Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin downplays Big Ben’s bad play-calling remarks – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has attempted to calm down the situation stemming from a statement from offence leader Ben Roethlisberger that bad play-calling affected the Steelers’ performance against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday (Dec. 16), saying
the quarterback is on board and a part of their offensive scheme and overall team strategy.
A day earlier, Ben came out with a statement furious about bad judgement on play-calling and attributed it as a factor behind their loss to the Cowboys.
Ben said:
"I just don't think we called the right plays to get him the ball."
Now the coach said he had a meeting with the quarterback and said it was understood his frustration was natural. Tomlin denied he had the meeting with Ben specifically to discuss his remarks but said it was a routine call, which is an exercise after every
game on Mondays.
Tomlin said:
"That was a tough, hard-fought game, an emotional one, and when you come up short, there's frustrations associated with that, natural frustrations associated with that. I met with Ben (Monday) and he's ready to move forward with this week and he's on board
with what we're doing."
Although Ben has not commented on the coach’s remarks since his first statement, his previous comments once again highlight the point that the offence leader is not on good terms with offensive coordinator Todd Haley.
Both sides have tried to work out a good relationship and apparently sounded there was nothing controversial between them, it appears the quarterback is not content with the OC’s approach.
This has been an issue since arrival of Haley in Pittsburgh earlier in the year to replace former OC Bruce Arians, and Ben has often criticised the new OC’s approach of training and grooming of the offence under his new scheme.
Ben had been performing well this season before he missed three games with a rib and shoulder injury last month. Since his comeback his record is 0-2 as a starter.
In spite of the head coach’s clarification, now the situation does not appear to be conducive to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff hopes. They are already on edge of exit and another loss will confirm their ousting out of the second round race.
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