Ben Roethlisberger delivers blunt take on Steelers’ struggles in Cleveland

For most of his NFL career, Ben Roethlisberger made beating the Cleveland Browns look easy.

That’s why his latest comments about the Steelers’ loss in Cleveland caught attention.

Visit turconews.click for more information.

Speaking on his “Footbahlin” podcast, the former Pittsburgh quarterback sounded frustrated while discussing Pittsburgh’s 27-24 loss to the Browns. At one point, he admitted something Steelers fans rarely heard during his playing days.

“It just, I don’t get it. What’s going on?” Roethlisberger said. “Losing in Cleveland was not in my DNA.”

Watch "Why The Steelers Got Punched In Cleveland And How To Respond Ep 142" on YouTubeWatch

The comment reflects how much the rivalry has changed in recent years. During his 18-season NFL career, Roethlisberger dominated the Browns and finished with more wins against Cleveland than any quarterback in league history with a total record of 26-3-1. But he noted during the podcast that the Steelers have not won a road game against the Browns since Oct. 31, 2021, which happened to be the final season of his career.

Roethlisberger has often joked about Cleveland and the Browns over the years. Yet while breaking down last week’s game, he also showed respect for the city and its fans.

“I respect the heck out of that fan base,” Roethlisberger said. “The passion they have, I respect that.”

He said Browns fans create one of the toughest environments in football, especially when Pittsburgh comes to town. The loud atmosphere at Huntington Bank Field, he said, helped make life difficult for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense.

Roethlisberger pointed to several reasons Pittsburgh lost. Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times, the Steelers struggled with communication and the defense missed too many tackles.

He also questioned some late-game decisions and highlighted moments where the Browns appeared ready to give Pittsburgh an opening but the Steelers couldn’t take advantage.

At the same time, Roethlisberger saw positive signs. He praised the offense’s long opening touchdown drive, liked what he saw from DK Metcalf and applauded T.J. Watt’s effort on defense.

Looking ahead, Roethlisberger believes Pittsburgh can bounce back. He said stopping star running back Jonathan Taylor, pressuring Colts quarterback Daniel Jones and winning the turnover battle will be crucial this week.

Still, his comments about Cleveland may be what Steelers fans remember most.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Read full story at source