sooooo.......how many people here actually listened to his radio shows......or just reacted to bits and pieces that got repeated by certain individuals that were trying to force their way out of town?

Did anyone actually hear his shows in their entirety......

I'm waiting. ....

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[hawaiiansteeler]

Sooooo.......how many people here actually listened to his radio shows......or just reacted to bits and pieces that got repeated by certain individuals that were trying to force their way out of town?

Did anyone actually hear his shows in their entirety......

I'm waiting. ....



I don't need to listen to radio shows in their entirety to know it's not a good idea to publicly criticize your teammates on them.

[AtlantaDan]

Sooooo.......how many people here actually listened to his radio shows......or just reacted to bits and pieces that got repeated by certain individuals that were trying to force their way out of town?

Did anyone actually hear his shows in their entirety......

I'm waiting. ....

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

I do not listen to them live but will download the replay if it was alleged Ben said something noteworthy or moronic. Expecting Ben to stop is like an alcoholic giving up booze - it is a tough habit to kick

After the Denver loss fiasco that was one among others I listened to in its entirety - it was even worse when listening to the whole broadcast, which put into better context how Ben was throwing Fichtner and AB under the bus for his fuck up of throwing the game ending INT, than the initial reports

Hope you have not been waiting too long for the response :rolleyes:

[stillers4me]

That's fine but you know the majority of the media and the likes never bothered to actually listen to it before they started bashing him.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[AtlantaDan]

That's fine but you know the majority of the media and the likes never bothered to actually listen to it before they started bashing him.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Probably a best practice not to give ammo to critics waiting to take shots at you

Ben has been a great QB and the Steelers obviously have been far better off with him than they would have been without him since 2004 - but he could avoid a lot of messes on and off the field if he had the self-control to do so

But as Tomlin said about gunslinger Ben in the America’s Game on the 2008 season, sometimes gunslingers get shot

:drink:

[HollywoodSteel]

Ben: “It’s tough when people talk negatively about you and your family...”

Who said anything about his family? Did his wife criticize AB for not running a flatter route on her radio show and I missed it?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Ben: “It’s tough when people talk negatively about you and your family...”

Who said anything about his family? Did his wife criticize AB for not running a flatter route on her radio show and I missed it?

Did he really say somebody was talking negatively about his family? I don't recall anybody talking negatively about his wife, kids, parents, sister, etc. It makes me feel so sad for him. :cry02: Maybe he isn't as dramatic as some say?

[Edman]

Now is the time more than ever for Ben to vindicate himself. Winning cures everything.

[hawaiiansteeler]

https://pics.me.me/thumb_via-hbos-the-shop-brown-all-year-dude-called-me-43702954.png

[AtlantaDan]

Did he really say somebody was talking negatively about his family? I don't recall anybody talking negatively about his wife, kids, parents, sister, etc. It makes me feel so sad for him. :cry02: Maybe he isn't as dramatic as some say?

His teammates (aka the men Colbert described as his kids) are part of Ben’s family

What Ben is trying to say is how upset he is about his good friend AB being criticized during the
off-season :rolleyes:

[hawaiiansteeler]

His teammates (aka the men Colbert described as his kids) are part of Ben’s family

What Ben is trying to say is how upset he is about his good friend AB being criticized during the
off-season :rolleyes:

Ben and I have different definitions about what a "good friend" is...

[silver & black]

Do you guys really care what Ben says..... about anything? He's a top 5 QB in the NFL. He's your QB. He wins. What else matters? Maybe.... just maybe, you might want to take a que from the ultimate Raider..............Just Win Baby!

[Hawkman]

Do you guys really care what Ben says..... about anything? He's a top 5 QB in the NFL. He's your QB. He wins. What else matters? Maybe.... just maybe, you might want to take a que from the ultimate Raider..............Just Win Baby!

Thank you

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Do you guys really care what Ben says..... about anything? He's a top 5 QB in the NFL. He's your QB. He wins. What else matters? Maybe.... just maybe, you might want to take a que from the ultimate Raider..............Just Win Baby!

I would have to say my favorite Raider was Marcus Allen. The guy you refer to as the "ultimate Raider" was the ultimate douchebag to him.

I prefer not to take a que from a guy that screwed over multiple cities that his fanbase was located in and the franchise's all time greatest running back. The Chief set a higher standard in Pittsburgh, than what was set in Oakland/LA/Oakland/Las Vegas, IMO.

[silver & black]

I would have to say my favorite Raider was Marcus Allen. The guy you refer to as the "ultimate Raider" was the ultimate douchebag to him.

I prefer not to take a que from a guy that screwed over multiple cities that his fanbase was located in and the franchise's all time greatest running back. The Chief set a higher standard in Pittsburgh, than what was set in Oakland/LA/Oakland/Las Vegas, IMO.

Okay. You don't know what went down between Al and Marcus..... which is understandable since you aren't a Raiders fan. I'm not going to go into it because it is irrelevant to the topic. I won't post in the Steelers forum any more... I'm not here to start trouble.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Okay. You don't know what went down between Al and Marcus..... which is understandable since you aren't a Raiders fan. I'm not going to go into it because it is irrelevant to the topic. I won't post in the Steelers forum any more... I'm not here to start trouble.

I'm very curious to hear what went down between Al and Marcus.

please do tell...

[silver & black]

Do a little research. It's out there, even though it's vague. I won't post here again... even though I'm an original member here since the beginning of this forum. I don't want to be known as a troll.... I'm not here for that.

[HollywoodSteel]

Do a little research. It's out there, even though it's vague. I won't post here again... even though I'm an original member here since the beginning of this forum. I don't want to be known as a troll.... I'm not here for that.

No one thinks you’re a troll.

You should not be discouraged from posting here. Really. I promise we break each other’s balls too, but it’s all in good fun.

You are an appreciated contributor to this forum. Your opinion about anything is just as valid and welcome here as anyone else’s.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Do a little research. It's out there, even though it's vague. I won't post here again... even though I'm an original member here since the beginning of this forum. I don't want to be known as a troll.... I'm not here for that. I always like Lester Hayes and he was like moving fly paper to qb's.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Okay. You don't know what went down between Al and Marcus..... which is understandable since you aren't a Raiders fan. I'm not going to go into it because it is irrelevant to the topic. I won't post in the Steelers forum any more... I'm not here to start trouble.

Don't worry, you are a good poster and I'm not wanting you to stop posting here. Its just football and I don't think you are starting trouble. I am just saying that I have never had a great opinion of Al Davis after the cumulative whining and complaining.

I grew up watching football and have great memories of Allen at USC, plus his NFL career. I recall all the guys that Al Davis brought in to try and replace Allen and let him rot on the bench(Bo, Roger Craig, over the hill Dickerson, etc.). I have seen the Football Life documentary where Ron Wolf says Marcus Allen was the #1 Raider while he was there. Where Terry Robiske says he would catch crap from Davis if he put Marcus Allen in the game. If it was over Nicole Simpson, or Marcus ego, or whatever, why didn't Al just trade him?

If its all about "just win baby", then you don't put a HOF running back in to play full back. Davis alleged credo is such a contradiction to that situation. That being said, don't feel like you are starting trouble and please feel free to keep posting whatever you want. :thumbsup:

- - - Updated - - -


No one thinks you’re a troll.

You should not be discouraged from posting here. Really. I promise we break each other’s balls too, but it’s all in good fun.

You are an appreciated contributor to this forum. Your opinion about anything is just as valid and welcome here as anyone else’s.

:applaudit:

[Butch]

Do a little research. It's out there, even though it's vague. I won't post here again... even though I'm an original member here since the beginning of this forum. I don't want to be known as a troll.... I'm not here for that.

IDK but I think I get where Silver and Black is coming from. He doesn't want to derail the post which happens here on a regular basis. He's also alluding to the point that Sue brought up about knowing the facts rather than basing your opinion on hearsay or maybe it's more appropriate to call it "here say", LOL. I could be wrong but I don't think I'm to far off the mark.

[86WARD]

https://pics.me.me/thumb_via-hbos-the-shop-brown-all-year-dude-called-me-43702954.png

If the route is a timing route and AB isn’t running it properly, then yes...it’s his fault. If Ben is just chucking it up and hoping for the best, then it’s his fault. It’s also quite possible that the DL just made a great play and it’s no ones fault...lol.

[teegre]

It’s also quite possible that the DL just made a great play and it’s no ones fault...lol.

Someone out there who analyzes film (Hoge?) said that on the play, Pouncey blocked the DL “too well”. The DL got taken to school, gave up on the play, and stood up... right in the perfect spot.

Talk about Murphy’s Law.

[86WARD]

Someone out there who analyzes film (Hoge?) said that on the play, Pouncey blocked the DL “too well”. The DL got taken to school, gave up on the play, and stood up... right in the perfect spot.

Talk about Murphy’s Law.

Lol. Right?

I thought he gave up and then dropped back into coverage? Maybe not...it was a long time ago...

[hawaiiansteeler]

Someone out there who analyzes film (Hoge?) said that on the play, Pouncey blocked the DL “too well”. The DL got taken to school, gave up on the play, and stood up... right in the perfect spot.

Talk about Murphy’s Law.

Sooooo someone please tell me what good came out of Ben then going on his radio show and publicly criticizing AB for running a poor route on that play?

I'm waiting...

[zulater]

Sooooo someone please tell me what good came out of Ben then going on his radio show and publicly criticizing AB for running a poor route on that play?

I'm waiting...

Maybe because time and time again whatever critique's he had for AB were ignored and or disregarded when he tried to do it inside the normal structure of things? So after awhile you get tired of things falling on deaf ears so you so it in a way that's sure to get his attention.

Honestly I can't say Ben was right or wrong on the interception into the end zone? But I do think Ben should have called AB out on the 3rd quarter int he had. AB just quit on a crossing route. Had he continued on with his pattern that ball is either a completion to AB or a break up.

Anyway as far as AB crying about Ben calling him out. How the fuck does he think Ben's felt over the years when he's throwing sideline tantrums because Ben either missed him on a pass or didn't see him when he was open? You don't consider that calling out a teammate in public? If anything Ben owed him 50x more than he gave him.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Maybe because time and time again whatever critique's he had for AB were ignored and or disregarded when he tried to do it inside the normal structure of things? So after awhile you get tired of things falling on deaf ears so you so it in a way that's sure to get his attention.

Honestly I can't say Ben was right or wrong on the interception into the end zone? But I do think Ben should have called AB out on the 3rd quarter int he had. AB just quit on a crossing route. Had he continued on with his pattern that ball is either a completion to AB or a break up.

Anyway as far as AB crying about Ben calling him out. How the fuck does he think Ben's felt over the years when he's throwing sideline tantrums because Ben either missed him on a pass or didn't see him when he was open? You don't consider that calling out a teammate in public? If anything Ben owed him 50x more than he gave him.

they were both wrong, I'm just pissed that this kind of crap was allowed to go on all these years.

[stillers4me]

Sooooo someone please tell me what good came out of Ben then going on his radio show and publicly criticizing AB for running a poor route on that play?

I'm waiting...
It got the problem out of town.

boom....problem fixed.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Honestly I can't say Ben was right or wrong on the interception into the end zone? But I do think Ben should have called AB out on the 3rd quarter int he had. AB just quit on a crossing route. Had he continued on with his pattern that ball is either a completion to AB or a break up.

.

If Brown runs the route flatter, does the DT still intercept the football? If you watch the video and are objective, you will know the answer.

On the INT in the 3rd quarter, Brown was held on the crossing pattern. Video shows it and Ben even comments on it post game.
"He (Brown) got grabbed," Roethlisberger said. "They caught him and grabbed him. That is why the ball got picked. I just tried to figure out why they (the officials) didn't call it." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000992806/article/roethlisberger-brown-was-held-on-pass-leading-to-int

I'm not sure why Ben should call out Brown on the 3rd quarter INT, in your opinion, when he stated to the media in the post game that the hold on Brown was the reason for his INT.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5kBOqYqHMA

[HollywoodSteel]

There’s no doubt Ben was correct about his evaluation on the play. He didn’t “throw AB under
The bus” as some calculated ploy to deflect blame off of himself. More than one thing went wrong on that play. It was kind of a fluke that the defensive lineman got blocked back so far that he was in position to make the pick. What Ben is saying is that had AB run the flatter route (like he was supposed to) the trajectory of the pass would have been different, and therefore not intercepted.

Now people can argue that Ben should never have told the public that because it’s understood that QB’s aren’t supposed to ever tell us the truth about any play where someone else does something wrong. I don’t know that depriving the public of the objective facts is the RIGHT way to handle things, but I understand that it’s some kind of tradition in football.

But as a member of the public, I actually appreciate whenever anyone tells me the Xs and Os of any situation so that I can better understand football. Ben makes it a habit of providing me with that info. I wish he was allowed to do that, just like the analysts are, but I guess it does more harm than good to be honest and informative.

Pity.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

What Ben is saying is that had AB run the flatter route (like he was supposed to) the trajectory of the pass would have been different, and therefore not intercepted.

But as a member of the public, I actually appreciate whenever anyone tells me the Xs and Os of any situation so that I can better understand football. Ben makes it a habit of providing me with that info. I wish he was allowed to do that, just like the analysts are, but I guess it does more harm than good to be honest and informative.

.

OK, if you like X and O explanation, here is some. The play looks like a Run Pass Option, since there are both run blocking elements (Chukks pulling backside and O line RPO blocking) and the obvious pass pattern being run. The LOS is the 2.5 yard line and if you watch video of the play in the link I provided, you see that by the time Ben pulls the ball out of the gut of Conner and throws the football...AB is approx. 3 yards deep in the end zone, while both AV and Pouncey have their defenders blocked 1 yard deep in the end zone.

If AB runs the pattern flat across at a shallower level, as suggested, then the is 2 yards deep in the end zone and right where the DT Shelby Harris intercepts the football. The better play was that he run it more of a 45 degree angle to the open space where there was no defenders. It doesn't matter, because Ben threw the football to an area 2 yards deep in the end zone, where the DT was.

On an RPO, the O linemen block in what can be described as aggressive pass blocking or passive run blocking technique. They come off the ball like a run block, to move their defender and turn them, but don't get too far off the LOS so they don't get flagged for being downfield. Honestly, the football was thrown 4 yards off the LOS, in a play where your O line is run blocking for a RPO and there isn't space to run that shallow of a route. Should the QB throw the football into an area 4 yards off the LOS, or to where his receiver was running and where he could see him with his eyes?

Reality is that the QB made a poor throw. He first called it a freak event where the D linemen got blocked into the pattern, which was part of the RPO blocking. Then he later blamed the receiver for not running a flatter route, where he would not be open anyways and didn't throw the football to the WR anyways, but rather underthrew in his directions.

The interception is an under throw of the WR, not much different than in SBXL, when he underthrew a receiver in the end zone and it was picked off by Kelly Herndon I think from Seattle. Its just that this time he eventually chose not to own it and instead blame bad luck and then the route run.

https://www.denverbroncos.com/video/pitvsden-shelby-harris-grabs-game-sealing-int

[hawaiiansteeler]

Its just that this time he eventually chose not to own it and instead blame bad luck and then the route run.


yup, tbh I don't blame AB for being pissed off at Ben in this particular case for publicly criticizing him.

it's why Atlanta Dan and I are in agreement that Ben would be better off not having a radio show....

[polamalubeast]

No doubt Ben made a horrible pass (it was his fault) and his comments were bad after the game against Denver

But that does not defend the other actions that Brown did before or after .... I think Brown would have asked for a trade even without the incident in Denver .... Just look to his comments on twitter after the game against the chiefs in week 2 last year.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

yup, tbh I don't blame AB for being pissed off at Ben in this particular case for publicly criticizing him.

it's why Atlanta Dan and I are in agreement that Ben would be better off not having a radio show....

I agree with you guys on the radio show as well.

Fact is that most athletes grew up in an abnormal situation where at times they were catered to and coddled and failure was something you want to avoid and at times hide from. I mean, give Tiger Woods an open mike and see what comes out of his mouth, when no advisers are around. Ben grew up where his parents divorced at a young age and his dad re married, while his birth mom died in a car crash when he was something like 8 years old. He was supposedly reserved and introverted in highschool until he got some notoriety as an athlete.

My point is that he maybe doesn't relate to everybody well and being given a forum to say what he wants isn't probably a good thing. I'm not fixated on the Denver INT, as they happen, but its one thing to make the excuse of a freak play by the DT in the postgame scrum, but then to take another excuse to the airwaves on the radio show took it to another level, when it was just a bad throw and IMO a bad play call. Who really calls an RPO on the 2.5 yard line, when RPO's aren't a big part of your offense?

- - - Updated - - -


No doubt Ben made a horrible pass (it was his fault) and his comments were bad after the game against Denver

But that does not defend the other actions that Brown did before or after .... I think Brown would have asked for a trade even without the incident in Denver .... Just look to his comments on twitter after the game against the chiefs in week 2 last year.

I think the Denver INT blame, the comments about throwing to JuJu all 4 downs and then telling coaches to get another WR in to run a play in practice (allegedly) were the culmination of incidents. The proverbial straws that broke the camels back.

IMO, if Ben just owns the Denver INT, then doesn't say he should have thrown to JuJu more......AB is still in B&G. Stuff that stayed in the locker room is just guys talking crap after a loss. When you air dirty laundry in public, then its no longer between the "band of brothers".

[polamalubeast]

I agree with you guys on the radio show as well.

Fact is that most athletes grew up in an abnormal situation where at times they were catered to and coddled and failure was something you want to avoid and at times hide from. I mean, give Tiger Woods an open mike and see what comes out of his mouth, when no advisers are around. Ben grew up where his parents divorced at a young age and his dad re married, while his birth mom died in a car crash when he was something like 8 years old. He was supposedly reserved and introverted in highschool until he got some notoriety as an athlete.

My point is that he maybe doesn't relate to everybody well and being given a forum to say what he wants isn't probably a good thing. I'm not fixated on the Denver INT, as they happen, but its one thing to make the excuse of a freak play by the DT in the postgame scrum, but then to take another excuse to the airwaves on the radio show took it to another level, when it was just a bad throw and IMO a bad play call. Who really calls an RPO on the 2.5 yard line, when RPO's aren't a big part of your offense?

- - - Updated - - -



I think the Denver INT blame, the comments about throwing to JuJu all 4 downs and then telling coaches to get another WR in to run a play in practice (allegedly) were the culmination of incidents. The proverbial straws that broke the camels back.

IMO, if Ben just owns the Denver INT, then doesn't say he should have thrown to JuJu more......AB is still in B&G. Stuff that stayed in the locker room is just guys talking crap after a loss. When you air dirty laundry in public, then its no longer between the "band of brothers".

I do not think so ... I remember his comments on twitter after the chiefs game and other things .... His comments on JuJu last April was also pathetic.

[polamalubeast]

1140798123557756928

1140799873291292677

[zulater]

If Brown runs the route flatter, does the DT still intercept the football? If you watch the video and are objective, you will know the answer.

On the INT in the 3rd quarter, Brown was held on the crossing pattern. Video shows it and Ben even comments on it post game.
"He (Brown) got grabbed," Roethlisberger said. "They caught him and grabbed him. That is why the ball got picked. I just tried to figure out why they (the officials) didn't call it." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000992806/article/roethlisberger-brown-was-held-on-pass-leading-to-int

I'm not sure why Ben should call out Brown on the 3rd quarter INT, in your opinion, when he stated to the media in the post game that the hold on Brown was the reason for his INT.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5kBOqYqHMA

Good catch. I forgot that. But yeah that 3rd quarter int was game changing in it's own way. It was definetly obvious watching the game on NFL rewin that AB didn't get to the spot where he was expected to be. But I missed the defensive hold. Oh well that's what happens when you watch the game in fast forward mode! lol

Anyway regardless, I guarantee you there were dozens of interceptions over the years that AB was absolutely responsible and never before had Ben publicly called him out. Or thrown a sidleline tantrum with the entire point being to place blame on AB or anyone else.

My end point is Ben may not be the greatest teammate ever. But AB calling him out on it was akin to the pot calling the kettle black.

[zulater]

No doubt Ben made a horrible pass (it was his fault) and his comments were bad after the game against Denver

But that does not defend the other actions that Brown did before or after .... I think Brown would have asked for a trade even without the incident in Denver .... Just look to his comments on twitter after the game against the chiefs in week 2 last year.

Exactly! I mean do people actually think AB was being the good teammate when he's bitching out coaches and pointing fingers on the sidelines. Yep, Ben missed seeing him on a play. Funny thing is the drive still culminated in a touchdown. But it wasn't AB's touchdown so he remained pissed. Ask any Steeler beat writer. AB's mood was always dependent on his stat line. Not the games outcome. As long as he got his he was happy. But if he had a bad stat line and the Steelers won by 3 touchdowns he would sulk off. Ben may be an asshole at times. But he's the polar opposite. Win and he's happy no matter his day personally.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Paul Zeise: A motivated Ben Roethlisberger is dangerous for the AFC North

PAUL ZEISE
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
JUL 12, 2019

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/paul-zeise/2019/07/12/ben-roethlisberger-steelers-training-camp-antonio-brown-le-veon-bell/stories/201907120104

[pczach]

Paul Zeise: A motivated Ben Roethlisberger is dangerous for the AFC North

PAUL ZEISE
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
JUL 12, 2019

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/paul-zeise/2019/07/12/ben-roethlisberger-steelers-training-camp-antonio-brown-le-veon-bell/stories/201907120104





Brown "intentionally running the wrong routes" doesn't help the offense or the quarterback much. It hurts a team badly in many ways and it may even produce some interceptions......but hey.....I'm no expert.

When you read some of this stuff out loud, it is astounding.

[polamalubeast]

Ben Roethlisberger has always been motivated ... Ben does not need that to motivate himself.

Also, Brown intentionally running the wrong route?

If this is true, WOW ... but is that really true, and did the person who said that is credible?

[hawaiiansteeler]

Ben Roethlisberger still undecided on continuing his radio show

Posted by Josh Alper on July 26, 2019

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/07/26/ben-roethlisberger-still-undecided-on-continuing-his-radio-show/