Ben Roethlisberger’s Comments before the Matchup with the Chiefs?

Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made a shocking statement ahead of Sunday’s Wildcard game against the Chiefs. During an interview, Roethlisberger confessed, “As a group, you understand that we probably aren’t supposed to be here. We’re probably not a very good football team. Out of 14 teams, I think are in, we’re probably number 14. … We don’t have a chance, so let’s just go in and have fun.”

This is one of the strangest quotes I’ve ever heard. I’m assuming Roethlisberger was trying to motivate his teammates, but it just sounds dumb. Big Ben publicly acknowledged that the Steelers “aren’t a very good football team” and don’t really have a chance to win. I feel like he was saying this in a sarcastic way; but how is it helpful? The job of the quarterback is to instill confidence in his teammates, and nothing Roethlisberger said sounded encouraging. Maybe this is just reverse psychology, but it seems like a poor attempt at cultivating the underdog mentality.

Regardless of Ben Roethlisberger’s thoughts, the Chiefs are not overlooking the Steelers. It’s the NFL playoffs anything can happen. The Chiefs aren’t oblivious to the consequences of downplaying an opponent. If you don’t show up, you lose. Although, I’m confident that Andy Reid will have the team prepared and ready to play. Here are some quotes reiterating the importance of taking Pittsburgh seriously.

“We’re not taking the Steelers lightly at all.”- Patrick Mahomes

“The Steelers are playing like a number one seed right now”- Andy Reid

“We’ve got to wipe aside what happened. We’ve got 5 weeks to achieve the ultimate goal and it starts with Pittsburgh”- Travis Kelce

The Kansas City Chiefs played the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 of the NFL regular season.  The Chiefs would win that football game handily, 36-10.  The Steelers were missing a few players, but Kansas City executed the game plan and got the job done.

What do you think? Is Ben Roethlisberger speaking his mind, or trying to encourage his team? I personally believe this attitude will hurt the Steelers more than it will help them. We’ll find out this Sunday in the AFC Wildcard round.