Column: Skip the tape, Ben, and speak up

Can anyone within the organization actually believe this team is improving? How is it possible anyone buys into the spew Tomlin is putting forth at every press conference? He MUST be accountable and so must the Rooney family as they have been ignoring the obvious and the fans.

This game, from top to bottom was really embarrassing for a once proud Steelers organization. The slide backward continues, the sub-standard coaching continues, hideous play calling continues and zero accountability. Again, what is Tomlin's definition of "Standard". His sucks.

The loss at Tampa said it all and anyone, myself included, that was hoping for a turn around were fooling themselves.

This is filed under, "If Only," right?

Unacceptable X1000.

I have held back from the past 2 years from saying this, but it needs to be a clean house like the Penguins did.

There is FAR too much talent on this roster to lose by 21 points to the BROWNS, of all teams.

This team is a dumpster fire with no extinguisher in sight..

Look at us- we can run the ball 10 times in a row. How about waiting to try that meaningless stunt until you are trying to put a game away in the 4th quarter. Which looked better, the two or three play Cleveland drives or that 10 run drive? Haley as OC = epic fail.

"He's the face. He's the engine." And he's also the guy with two episodes in his past that, if true [Sorry...no video proof here folks....just keep on watching and cheering] do more harm to a woman than even the disgusting Ray Rice episode. Poor Ben. I hope things get better.

You mention leadership. Do you see ANY leadership, on field, off field, in the organizational offices? From this fan's view, I don't see any, anywhere. The "Steelers way" is fine, when it is working. If the wind changes, you must change the sails too, or the ship goes no where.

Couldn't have said it better myself...really couldn't, because I'm still speechless after yet another inexplicable disaster.

Dejan, do you ever tire of Tomlin's cookie-cutter, blasé comments, both pre and post game? Is there anyone better at spitting out tired clichés, game after game, season after season? His sound bites to a reporter is what a lump of coal is to a jewelry store display case.

I think Rooney should spend more time on his team than investigation
.Mike has lost his team,no excuse.Players r too busy chatting on Net,,not focused.Todd should be fired,can't do worse.Talent on D is not there..Ben should be fired up,but he isn't,looks defeated.Top QB's react

Roeth is a major part of the problem...and he has no idea how to get better, how to make his teammates better or how to lead a team. He may be an elite talent, but he is not a leader...he's unable to lead a team and get results. He's got to stop pointing fingers and improve.

Ben's a sandlot qb, always was, always will be. Many of us knew eventually he'd have to study and be a real NFL qb and wondered if he'd be up to the task. Turns out, not so much.

Maybe Ben is just being passive-aggressive.

Ben doesn't need to pipe up. Every sports writer with a pulse should be pointing out the obvious, and he can just let the Steeler brass marinate in the crap situation they have put him in.

I've asked this previously. Why do we, the fans, seemingly care more about this team than ownership? The fans have to be heard and then addressed without a condescending response. I am SICK of flippant quotes from MT and cliches from all involved. Fans, demand action in burgh

Since the 2008 super bowl win, Roethlisberger has lost to some of the worst starting QBs of the last decade...from Brady Quinn to Bruce Gradkowski and several others, you don't see Brady and Manning losing to garbage-heap QBs, yet BR seems to do so with regularity.

I don't agree that Ben should blow up, at least in public. He missed too many throws to denigrate others. The fish really rots from the head. Bad draft after bad draft has left them recycling old players on D. Poor judgement by ownership bringing in a bum like Haley.

Ben is part of the problem as much as anybody else (Haley, Tomlinson, defense). Fact is he has led average offenses his entire career and hopped on the back of great defenses. Now that the defense is mediocre the team is struggling to win. More media excuses making for Ben.

amen for Dejan......The play calling was awful.....
Joe Haden stinks when healthy, he was banged up and u refuse to attack him ? Where were plays for Miller ???
we are what we are , 19-19 in the last 38....
The Rooney's need to wake up....quick...

This team is not good. Going 8-8 won't help. Being mediocre doesn't get you better in this league. How are we the only team in the league that is always restructuring contracts and can't make any moves. Comes down to bad drafts and loyalty to old players and were paying now

We need a 5-11 season and to have some decent drafts. Being 8-8 every year will not allow for this team to get better. I was just as upset as everyone else but I realized that losses like this is what this team needs. Blow it up and start over

When did "the standard" become mediocrity? Time to open the flood gates and clean this house up! The team has "obviously" grown tired of the tripe that the head coach is spewing! Cortez is "obviously" not better than Kennan. Lots of front office mistakes have led here!

Tomlin TALKS a good game but by now most Steelers fans need to recognize that THAT is all it is......talk.

I'm as disgusted with Steelers as anyone. But it's absurd to expect any kind of "leadership" or lack thereof to manifest itself during post-game press conferences or interviews, by QB or HC. These things are meaningless. They reflect nothing that goes on behind closed doors.

Tired of posting this, but it explains a LOT:

Coaches' job is to 1) Organize
2) Teach
3) Motivate

None of that has happened for several years.

It's Ben.

At this point let's face it, Tomlin has a lifetime contract because of the Rooney rule. There is no other explanation for why he still has the job. He has been a horrible coach since day 1. Sure, he won the Super Bowl with Cowher's team, but now everything is a mess.

But isn't keeping a guy in a job because of his race about as racist as you can get? And how can he call the entire city of Pittsburgh racists on national TV and there were no repercussions for that comment?

We are lucky that we are still in race,despite mediocre football.Wish I saw a Silver Lining but I don't.Maybe defense would be better If we didn't lose 3 players.But how do we get by with dumb penalties and treating the end zone like it is The Garden Of Eden.

How many super bowls have Brady and Ben won since getting married?

The team has talent, but without better play calling that talent is left scratching their heads. As much as I am loathed to say it, Ben is (or should be) one of the leaders of this team but he isn't acting the part. It's as if his heart just isn't in the game any longer.

After the game, I had this thought-Ben had 1 more year left after this one. Assuming this year is another 8-8 or worse, why would Ben want to stay after losing 3, possibly 4, years in his prime? Other than staying to preserve a legacy, he may have a better chance somewhere else.

Ben is a great talent but not much of a leader. The one thing he learned to do was to keep his mouth shut, get married and stay out of trouble so he can collect his mountain of money coming to him. He won't rock the boat. This boat is sinking fast though.

Lack of talent + poor preparation =poor performance--not to mention the lack of any overt fighting spirit on offense, defense or special teams. Time for a top to bottom house cleaning. The once proud Steelers franchise is no where to be found. :-(

Our next game is nationally televised on Monday night. I wonder if season ticket holders will make another statement and not show up?

Tomlin has 18 million due from the Rooneys. That is the Rooneys understanding of the Steeler way. The Rooneys could care less unless the cash is effected or Ben doesn't sign an extension after this year, If I am Ben, I am gone. he owes the Rooneys nothing.

My plan:

1. Trade Big Ben sometime
2. Use the money saved from Ben's (next) contract for a QB like Hoyer = cheap
3. Use the rest to sign 3-5 middle tier free agents for 1-3$M each/season-to get some DEPTH
4. New coaching staff, scouts and GM--total overhaul

The standard is now mediocrity. I can't recall this team dominating in all three phases for YEARS. I think Tomlin will be forced to clean house after the season or could be shown the door.
Do the new minority owners have ANY say in football operations or only share in profits?

didn't even watch this garbage but I could tell from the tweets and the articles that the Steelers didn't even show up....Tomlin has lost this team, a team that at least 60% of its roster is not NFL quality....5-11, here we come

This is getting old. As we said back in the day, SOS - same old Steelers.

I love my Steelers - but I am just not sure what is going on...

I âm watching RZ & seeing Cutler say I don't care if the Falcons are better than us.

Romo is saying we can go to Seattle & compete.

Heck - the Raiders r hanging with the Chargers
Where is the B&G swagger

I will add did Sidney speak up over Bylsma's horrendous coaching. Not in public.That is not their responsibility. But the star player can set the terms of his employment. Sid could have asked for a trade. Same with Ben.Mario made the move. Rooneys can be held to that as well

Just remember the day. After the season when Art II expressed his displeasure with the Steelers offense and indicated they needed to run the ball more. What has been the overall record of the Steelers since then? Owners own. OHHHHNNNNNN!

I know this will be considered blaspheme, but what kind of return could we get for Big Ben? Can they afford to pay him such a large percentage of the cap when they need so much help elsewhere?

It is time to clean house in the coaching department. The Pens showed how serious they were when it became obvious to everyone that the sell by date had passed. At LEAST start with Haley.....show us that the front office has a pulse and is paying attention.

Okay Ben tell it like it is. But, make sure you back it up. He sucked today. No two ways about it. Convert those two trips to the red zone in Q1 and it likely ends the same way because this defense is awful. I will give Colbert one thing...he knew Jason Worilds.

When it's 3rd and 1 near midfield in the 2nd qtr and you have Bell and Blount on your roster....and you through a sideline 30 yard pattern with no chance, that is just insanely stupid. Oh and how about that 3rd round pick on Archer instead of you know, a cornerback.

Here's hoping the Steelers go 3-13 so that maybe, just maybe, the Rooney's will fire Colbert, Tomlin, Haley and yes, even Dick LeBeau (bless his heart). Tomlin's arrogant, no-culpability act has worn thin. Actually reminds of a certain Mr. Cowher in that way. Weak.

Time to rethink the notion that his team has so much talent. They have a few very talented skill position players on offense & maybe 2 above avg talents on defense. They have far more below avg talents on both sides of the ball. That's painful to admit, but it's true.

I can appreciate what the Rooney's have built and brought to the city of Pittsburgh. But this odd loyalty is no longer just old-school, it's just plain old.

THE STEELERS ARE A RUDDERLESS SHIP SAILING WAY OFF COURSE INTO VERY DEEP and UNCHARTED WATERS.

TOMLIN -- HALEY -- and LEBEAU all must go. A new Captain must take the wheel and get her back on her proper couse.

Last CB taken in the 1st or 2nd round by the Steelers was Bryant McFadden in 2005. That along with NOT signing Keenan Allen and not drafting an adequate replacement for Casey Hampton are clear indictments on Colbert and Tomlin.

What this coaching staff is doing is befuddling. Playing the wrong players, leaving too much talent sitting. Bad schemes. Plays away from players strengths. ...A coach can only stubbornly insist his shooting guard can play center for so many games before it ALL falls apart.

Dallas beating Seattle on the road. Using dominating run game to do it. This is a nauseating day for sure.

Steeler OL is average which is a big improvement. But that is the upside and it is simply not good enough to set the tone. Forster is bad, Beachum is not close to a good LT. Miller since his injury is not the blocker he was. To many misses

Team has all the earmarks of a team that has checked out listening to its HC. Seen that before across town.

Tomlin's pressers have that whole emperor with no clothes vibe.

I doubt Ben rocks the boat. He's done basically what the Rooneys told him to do since Georgia.

DK, I almost never disagree with you. But this time I'll call you out on one line: "8-8 Part III in the making." We will be beyond fortunate to see .500 this year. With the schedule coming up, we'll be lucky to see 6-10.

Oh and.....Mike Mitchell for 4 and a half more years kids.....enjoy

Let me know when its safe to come back in the water

The front office is bad. The coaching is bad. The play is bad. Nobody is changing the front office or coaching anytime soon. Get ready for the Bubby Brister/Mark Malone Steelers for the next few years. Nevermind, don't get ready. They've already been here for a couple years.

Watching the highlight reels.. (Red Zone) do the Steelers even watch tape anymore? … I'm sick of wasting my Sunday afternoons on this.. My seven yr old said, "Wow, this is embarrassing, the Steelers were not prepared for the Browns.. HE'S SEVEN!!!! and more upset than Mike Tomlin

My thought regarding the remainder of the Steeler season: it's good that Pittsburgh has a hockey team.

I hear repeatedly that the "Rooney way" won't allow Haley to be fired. But the Rooneys got rid of Joe Walton during a similarly underachieving era, and also Kevin Gilbride.

If Tomlin remains safe, surely Haley -who was foisted on the head coach by management - is fair game.

The offense was supposed to cover for a poor defense. To date, not close to an elite offense. Not close to a playoff team. Right now this team - top to bottome - is elite only in it's ability to make excuses.

Ben Shouldn't have to speak up. It should be obvious to the people that are running the organization that this team is stuck in neutral.

Tomlin says the same thing every presser, its time to see the results on the field. Because I haven't yet.

Misery loves company .... so that's why I'm here.

Who's here with me?

It's almost like Art II has some sort of blackmail material on Ben. He never used to be shy about voicing his displeasure before.

Between Haley's first and second year something happened to shut our QB up...

Also, true tactics come out on the red zone on offense and defense. Playcalling becomes critical and you can really see the skill of the coaching staff. On both sides of the ball it is just pathetic. Not giving Bell the ball when they had it on the 2 was comical.

Just finished watching on DVR. Gonna make a comment then read thru the others. The one word that keeps coming to my mind is "disconnected". Everything about this team just seems so terribly disconnected!

Don't think it's to early to start. We want Harabaugh chant.

I'm right here!!!!

Dk this was awful and Colbert and Tomlin deserve the blame this roster is pathetic. These wrs and DBS are terrible and in today's NFL u need strength here.

This should be no surprise considering certain members of this team are more interested in keeping alive some dumb, meaningless "record" that nobody cares about then they are about winning.

At one point, the Steelers Ran 22 times, Passed 6! Last time I checked, it IS NOT 1970! By the time they opened up, it was too late. Where is this No-huddle offense we heard so much about? Where is this offense that is supposed to carry the team? WTF???

Furthermore, am I the only one who pretty much hears "We just have to get to our game" every time Tomlin speaks after a bad loss?

I'm not interested in coach speak, I'm interested in change, I'm interested in RESULTS!

We all know Steelers will do nothing abrupt. We are stuck with this swill till Dec. Unless 25,000 no shows for the last 5 home games. Talk about a rudderless ship. There's not 1 positive from this game.

1st and goal from the 7 and they run up the middle 3 straight times against a team with two injured starters missing from its D-Line and a linebacker playing end, and gain 3 yards. Cleveland has first and goal and on one handoff the back goes into the endzone untouched for six.

Horrible effort yet prepare for no response from Steerlers mgmt. they never are abrupt. Another year of boring. Maybe 25,000 no shows at last 4 home games may force issue. Not 1 positive from this game today. Total crap effort.

This offense doesn't scare anyone. Doesn't put pressure on a D. Dink, dunk. No misdirection runs. Sideline safe throws. Remember when we attacked the seams with Miller? The down field attack? Option routes from YMC? All of it left with Arians. Now we play O like it's 1969.

I think I know why Ben won't spout off about this mess. He, like the rest of his teammates, doesn't think anything's wrong. Just listen to their comments after the game. Mike Mitchell actually said they kicked Cleveland's a#$ other than a few plays. This is a team in denial.

Todd Haley is the biggest problem with this team. The Patriots never had a good defense but won every week with ballsy Offense. Scoring 10 points vs Cleveland and Tampa Bay is pathetic with the talent they have. Predictable and safe play calling and stupid screen after screen.

Diminishing returns - well put DK!

Steelers brought in Haley and his offensive style to keep Ben from taking so many hits and to prolong his career.

The problem is that Ben is not very good in running the whole dink and dunk thing… he's was good at sandlot football, and making big plays. Not going to work out.

Where's Mario and Burkle when you need a Front Office cleansing?

Stop spending your money on these clowns like I chose to do years ago. Its not only how bad they play but the way they conduct themselves since Tomlin took over. Buy Pirate or Penguin merchandise and find something else to do with your Sundays. Then you may see some action

The internet is never happier than when it's calling for someone's head.

And I just read that Hoyer made a comment after the game to the media that he was 'a little bored towards the end' This is Brian 'freaking' Hoyer.....not Manning, or Brady, or even Rivers. Brian. Hoyer.

I've seen a lot of comments talking about "mediocrity." Do people really see this team as mediocre with the recent performances? Not me. And I definitely don't see another 8-8 season coming. I'm seeing 5-11.

DK, is there ANY realistic level of frustration that ownership can get to that will constitute firing Tomlin, etc, this offseason? If so, what do you think that threshold is? Thanks. Agree with the column 100%.

Enlightening to read the column and the comments, as usual. The defense stinks, but it's not Labeau's fault. The offense stinks, but it is Haley's fault. Certainly not BRs fault. Apparently the third rail around here is criticizing the big guy, judging by the down votes.

I have to wonder how much the loss of on field leadership has led to where they are now. As leaders like Bettis, Ward, and Harrison (the younger version) left, the team had to rely on the off field leadership (coaches) and they don't seem to be able to lead.

The distribution of talent on the field has more to do with it than anything. Everybody has their loyalties, but a hard look at everybody and everything is in order. One thing I think everyone agrees on is that it ultimately does start at the top.

I disagree with the notion that Tomlin will stay because it's the Steeler way. I have a sense that Tomlin will be asked to resign at season's end. It isn't the losing so much as it is a team that is embarrassing itself on and off the field.

Look what Doug Baldwin said following the Seahawks loss. Then come back and look at the quotes from the Steelers. One team with attitude and pride. Another that just doesn't care.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11691578/doug-baldwin-seattle-seahawks-says-things-going-right

I'm glad no one is suggesting getting rid of Brad Wing. Dude had one mistake holding, but kicked the hell out of the ball today. 46 yard average and a HUGE 70 yard punt!!

This is what Art III wanted. He wanted control of Ben. He got it. Sometimes you need to be careful what you ask for because you just might get it.

What a debacle. Glad that I didn't watch and chose to spend time out with the family at a local music festival! Much more fun way to spend a fall Sunday afternoon.

Team really looks pretty poor right now but there were those three awful years in a row with Cowher....

Too much noise, tonight. Coming back tomorrow. What I'll be arguing is that, while Haley may not be the answer to what ails the O, he's not the bogeyman DK has made him out to be in his running schtick. It's getting to be as silly as the "Nutting is cheap" end all demonization...

My ultimate nightmare has come to fruition: a season where the Cowboys and Browns have become better football teams than the Steelers...

These past couple weeks I watched the Redzone channel more than I watched the Steeler game itself. I would never have done this in the past, ever. They are painful to watch and are becoming irrelevant to me. Paying $100 a ticket to see them live is a thing of the past for me.

I think the Steelers should trade Ben, try to get value for him...he does kill drives with needless sacks and he really doesn't come up with game winning drives anymore(except for the Cleveland game this year) Ben had not been making the throws this year, he has been terrible

Not a good team and they haven't improved over the last 3 years. You can't fire all 53 players but you can fire a GM n 3 coaches. Time for a change

It just hit me that Tomlin's nonsensical statements and tortured construction reflects his actual thinking.

He has no idea what's going on or how to fix it.

Do the Rooney's? Because it's a cinch that Colbert, mainly responsible these NFL imitators, doesn't.

When Bill Cowher is blasting the Steelers, things don't look so good. You've got a franchise QB who has been neutralized by a golf coach. Good luck to the next GM & coach, he's going to need it with the mess created by Art Rooney, Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin.

DK: Tomlin had the DC and OC selected for him, it seems.Haley was thrust upon him. But T hired a string of unsuccessful/mediocre assistants.(ST, OL, & WR) do u think T is a poor judge of assist. talent, OR might talented assist. not want to work for him?

thing for his own dang sake!

How's Ben supposed to get into a rhythm when you run the ball 22 out of 28 plays to start, and when throwing, guys are dropping the ball more than Limas Sweed. Colbert, Haley, & DLB need to go. Tomlin needs to be able to hire his own coordinators. Obviously

Lebeau has to take blame. Yes, he was great. But he misses the point of modern defenses that need to disrupt passing lanes up the middle. Need players to tip passes if they cant get to the QB. His secondary is all veterans , yet they get fooled a lot. Isnt that on the coach too?

Haley is not good. But doesn't Ben have the ability to audible out of a run play when the D stacks the line of scrimmage? Two of those red zone runs had no chance. What about the OL. If Pouncey, Decastro, Gilbert were so great, why cant they do better in pushing the D backwards

The drafts since Bill C. left have been horrible and the coaching even worse. WHEN is it OK to hold Tomlin accountable? From his poor treatment of Hines Ward to an undisciplined team it all starts/ends with the Head coach

What's stopping Ben from testing free agency next year? Perfect opportunity to reunite with BA in Arizona, who could use an upgrade at QB...

There are a lot of comments referencing this team going 8-8 this year. How is this team going 8-8? Who are they going to beat to get more wins? They already played Jax and Tampa...

Chose Wisely
A) Back to the drawing board
B) Back to square one
C) Torches and pitchforks

good thing we let Keenan walk. good thing we matched offer sheet to Emmanuel, we didn't need a 3rd rd pick.
good thing we locked up cortez "fried yet again" Allen..
how is Cam Thomas still on this team ? I forgot, mediocrity is accepted these days..

I'm so tired of hearing the same ol' song and dance in the post-game press conference. Great column, Dejan. I think the Steelers need to take a good look at what the Pens did and clean house at the end of the season - bye bye Tomlin, Colbert, LeBeau and Haley.

Everyone has their opinion about the Steelers. The reality is you better put your ugly mediocre pajamas on and get comfy because it's going to be awhile until things change. This organization prides itself on staying the course. I need to find my Bubbie Brister slippers!

We'll the pitchforks are accumulating.....we've got Starkey, Dunlap, Collier.....
Too bad we can't turn things around before Watts gets here next Monday. This could get seriously ugly fast....

Completely disagree. Ben speaking freely will certainly please the media but it won't result in one more win. There's nothing to be gained by criticizing his coaches and management. Let that be said behind closed doors. No need to air dirty laundry and create even more dissent.

Remember the 90s when oc was a revolving door? Seems like they had a new one every year. Some of those were fired. The rooney way only applies to the head coach...but haley was hand picked by rooney so now he gets the same benefit. Not good.

Have there been any disagreements with Dog Sitters or Contractors lately? We need some way to rid ourselves of the Haley era

T'was a gorgeous day. Went to North Park and enjoyed glorious autumn while it lasts. The Steelers are and have been an average team...not worthy of any emotional investment now. I'll watch when the weather is as bad as they are. Lets Go Pens!

Play calling is very overrated. The center needs to make the proper line calls for blocking and the QB can still change the play or go through his reads. Haley is not the devil.

If the Steelers were any other team in the League, Mike Tomlin's seat would be white hot after back to back 8-8 seasons and what we are seeing now. It all started when Tim Tebow humiliated the Steelers in the playoffs and the 'retiring' Bruce Arians debacle. Art 2 is an ass.

I do not believe Ben can get away with saying what Tom was saying. It would be taken out of context and Ben would be the "bad guy" just like everyone and everything else the Steelers do. It should be done in-house, if that is even possible. Come on boys!!!!!!!

Diehard Steelers fan since the Immaculate Reception.

This is a 6-10 team at best.

Gone at the end of the year:

Kevin Colbert: after arguably 5 bad drafts, we can argue that he can't evaluate talent. He makes too many bad personnel decisions, such as not retaining Bruce Arians

After mulling over this column for a day or two, I have concluded that Ben's demeanor and comments this year are very reminiscent of Crosby's demeanor last year. I doubt that the Steelers will learn from the Penguins, but a housecleaning seems to have improved Crosby.