Ben Roethlisberger says players ‘need to take more responsibility and blame’ for offensive struggles

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One of the most offensive topics for the Pittsburgh Steelers in recent years has been their attack without a caucus, with the general perception being that they perform best when not in a caucus, in which quarterback Ben Roethlisberger exerts more control over the games.

It was discussed that the no-caucus package has been scaled back this year, due to a combination of factors, not the least of which is the fact that there are four rookies to leave. Having a new offensive coordinator at Matt Canada who implemented his own changes and language is another factor, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t blame him.

We just have to run the games that are called, he told reporters earlier today before practice. Our coach does a great job of taking the blame and he doesn’t need to take any more. We, as players, have to take more responsibility and blame. The plan is good, and we have to execute the plan and make it work.

Canada is in its first season as an offensive coordinator in the NFL and second season in the league, both with the Steelers, after coaching quarterbacks last year. He has a long history as a college offensive coordinator and has been consulted by NFL teams in the past.

While he tried to embrace new concepts in the offense, or at least increase the use of some things that were previously rare, we haven’t seen these changes result in any performance improvement.

It may just be that the talent level needs to catch up, and that will take time. The offensive line is very different from what it was a year ago, including two rookies and a free agent signing. They have new rookie starters in the running back and tight end, who have had their rookie moments. Their large receptors were also damaged. All of this makes it harder to miss a lot of the no-huddle.

You have to walk a fine line of tired guys, Roethlisberger said. Last week when JuJu [Smith-Schuster] got banged and Diontae [Johnson] was down, we brought Cody [White] in. He did a great job. When guys get fucked hard and lose weight, you have to be careful what you do.

There isn’t much relief on the horizon. Other than perhaps adding Zach Banner to the starting lineup, which may or may not be a minor improvement, the only way this offense is going to improve this season is if their skill level improves through the game experience, individually and collectively, better perform the games called.

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