Sophia
PITTSBURGH, PA – Frustration is mounting within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, and it’s now reaching a critical point where even franchise legends are voicing concerns. As the Steelers prepare for an international Week 4 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, former Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has openly questioned the team’s coaching staff, from Head Coach Mike Tomlin down to the coordinators.
Both the Steelers and Vikings enter the contest with identical 2-1 records, yet both squads harbor significant unanswered questions despite their early season success. For Pittsburgh, a glaring issue appears to be the performance of their coaching cadre, leading some to believe the Vikings could secure a victory simply by out-coaching them.
Roethlisberger’s Controversial Take
Speaking on his “Footbahlin” podcast, Roethlisberger cautiously broached the subject, asking, “If I say that I think we’re gonna get outcoached, is that controversial?” He then elaborated, praising the Vikings’ coaching staff, particularly Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores.
“I’ll say this, I think Brian Flores is a very good defensive coordinator,” Roethlisberger stated. “I think Kevin O’Connell is an exceptional offensive mind.”
The Flores Factor: A Familiar Foe
Brian Flores is a name well-known in Pittsburgh. After his tenure as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Flores served as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach under Mike Tomlin during the 2022 season. His impact was immediate, and he was subsequently hired by the Vikings for his current defensive coordinator role after just one year with the Steelers.
This familiarity, coupled with Flores’s proven strategic prowess, is what worries Roethlisberger most for the Steelers’ offense. “It’s because I’m afraid of our (offensive) line,” he admitted. “That they’re not going to get it done and Flores is going to take advantage of it because he’s a very good defensive coordinator. We should have never let him go.”
Offensive Struggles and O-Line Woes
The Steelers’ offense has indeed been a cause for concern this season. Following an explosive Week 1 performance, which saw Aaron Rodgers deliver a vintage display, the unit has looked disjointed and inefficient. They managed only 17 points and 21 points in their subsequent two games, reaching those totals through a series of difficult and often frustrating plays.
Central to these struggles is the offensive line, which has been consistently underwhelming and underperforming. Their inability to maintain a clean pocket for Rodgers has hampered the passing game and limited the offense’s potential. As they head to the international stage in Dublin, finding a way to protect Rodgers and ignite the offense will be paramount against a formidable Vikings defense led by Flores.
Week 4 Implications and Tomlin’s Leadership
This Week 4 matchup in Dublin carries significant weight for both teams. For the Steelers, it’s an opportunity to solidify their early season record and silence the growing doubts about their coaching and offensive execution. A loss, particularly one attributed to being “out-coached,” could amplify the pressure on Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who has consistently maintained a winning record but faces increasing scrutiny.
The Steelers will need their offensive line to step up and provide Rodgers with the time he needs, and their coaching staff must devise a game plan that can counter Flores’s defensive schemes. The international spotlight will undoubtedly intensify the focus on every play and every coaching decision.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers navigate these early season challenges, the performance of their coaching staff and the offensive line will be under intense observation. The insights from a respected figure like Ben Roethlisberger only add to the narrative, highlighting the urgency for the team to address these critical areas. The Dublin game against the Vikings will be a crucial test, potentially setting the tone for the remainder of their season.
