Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Found Mike Tomlin's Message Hypocrisy Interesting: "You Can't Be Afraid"

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a frustrating end to a season that got off to a promising start. This renewed the commentary about moving on from Head Coach Mike Tomlin. While there was plenty of fair criticism about how the players performed, there were also questions about the coaching. There were decisions that were made in each loss that seemed to fly in the face of Tomlin's usual banter about not "living in your fears." 

Many believe Tomlin has a hand in running the offense and defense, controlling what they can call. Unsurprisingly, his former quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, questioned some of his decisions on his podcast Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. He noted that in the playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, there was a large disparity in yardage at halftime. The Ravens led the Steelers 306-59, only two first downs and a score of 21-0. He said considering the difficulties they had picking up first down, he was surprised they weren't more aggressive.     

"It's interesting the week before, it was the end of the half, but he went for it, not living in the fears, and this week didn't do it," noted Roethlisberger. "I feel like if you're at the point where you're like, 'We can't stop them. We have to do everything we can,' you can't be afraid. What is it he says? 'You can't live in your fears, cut your eyelids off, don't blink.' Then go for it in that situation. If your defense isn't stopping them, and they've got hundreds of yards more than you, then you need to go for it and find a way to keep your offense on the field."

Roethlisberger recalled a game against the Green Bay Packers when Aaron Rodgers was their quarterback. He said they realized whoever possessed the ball last would win. Pittsburgh was so aggressive they allowed the Packers to quickly score a touchdown to get the ball back as the clock wound down. They took it in and won. This offense seems to lack that killer instinct. 

He was surprised they did not continue to use Justin Fields to pick up some of those short-yardage plays and hopefully convert. It is a big ask of the defense to spend most of the time on the field attempting to stop talented runners like Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. They tire quickly. 

"You can't get behind the chains for this offense, especially when you talk about that the line can't block," explained Roethlisberger. "What you need to do is keep someone in to help block. If you don't have a secondary receiver that will threaten the defense, it's really hard to get the ball down the field."

His co-host Spencer Te'o said there was a third and two, and they didn't try to run it. Instead, they threw the ball to Pat Freiermuth, who got tackled shy of the first down marker. Then it was fourth and inches and still fairly early in the game, and they didn't go for it. 

Roethlisberger said he used to handle his tight ends, including Freiermuth, a little differently. He said that expecting a tight end to break a tackle can be challenging, so Roethlisberger used to throw the ball in front of him so he didn't have to turn and slow down. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Unlikely To Go Anywhere In 2025

While many fans want Tomlin to be fired, the local media believes that is unlikely. Tomlin has two years left on his most recent contract, and there has been talk that Owner Art Rooney II won't want to end their relationship on a down note. 

Rooney is almost to the point where he will turn over the team to his son, Daniel Rooney, and perhaps the two will exit together. Tomlin clarified that he isn't taking calls from other teams and plans to stay as long as Rooney will have him. 

Do you believe Tomlin was hypocritical with his play-calling in the losses? Click to comment below.

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