Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger hits out at Mike Tomlin’s ‘bad coaching’ and insists ‘people aren’t afraid to play Pittsburgh anymore’ after pair of dismal home losses

Ben Roethlisberger fears the “Pittsburgh Steelers tradition is over” as he claims people are no longer “afraid” to play against his former team.

Roethlisberger spent all 18 years of his NFL career with the Steelers, with the legendary quarterback winning two Super Bowls and six Pro Bowls during his time in Pittsburgh.

But two years after he retired, the Steelers are struggling with a playoff berth after back-to-back home losses to the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots.

Those losses leave Mike Tomlin’s team at 7-6 and in contention for the playoffs, with this weekend’s game against the Indianapolis Colts likely to be crucial.

However, before this game, Roethlisberger harshly criticized his old team and said that they had lost the fear factor that became famous in his days.

Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger criticized current head coach Mike Tomlin (right).

Roethlisberger fears his former team is losing the “tradition” of the Steelers as people are no longer “afraid” to play against them.

The legendary former defenseman had some harsh words for his beloved former team this week.

“I just feel like people aren’t afraid to play the Pittsburgh Steelers anymore,” the 41-year-old said on the latest episode of his show. Football podcast.

“Maybe the Pittsburgh Steelers tradition is over. Maybe it needs to be shaped in a new way, I don’t know.”

The Steelers have struggled in recent games without starting cornerback Kenny Pickett, who recently underwent ankle surgery.

After a 24-10 loss to the Cardinals earlier this month, Pittsburgh fell to the Patriots 2-10 on the latest edition of Thursday Night Football, leaving them tied with five other teams at 7- 6 fighting for position. the final two AFC wildcard spots.

And Roethlisberger believes a tactical mistake by the head coach cost them their last game against New England.

In that loss, the Steelers were left without timeouts down the stretch after being forced to use one before a quarterback sneak on fourth-and-1 with 7:13 left in the fourth quarter.

Roethlisberger won two Super Bowls during his iconic 18-year run with the Steelers.

But Roethlisberger said, “If we have another timeout at the end of the game, we’ll have another chance.” You can’t afford to waste stupid timeouts in the second half of the game and not use them late in the game.

“In my opinion, this is bad training.”

Tomlin’s Steelers head to Indianapolis this weekend knowing a win is necessary to keep pace in the playoff race.

Their regular season will end with tough games against the Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens.