Big Ben Roethlisberger says Steelers tradition might be done
Stephen A. Smith explains why he's holding Ben Roethlisberger partially accountable for the Steelers' woes.
by ESPN
Dec 13, 2023
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...tradition-done
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Big Ben Roethlisberger says Steelers tradition might be done
Stephen A. Smith explains why he's holding Ben Roethlisberger partially accountable for the Steelers' woes.
by ESPN
Dec 13, 2023
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...tradition-done
That's hilarious by Stephen A Smith.
He's saying Big Ben was part of the current problem because he stayed too long.
Big Ben was great until he injured his elbow. After that he wasn't elite, but he was playing in a shit system that was signed off and approved by Tomlin. As an old, limited player physically, he could still run rings around anyone they have currently at the moment.
If Smith is going to blame Ben for the current culture and effort by players, maybe he should show all those plays that Ben took off. Who ever played harder on every single play than Big Ben? He never gave up on a play. If the current crop of Steelers offensive players played as hard on the field as Big Ben, I suspect the team would have a different won/loss record right now. Ben's career would have been even longer if he didn't play so hard with that physical style to give that type of effort on every damn play. He destroyed his body playing that hard, yet he is the problem with these young players not playing hard?
Nonsense.
I also think it's hilarious that Stephen A Smith cries about Ben staying too long, but can't bring himself to say that Tomlin might be here too long? What kind of a point is that? Tomlin is the one overseeing the entire operation and coaching these players and directing position coaches how to go about their business. All this about blaming a former player for the current situation that went to 3 Super Bowls and won 2 is bullshit. The head coach is responsible for making sure the players he has play at as high a level possible relative to their ceiling as players. He sure as hell is responsible for players playing hard on the field. If they don't, it's the coaches responsibility to do everything to make sure they know there are consequences for not playing hard or making constant mistakes....including sitting them on the bench to learn that lesson. Tomlin has failed to do that with some players.
I know he is just looking for clicks, but this moron is blaming a multiple Super Bowl winning quarterback for loving the game and playing hard late in his career, for players several years later not playing hard and claiming he somehow hurt poor Tomlin? What a crock. Desperation time
What an awful take. No chance Mike Tomlin stayed too long? None? Making excuses for the actual coach of the team is sickening......:puke: So much for holding coaches accountable for their own responsibilities. What a joke.
Maybe Ben should be tougher on the players in his podcast to see if he can get them to play harder? :toofunny:
All this to protect Mike Tomlin. Those are Tomlin's players not playing hard and screwing up....nobody else's. That's where 100% of the blame goes at this stage of their careers by any thinking person. Tomlin is the only one that can discipline them or make them see that what they are doing isn't acceptable....period.
The coach sets the standard.
I guess the new standard is the standard.
Bettis said when he was drafted by the Rams the veteran RB gave him zero help and treated him like crap. He vowed to never be that type of player when he was the veteran and took guys under his wing to show them the ropes. He took Ben under his wing. He took Ben to veteran poker nights and made sure he knew the Steeler way. We didn’t hear much frustration with Bettis when his role was reduced.
Now… did Ben do this with players who came after him? Did he do this with Rudolph? Did he teach the Steeler way? Only asking because Ben is the one who brought this up. AB went crazy and said Ben never invited him to his house. Year later Ben has the skill position at his house. Things like that should’ve been happening earlier IMO.
One point I do think Screaming A is correct on is the last few yearsBen was a shell of himself and this forced us to change the offense to short, quick passes. We fell to 31 in rushing and replaced the run with short passes. DJ got paid for catching 3 yard outs. Ben was attempting 600+ passes a season to get 3800 yards. That’s insanely low. Once teams figured us out it all fell apart.
What is the Steeler way? Is it inviting the rookie onto a podcast to admit you wanted him to fail? Why isn’t Ben teaching Kenny the Steeler way?
Is it even a real thing or was that only possible before social media?
The coach sets the standard but the team leaders set the tone and the example.Quote:
Originally Posted by pczach
Troy said his rookie year he went to Van Olhoffen for guidance. Najee was supposed to be a leader on this team. His “I guess” ass needs to be a leader. DJ, needs to lead. Someone on this OL needs to be a leader. Kenny needs to be a leader. Stop the “we” and start saying “me” and “I” like a QB is supposed to do.
Now this whole “Ben never took a play off..” lmao..
cmon, Ben got in trouble a lot off the field, Ben admitted he was a terrible teammate at times. Peezy called Ben iut for not being a leader.
Ben is a Hofer. I will never question his heart on the field but this was a guy who gave an interview about how the team needed to work harder in practice.. right before leaving a practice before it started.
I don’t think you will ever find a teammate who will say Ben was a great leader. He was a great QB but he had his shortcomings just like some of these other players.
Quote:
Originally Posted by feltdizz
First of all, the coach sets the parameters of the team. He makes the rules, and it is up to him to make sure the players follow his lead.
The coach then gets respected players onboard, and they become an extension of the coach with how they speak to the media and how they set the tone with teammates. If you have good players and good leaders, the culture becomes very strong. I think that they don't have those leaders on the offensive side of the ball right now, so there may be no players to demand that effort and level of play.
When that doesn't work, it is completely on the head coach to address a problem with a player. It is his responsibility alone if the veteran players can't get it done, or don't try to get it done because the coach is off base. It is the responsibility of the coach to teach the player or players what is acceptable play and what is not.
Since when is it the job of the players to get other players to play hard? Is it because Kenny Pickett doesn't say "me" and "I" enough in interviews or at the podium?
Secondly, we're talking about play on the field. Nothing off the field here. We're talking about the Steeler's way and what Stephen A Smith said in the linked video of his show. He's talking about the end of Ben's career.
You're not talking about anything discussed in the video of what Smith actually said. Did you watch the video or just read the article?
Did you see Ben not playing hard on the field? Why don't you show me all those examples of Ben not trying on the field. On top of that, Ben is a HOF player....who are the HOF players that get the benefit of the doubt? Cameron Heyward doesn't practice nearly all week. Why is that? Because he has earned it, that's why. None of these nitwits that are walking off the field and not attempting to jump on fumbles or tackle someone after a fumble, stand in place during a play, refuse to block a play to the other side of the field, refuse to run a route with effort if they aren't the first option, etc... are showing that they are worthy of any of that. They haven't shown anything yet or have earned anything yet.
Remember when DJ was putting up big numbers. Ben was his quarterback. DJ made a mistake at practice his rookie season(which probably means he made a bunch of mistakes at practice), and Ben threw him out of his line and into a different line with the backups. DJ learned a lesson that day and it wasn't from his coach. It sounds like DJ needs more of that leadership than what he's getting now because Ben isn't there anymore to demand it of him. He got a lesson from a veteran player, but he didn't learn anything from it and he certainly isn't mentoring anybody else.
DJ needs to be a leader? You've got to be kidding me. He's been with the team for 5 years and he's one of the problems with this team. He's not leading anybody, he's part of the problem. That's your plan?
I've been on more than a few football teams. If a player isn't doing their job, and in particular, not giving effort........your position coach and then your head coach descend upon you with biblical fury. That player either straightens out, or they sit on the bench and rot. The NFL is harder to do that, but it is not often that a respected, great coach is challenged. It is a sign that leadership is not as strong as it is needed to be when problems with multiple players keep occurring.
In the NFL, no self-respecting coach is going to have players on the field constantly not giving effort. Walking to the sideline when a play is still going on? Coaches coach players up. That's what they're supposed to do. Discipline the offenders. If they don't respond and if the players are jerks and refuse to put in the effort, work with the GM and take harder measures to move them off the roster. End of story.
If Tomlin is a great coach, there wouldn't be multiple players not playing hard.
The tradition might be done? Whatever the hell that means.
I remember working in a bar during my college years. A trio of Brits came in and hung out with us for a few months. We were located just off campus so something school related I'm sure. Anyway, they asked me one day about a bell we rung when a train rolled passed, giving a special on the shooter of the day(campus bar). When I said it was a tradition, they laughed at me and said how their local pub back home was over 400 years old, which was older than our entire country. How could we know anything about tradition. I explained, The thing with tradition is how closely it is related to superstition. You do whatever makes you money, until it doesn't. Then your traditions/superstitions change. I ring this bell and people line up for shots. When that stops, we'll start a new tradition.
In this new age of guaranteed contracts, NIL money in college, prospects demanding part ownership of the franchise that drafts him, other related BS...what is tradition? Football is a game. Play the game.
I find it hilarious that anyone would fathom blaming Ben for AB's meltdown ...
I wonder if those blaming him have invited all of their coworkers to their home ?
Perhaps Ben didnt like the Person AB was?
Perhaps he recognized the crazy in AB?
Perhaps Ben realized what inviting someone like AB to his home entailed , Maybe he didn't want Ashley to be photo shopped like Gisele ended up being...
People are not responsible for other peoples mental breakdowns. mental breakdowns are an illness caused by chemical imbalances and or trauma that creates CTE.... not getting invited to diner isnt a cause !!
Cam Heyward responds to Ben Roethlisberger’s remarks on the Steelers’ lack of leadership
The star defensive lineman responded to his former quarterback on Good Morning Football.
By Jarrett Bailey Dec 14, 2023
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.co...ip-nfl-week-15
Cam kinda went around Ben’s comment. Of course he’s going to “disagree” that’s what leaders do but he didn’t prove Ben wrong…Ben is right, there’s no leadership on offense…Quote:
Originally Posted by hawaiiansteeler
Smith is a racist and thus will never slam Tomlin!! I never put any stock whatsoever in what he says cause his mind is poisoned and biased.Quote:
Originally Posted by pczach
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Spot on!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwinsgames
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What a spin. Ben took a pay cut in 2019. And he didn’t resign himself, the Steelers resigned him, then they signed him again in 2021. And they tried to build around him one more time. Steelers culture is not gone or going anywhere, it’s just that it’s time for Tomlin and most of the staff to go, Steven A is trying to avoid that issue by trying to make Ben the problem.
I would give Tomlin the chance to finish out his contract, sign a solid OC and see what happens - but playing for a lame duck coach - how will that affect the team and the ability to hire a good OC, maybe best to let him walk or trade him at end of the season
I think people are confusing “playing hard” with “Steeler tradition”Quote:
Originally Posted by hawaiiansteeler
When I read the Steeler tradition I’m thinking culture and like Ben said.. “I’m no longer in the locker room”
which implies its more than what happens during the game.
and this is why I think Screaming A brought up Ben staying too long. We went from smashmouth to finesse once Ben came back in 2020. Our OL forgot how to run block or were incapable of doing it because we were pass happy.
but beyond that, I think there was a leadership void ON OFFENSE and it has yet to be filled.
Stephen A. Smith is an idiot, straight up.
Some years ago, I watched him get into an argument about basketball with (basketball HoFer) Bill Walton.
Of course, Walton made him look exactly like the fool he is and Smith's response to this in an attempt to win the "debate" between them was to progressively talk louder and louder until he was yelling.
Again, he's an idiot.
Indeed. Here was the final result of "Saint" Brady (who was supposedly the gold standard for leadership) taking AB under his wing:Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwinsgames
https://www.etonline.com/_next/image...PG&w=1024&q=75
https://steelersdepot.com/2023/12/ch...y-this-season/
And this is why I don't put hardly any credence in all these ex-player and pundit commentaries on "culture", "tradition", "losing the lockerroom" and whatever other nonsense they like to make themselves feel relevant with.
I loved Hoke as a player. I suspect he cares deeply about the franchise. But....to question Fitzpatrick? Are you watching the games? They basically have MF playing SS/LB for most of the season.
So if Hoke has that bit as off-target as he does....why would I (or any other fan) have confidence his other assessments and evaluations are any more accurate?
I do look forward to more angry Facebook and other social media yelling from some 70's era guys over the next few weeks. It is about time for them to get involved.
- - - Updated - - -
You have to just ignore almost all of these guys. Smith is a caricature of himself at this point. He is just paid to yell about stuff and be as controversial as possible. I used to miss ESPN when I first got rid of cable years ago. But when I travel, I check it out...and it just isn't useful anymore. No more just highlights and actual news....everything has to have an "entertainment" component. Like I really don't need anyone to help me form an opinion about the sports news of the day....I just need the actual news and the "insider rumors".Quote:
Originally Posted by fansince'76
Thankfully, you can get all that without wading through the noise of ESPN. But I do miss when you could put it on in the morning and get all caught up on what happened.
I haven't watched one second of ESPN outside of a Steelers game being broadcast on it since they turned SB XL into a conspiracy theory.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojouw
I agree.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojouw
You could learn some things from ex-players, but you have to know how to weed out the personal stuff and when they are giving their own opinion without enough facts.
It's like you said about Hoke. How do you question Minkah? This is the guy that catches a game sealing interception and could have made it a pick-6, but instead runs out of bounds to make sure the play stops behind him and nobody else could get hurt. Minkah is the guy that called out Cam Heyward when he got a personal foul penalty.......and he was right. When you see him check a guy like Cam Heyward on the sideline....that's leadership.
Minkah doesn't give a rats ass about personal stats. Winning is what matters. You can just see it is built into every fiber of his body.
The dude plays his ass off every game, and does everything he can to win football games. He is about winning first in everything that he does on the field, and everything he does in the locker room. I would have to see something pretty bad with my own eyes before I question Minkah Fitzpatrick. He is all in.
Well, let’s flip this and imagine Aaron Rodgers saying the “Packer Tradition” is gone.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steeler-in-west
I’m sure we would all agree the uncertainty with Rodgers and his influence with the org as a part of the reason the transition wasn’t a smooth one.
I listened to the podcast. He more or less said the tradition the he knows may be done and that there may be new traditions now. For example, when he was there, there was no locker room music. Now there's different music in every corner of the locker room.
Hoke busting on Minkah is way off. Minkah is doing what the coaches are asking him to do. He was playing FS last year and didn't have to play ILB too.
Now with the injuries he has to help and he makes a difference even in the box. It's why I watch Baldinger's recaps because he points that out and watches tape.
Laughable
Now Rich Eisen is piling on Ben.
Ben had his faults but to blame him for the 2023 team is unbelievable.
These media hogs just want their podcasts, articles, shows to get all attention possible.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tube517
They are always most likely to take the side of the new players. They have an entire team that they need access to, and he has a man crush on Mike Tomlin and feels he'll be in the NFL for a long while. They are just saying what they think is best for them, not what is factually correct.
So suddenly, a man everyone says is an all-time great coach and leader of men loses the locker room culture because of someone that played there two years ago?????? WTF???
Some buy into the smear train.
Stephen A Smith starts all of this by trashing a HOF quarterback to protect Mike Tomlin. That's all this whole thing is.
Steeler tradition has been talk the last 14-15 years or whenever Dan Rooney went to Ireland.
Everyone take a breath. Calm down.
The shouty man on the TV said angry things with the express purpose of making you mad. This makes you talk. It makes you yell at your TV (but you don't turn it off!). It makes you engage online in a variety of modes.
We have spent more time and words talking about what a retired player and a never-was "pundit" think about things they really don't know a whole lot about than we have actual news, information, and details about the play of the 2023 Steelers.
Stephen A and most of the sports "media/reporters" out there do not traffic in information or data. They don't even traffic in opinion anymore. They traffic in emotional manipulation and outrage. Don't take the bait. You all are better than that.
Someone posted details about what Hoke was actually talking about....and he's saying the culture "changed" because there is music in the locker room now. I am going to go WAY OUT on a limb here and stake my claim that playing music in the locker-room has extremely little to do with the Steelers not being able to block or tackle.
everyone we are talking about has a show or a podcast that needs views.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojouw
I actually haven’t heard a single thing about this beyond this thread.
That's a good thing. Too much nonsense online.
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