Ben Roethlisberger can say playing until the bitter end of a 31-point loss is the "Steeler Way," but the truth is, the act came across as sad and desperate. The only purpose it served was to repair Roethlisberger's damaged pride.
Pittsburgh's 41-10 loss to the Bengals Sunday (their second of the season) symbolized a changing of the guard in the AFC North, right along with the Browns' blowout win in last season's wild card round. Joe Burrow played like a rising star, completing 20-of-24 passes and finding Tee Higgins in the end zone with a beautiful 31-yard touchdown toss. Meanwhile, Roethlisberger played like somebody whose stardom has fallen face first into the turf.
Just like him.
"I didn't ask coach one time to come out. There is a Steeler Way and it's fighting to the end," Roethlisberger told reporters after the game. "I thought for the most part we did that. Guys showed their character at the end of games. Who continued to fight? Pat (Freiermuth) takes a crazy hit to the head. People will say, why? But it shows his heart and his character. Diontae, the line up front, I thought a lot of guys did that. Games like this is where it's revealed."
Roethlisberger is right about one thing: Sunday's contest was certainly revealing. It exposed the Steelers as a directionless organization that provides too much deference to its 39-year-old quarterback. It's apparent the Steelers were going to be a mediocre team with or without Roethlisberger. Moving on would've been the better call. Instead, the Steelers are flailing in NFL purgatory, sans any long-term plan at the most important position in sports.
The Bengals read Roethlisberger perfectly Sunday, with Eli Apple and Mike Hilton jumping two routes for easy interceptions. Hilton returned his pick 24 yards for a score.
We already know Roethlisberger is playing through at least three injuries, including issues with his right shoulder and hip. The aged passer also recovered from COVID-19 just a few weeks ago. He is a wounded warrior.
There was a perfect opening for the Steelers to remove Roethlisberger from the carnage, too, Bengals lineman Trey Hendrickson thumped Big Ben midway through the quarter, throwing him down on his troublesome right shoulder and causing the football to get away. Roethlisberger got up gingerly after the play as well.
But he was right back in there on the next series, and what would you know, the Steelers went three-and-out.
At 5-5-1, the Steelers aren't eliminated from the playoff race, but don't get caught up in lost hope. The idea they could do anything in the playoffs is as far-fetched as the notion that Roethlisberger staying in the game Sunday was for the team's benefit over his own.
