Ben - “I’ve earned the right” to criticize teammates

[AtlantaDan]

Radio Ben tore into AB, Washington and Fichtner for the 3rd down call that resulted in the INT on his weekly free association seminar yesterday

Ben doubles down today and says he is the captain so deal with it

“Being around for a long time and dealing with a lot of different players you have to know how to motivate different guys in different ways,” Roethlisberger said. “I think that’s part of being a leader, being a captain, just understanding players. Sometimes you just grab them off to the side and sometimes you have to be honest with them. I think I’ve earned the right to be able to do that with as long as I’ve been here. I’ll be just as critical on myself in front of you guys, as well.”

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...s/201811280126

Ben knows the window is closing and is going to be calling out anyone who screws up (including coaches )

[86WARD]

Again...if you have a QB that’s not calling people out, he shouldn’t be an NFL QB. Just like AB should be me, me, me and just like JuJu should be me, me, me, Ben should be calling people out for not being in the right places...just like he takes the blame when it’s on him.

Non-story.

[AtlantaDan]

Again...if you have a QB that’s not calling people out, he shouldn’t be an NFL QB. Just like AB should be me, me, me and just like JuJu should be me, me, me, Ben should be calling people out for not being in the right places...just like he takes the blame when it’s on him.

Non-story.

Not every non-journeyman QB (I have followed Matt Ryan for 11 years now in Atlanta and he does not regularly do it) does it to the extent Ben does

It is paywalled but Mark Kaboly had a good article this week in The Athletic on how Ben’s radio show/therapy session is not the usual QB pablum (apparently Coach Todd used to tune in to hear if Ben ripped him)

Ben Roethlisberger's radio show has turned into a must-listen because he's 'not afraid to say things'
https://theathletic.com/608515/2018/...ult-following/

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Not every non-journeyman QB (I have followed Matt Ryan for 11 years now in Atlanta and he does not regularly do it) does it to the extent Ben does
/

Interesting, you mean guys like Brady, Brees, Wilson, Rodgers, Rivers, Manning, Ryan, Stafford, Cousins don't call out their teammates in public on a weekly basis?? Maybe the young guys like Wentz, Goff, Mahomes, Trubisky, Rosen, Mayfield, Allen will be a new generation that starts doing it more frequently.

[AtlantaDan]

Interesting, you mean guys like Brady, Brees, Wilson, Rodgers, Rivers, Manning, Ryan, Stafford, Cousins don't call out their teammates in public on a weekly basis?? Maybe the young guys like Wentz, Goff, Mahomes, Trubisky, Rosen, Mayfield, Allen will be a new generation that starts doing it more frequently.

I said “not every” not “most” and gave an example of someone I actually follow

And I used Ryan as an example

I do not follow the entire league - maybe you do and are correct everyone you cited other than Ryan (I know Rivers, Brady & Rodgers do - Rodgers calls out his head coach) do it as often as Ben does

[86WARD]

Not every non-journeyman QB (I have followed Matt Ryan for 11 years now in Atlanta and he does not regularly do it) does it to the extent Ben does

It is paywalled but Mark Kaboly had a good article this week in The Athletic on how Ben’s radio show/therapy session is not the usual QB pablum (apparently Coach Todd used to tune in to hear if Ben ripped him)

Ben Roethlisberger's radio show has turned into a must-listen because he's 'not afraid to say things'
https://theathletic.com/608515/2018/...ult-following/

Lol. Really? Ryan is seen yelling at receivers all the time, he criticized Shanahans play calling in the Super Bowl. Maybe he doesn’t do it on a radio show, maybe you don’t follow Ryan as much as you follow Ben and maybe the Steelers beat writers write more stories about the Steelers then the Falcons best writers just because people car more for the Steelers and there’s a bigger fan base.

Lol. A QB that sits quiet is a QB that sucks.

[AtlantaDan]

Lol. Really? Ryan is seen yelling at receivers all the time, he criticized Shanahans play calling in the Super Bowl. Maybe he doesn’t do it on a radio show, maybe you don’t follow Ryan as much as you follow Ben and maybe the Steelers beat writers write more stories about the Steelers then the Falcons best writers just because people car more for the Steelers and there’s a bigger fan base.

Lol. A QB that sits quiet is a QB that sucks.

Maybe you believe yelling at receivers during the game is the same as going on sports talk radio Tuesday morning to drop bombs but I respectfully disagree

As far as coverage & interest, Atlanta has pretty much the same media set up as Pittsburgh - monopoly newspaper (AJC compared to P-G), two sports talk stations (do not know if Pitt has 2 or just the one Ben spouts off on), local TV for all major networks, local bureau of The Athletic that covers local teams, ESPN.com coverage. As far as passive reporting, Ed Bouchette and Gerry Dulac of the P-G are not exactly the Woodward & Bernstein of aggressive local NFL coverage

Main difference is the local Atlanta market is 5.5 million metro rather than 2 million metro population like Pittsburgh (the two metros were the same size when I moved to Atlanta in the 80s) - so it is not as if the Falcons play in a backwater like Jacksonville with a small fan base and the media just reports game highlights

As far as Ryan going after Shanahan's play calling after a bitter Super Bowl loss (which Ryan at least tried to clean up at the start of the next season), that was a day at the beach compared to Ben's passive aggressive behavior with Coach Todd for six freaking seasons.

Bottom line is Ben is a great QB (certainly better than Ryan) but also someone who likes to share his views and has thrown off quotable stuff of sometimes dubious credibility since his rookie year more than other QBs - he got into it with Cowher after the "broken toes" in his first season and it has gone on from there

[86WARD]

Maybe you believe yelling at receivers during the game is the same as going on sports talk radio Tuesday morning to drop bombs but I respectfully disagree

As far as coverage & interest, Atlanta has pretty much the same media set up as Pittsburgh - monopoly newspaper (AJC compared to P-G), two sports talk stations (do not know if Pitt has 2 or just the one Ben spouts off on), local TV for all major networks, local bureau of The Athletic that covers local teams, ESPN.com coverage. As far as passive reporting, Ed Bouchette and Gerry Dulac of the P-G are not exactly the Woodward & Bernstein of aggressive local NFL coverage

Main difference is the local Atlanta market is 5.5 million metro rather than 2 million metro population like Pittsburgh (the two metros were the same size when I moved to Atlanta in the 80s) - so it is not as if the Falcons play in a backwater like Jacksonville with a small fan base and the media just reports game highlights

As far as Ryan going after Shanahan's play calling after a bitter Super Bowl loss (which Ryan at least tried to clean up at the start of the next season), that was a day at the beach compared to Ben's passive aggressive behavior with Coach Todd for six freaking seasons.

Bottom line is Ben is a great QB (certainly better than Ryan) but also someone who likes to share his views and has thrown off quotable stuff of sometimes dubious credibility since his rookie year more than other QBs - he got into it with Cowher after the "broken toes" in his first season and it has gone on from there

But he didn’t drop “bombs”. Saying a receiver should flatten a route or God forbid “not dive” is far from dropping bombs...lol.

Atlanta’s Fan Base is no where near that of the Steelers.

Haley clearly has had issues with all his players. But not really a point of the conversation. No need to derail. Point is...Ben Criticizes. Ryan Criticizes. Doesn’t matter who or what. Plain and simple. Ben’s also a better QB than Ryan so maybe Ryan should criticize more...or maybe he’s satisfied with not being great.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Ben doesn't throw INT's. Ben's OC and WR's make INT's happen.

[st33lersguy]

Technically everyone on the team has the right to criticize any teammate they please. A WR on the practice squad has the right to call Ben a garbage QB and call Tomlin a head coach. Doesn't mean it's a good idea or good for the team

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Technically everyone on the team has the right to criticize any teammate they please. A WR on the practice squad has the right to call Ben a garbage QB and call Tomlin a head coach. Doesn't mean it's a good idea or good for the team

So are you saying that Ben is incorrect, that he hasn't "earned" the right to criticize teammates and OC in public, but rather he is "entitled" to that right, as is anybody similarly entitled to criticize?

If that is the case, then I will criticize Ben for not throwing that 3rd down pass into the 5th row behind the end zone, rather than into the arms of a defensive lineman. I'm entitled to that right.

[st33lersguy]

So are you saying that Ben is incorrect, that he hasn't "earned" the right to criticize teammates and OC in public, but rather he is "entitled" to that right, as is anybody similarly entitled to criticize?

If that is the case, then I will criticize Ben for not throwing that 3rd down pass into the 5th row behind the end zone, rather than into the arms of a defensive lineman. I'm entitled to that right.

People are free to say whatever they want, they are just not free from the negative consequences/negative reactions from others.

Of course it would probably have been better if Ben chose to just address it with Washington directly and not broadcast his criticism to the media (something I wish was practiced more frequently on the team)

[DesertSteel]

How many Bens are there???

Clutch Ben
Drama Ben
Injured Ben
Fake injury Ben
Pick Throwing Ben
Super Bowl Ben
Radio Ben
College Girls Ben

We'll miss them all when he becomes Retired Ben (may not that last one)...

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

How many Bens are there???

Clutch Ben
Drama Ben
Injured Ben
Fake injury Ben
Pick Throwing Ben
Super Bowl Ben
Radio Ben
College Girls Ben

We'll miss them all when he becomes Retired Ben (may not that last one)...

Ya know, I got my young son a #7 jersey when Ben was drafted and my kid is now 17 years old. I have enjoyed what comes to the Steelers with having a top talented QB over that time, but I now realize that the real likelihood of winning another SB with Ben is pretty slim.

For a few years now, Ben has had the top WR and top RB in football with him, plus pro bowl caliber Offensive Linemen in front of him. Every year the great hope of offensive production, or 30 points a game has been talked about every training camp and the reality is that the last 3 trips to the Super Bowl for the Steelers were with the likes of Polamalu, Harrison, Taylor, Keisel, Farrior, Hampton, etc on the team.

Clutch Ben is entertaining to watch, but without having a few defensive pro bowl players on the Steelers team, Drama Ben, Radio Ben, Injured Ben is gonna help the team get to a wildcard game, maybe the next round and that is it. Because that is when Pick Throwing Ben will show up and start us on our next cycle of looking towards the draft. I think the sound that I heard isn't Radio Ben, but the window closing shut on his chance to win another Super Bowl.

[fansince'76]

For a few years now, Ben has had the top WR and top RB in football with him, plus pro bowl caliber Offensive Linemen in front of him.

Really? How many times was Bell available in the postseason? So it's now Ben's fault that a 4th-string RB coughs up the ball in a divisional round game on the road when the offense is driving to ice the game?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Really? How many times was Bell available in the postseason? So it's now Ben's fault that a 4th-string RB coughs up the ball in a divisional round game on the road when the offense is driving to ice the game?

Really? You are going to say the fault of the loss is on a 4th string RB that scored the only TD in a 23-16 playoff game Boswell kicked 3FG's that day, Fitzgerald Toussaint scored 1 rushing TD that day and Ben threw 0 TD passes.

I think Steeler fans have been expecting their biggest stars to step up in the moment, but when they don't step up, its still easier to find somebody less significant to point to than their biggest stars when its time to blame.

[fansince'76]

Really? You are going to say the fault of the loss is on a 4th string RB that scored the only TD in a 23-16 playoff game Boswell kicked 3FG's that day, Fitzgerald Toussaint scored 1 rushing TD that day and Ben threw 0 TD passes.

I think Steeler fans have been expecting their biggest stars to step up in the moment, but when they don't step up, its still easier to find somebody less significant to point to than their biggest stars when its time to blame.

Bottom line: Steelers had the lead with the offense driving, Toussaint coughed it up, the Broncos then took the lead and won the game. Oh yeah, AB was absent for that game as well thanks to Burfict almost decapitating him the week before (one more reason I'd like to avoid the WC round).

So our starting skill players that day were Roethlisberger, Touissant, Bongtavis, Wheaton, Spaeth and Heath Miller.

Fun fact: Peyton Manning had zero TD passes that game as well (and a QB rating that was 20 points lower for the game than Roethlisberger's).

I think Steeler fans have been expecting their biggest stars to step up in the moment, but when they don't step up, its still easier to find somebody less significant to point to than their biggest stars when its time to blame.

Sounds awfully familiar...

Outside of Rodgers, Jones and Adams, the rest of the team is hot garbage including the coaching staff.

[Butch]

Really? You are going to say the fault of the loss is on a 4th string RB that scored the only TD in a 23-16 playoff game Boswell kicked 3FG's that day, Fitzgerald Toussaint scored 1 rushing TD that day and Ben threw 0 TD passes.

I think Steeler fans have been expecting their biggest stars to step up in the moment, but when they don't step up, its still easier to find somebody less significant to point to than their biggest stars when its time to blame.

Where was Ben's #1 RB and #1 WR for that game? Both were injured the game before. Matter of fact Ben was playing hurt from the game before as well, but well he played so let's hold his feet to the fire. Certainly don't want to blame the Defense for not making a play when we needed it.

Now let's look at that great O-line that Ben had in SB 43, the one that got caught holding in the endzone and gave up a safety late in the game. Same O-line that on the very next play from scrimmage took another penalty before Ben drove us down the field for the game winning TD. Who did Ben call out that game? Oh yeah the O-line for the win.

How bout that Great D you mentioned. What did they do with the game on the line and all we needed was a stop? Oh yeah they gave up a Touchdown to Fitzgerald. Good thing they did it quickly so that Ben had enough time to drive the field and win the game. I guess maybe at least for that day Ben was the leader who stepped up when it was time to be Great.Don't get me wrong that was a Great D, but they were a hell of a lot better with Ben as the QB than whoever his backup was at the time.

a couple weeks ago it was the Jags game. Ben threw some int's in that game too. I even hear that some on this very board wanted Dobbs. ROFLMAO!!! that is beyond hilarious. One of those int's was in the endzone when Ramsey jumped over ABs head to get the ball. Is this Ben's fault for forcing the ball to one of our "Greats" and expecting him to make a play, or did Ramsey simply want the ball more? I am guessing it's all on Ben. You seem to believe that Ben's int. alone cost us the last game, I am guessing you are willing to concede that his TD run the game before was the only reason we won against Jax?

I certainly hope that when Ben steps down we have his replacement waiting on the sidelines, but if not I am sure we will all be grateful that, even though we are not winning games, we don't have the drama.

[DesertSteel]

I have been on Steelers forums for 15 years and I feel like I have earned the right to criticize Ben, Tomlin, AB, et al. Those of you with fewer posts under your belt need to pipe down.

[GBMelBlount]

I have been on Steelers forums for 15 years and I feel like I have earned the right to criticize Ben, Tomlin, AB, et al. Those of you with fewer posts under your belt need to pipe down.

Personally, while I enjoy the forum banter over topics like this in general, it is most enjoyable when wit & humor is injected.

[Shoes]

Well lets hope Ben calls out more than rookie Washington.

[Mojouw]

This is quickly circling the drain...gotta love armchair psychology to interpret sports results. I'm starting to think the team isn't really that "dramatic" but the fans certainly are.

Maybe you all need to talk it out with someone...really access those feelings...

[AtlantaDan]

This is quickly circling the drain...gotta love armchair psychology to interpret sports results. I'm starting to think the team isn't really that "dramatic" but the fans certainly are.

Maybe you all need to talk it out with someone...really access those feelings...

The easy way to stop it would be for the QB to shut down his Tuesday morning free association binges - certainly gives the Steelers reporters story lines

With the Bell saga being over (#26 apparently now is flirting with the Colts - let fans of other teams deal with that) and AB having calmed down since earlier in the season the one stirring the pot is Ben

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

the one stirring the pot is Ben

...and that is why I don't think he is going to win another Super Bowl in his career.

He is sitting back and trying to push along his team with peanut gallery criticism from a radio show, rather than leading from the front and bringing them along. I honestly think that the Super Bowl winning days were there with vocal leaders like Farrior, Porter, Bettis, while guys like Faneca, Marvel Smith, Heath Miller, Troy, James Harrison lead by example.

The current Steelers have deferred leadership to Ben and I don't know that enough players respect him enough to follow.

[AtlantaDan]

...and that is why I don't think he is going to win another Super Bowl in his career.

He is sitting back and trying to push along his team with peanut gallery criticism from a radio show, rather than leading from the front and bringing them along. I honestly think that the Super Bowl winning days were there with vocal leaders like Farrior, Porter, Bettis, while guys like Faneca, Marvel Smith, Heath Miller, Troy, James Harrison lead by example.

The current Steelers have deferred leadership to Ben and I don't know that enough players respect him enough to follow.

IMO members of the OL (DeCastro, Pouncey, Foster) and Heyward are leaders within the locker room who probably are not tuned out

Radio Ben is the QB in the role of “starring Ben Roethliberger as the Leader”

Radio Ben calling out AB for acting out on the sidelines or running a sloppy route might actually be a way to get AB to straighten up by embarrassing him - and saying the last series should have been 4 passes to JuJu might be a way to stroke JuJu’s ego (although doing little for Ben’s allegedly beloved OL or Conner’s shaky confidence)

But I agree a public shaming of Washington serves no purpose

Of course maybe it is just Ben having reached the stage of his career where he enjoys trolling to see what the reaction is (such as Radio Ben pondering retirement)

[fansince'76]

Of course maybe it is just Ben having reached the stage of his career where he enjoys trolling to see what the reaction is (such as Radio Ben pondering retirement)

I've been saying this for YEARS now.

[DesertSteel]

I'm starting to think the team isn't really that "dramatic" but the fans certainly are.

Just give us a radio show and sit back!!

[Shoes]

It's a shame Haley was fired before Ben earned this right to call people out, that would have been entertaining!

https://twitter.com/dejan_kovacevic/...06866020757504

[stillers4me]

- - - Updated - - -

[Mojouw]

I feel like people are reacting based on some mythologized dewy eyed concept of a "locker room". Do you seriously think that when Ben says a thing on the radio, that is the first time other members of the Pittsburgh Steelers have heard it? It may be the first time the Twitterverse and the other media has heard it, but I suspect it isn't news to Washington, AB, Juju, etc.

I feel like I can hear echoes of every youth coach and high school coach I ever had talking about "keeping it in the family" and "what goes on in here stays in here" and whatever other rah-rah team building nonsense they had for us that year in this thread.

Meanwhile, the "pot stirring" "dirty laundry airing" bad leader has a center who may retire when he hangs it up because he cant imagine playing for another QB. Decastro and the other lineman seem ready to decapitate dudes for their QB. Based on the few camera shots we see during games, the entire roster listens when Ben speaks on the sidelines during games. The entire defense seems to truly believe that if they get their QB the ball with at least 2 minutes left and only down one score or less, they will win the game.

I dunno, I see a 53 man roster who is more than ready to ride or die with their QB. I suspect Ben is kind of a jerk and likely not the easiest guy to get along with, but who the hell cares? These dudes don't need to be friends. They just need to work well enough together to make plays on Sundays. This isn't high school.