Stephen A. Smith firmly holds Ben Roethlisberger responsible for Steelers’ offensive struggles post former QB’s ‘tradition is done’ comments

Stephen A. Smith shared his hot take on Wednesday's episode of ESPN show First Take.

Stephen A. Smith firmly holds Ben Roethlisberger responsible for Steelers’ offensive struggles post former QB’s ‘tradition is done’ comments

Stephen A. Smith (L- Imago) and Ben Roethlisberger (R- Imago)

The Pittsburgh Steelers led by their rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett aren’t doing very well at the moment. There’s a real possibility that the Steelers could end up suffering their first losing season under head coach Mike Tomlin.

Amidst this situation, the former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger shared his comments about his former team playing poorly in the ongoing season. And now, ESPN host and avid Steelers fan Stephen A. Smith criticizes Roethlisberger for Pittsburgh’s poor run.

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During Wednesday’s episode of the ESPN show First Take, the panel including Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, and Jeff Saturday discussed Roethlisberger’s harsh comments. 

[Ben Roethlisberger's] hands ain’t clean in all of this. Aren’t you somewhat responsible for the transitioning as it pertains to culture? Particularly when Mike Tomlin was there? And you’re there… you stayed too long.
Smith said Wednesday

Stephen A. went on to emphasize that Roethlisberger stayed on too long in Pittsburgh and that he was absolutely no good during the final years of his career. 

If you're Big Ben Roethlisberger, I thought you stayed a couple of years too long, and I thought you sort of curtailed or mistimed the transition so the era would continue [on offense]. ... I thought he stayed around too long.
Smith said on First Take

The Steelers’ offense led by Kenny Pickett ranks at the very bottom of almost all of the major offensive stats. Specifically, they rank 28th in points scored per game and 30th in passing yards per game. They still have a winning record of 7 wins and 6 losses, mostly thanks to their good defensive unit.

However, they can’t keep playing poor offense and hope their defense can save the day, especially if they reach the postseason. As criticism kept growing, the Steelers made a move and fired their offensive coordinator Matt Canada, but it seems like it might not be enough.

Stephen A. Smith says Ben Roethlisberger’s poor outings made average offense a norm

On Wednesday’s episode of ESPN’s First Take, host Stephen A. Smith somehow kept blaming the former Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger for the Steelers’ poor offensive outings in the past few seasons.

Ben Roethlisberger SI
Ben Roethlisberger (Image via SI)
Because he was [remaining] around, the offense was dissipating before our very eyes year after year. As a result, we sort of grew accustomed to it because we can rely on the defense, and lo and behold, now you can’t.
Smith said on ESPN

Nonetheless, the Steelers would look to improve their offense and shut down the critics by having a great game against the Indianapolis Colts, who they are scheduled to face this weekend in their week 15 matchup.

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