bv. Steelers Offensive Legend Criticizes Team’s Lack of Direction, Calls Out Coaching Staff for Constant QB Changes Since Big Ben’s Retirement
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season has taken a troubling turn. After dropping two straight games, a 27–20 win over the Colts followed by a deflating 10–25 loss to the Chargers, questions surrounding the team’s offense and overall identity have resurfaced louder than ever.
In their most recent loss to Los Angeles, the Steelers’ offense looked completely disjointed. Aaron Rodgers threw for just 161 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while the offensive line struggled to protect and the receivers failed to create separation. Despite flashes from the defense, which limited the Chargers’ explosive plays, the lack of offensive consistency has become the defining issue of the season.
It’s a problem that, according to one Steelers legend, runs much deeper than a few missed throws or protection breakdowns.
Former All-Pro guard Alan Faneca publicly criticized the coaching staff this week, pointing directly at the team’s inability to commit to one quarterback as the root cause of their offensive struggles.
“When [Mike Tomlin] coached Ben Roethlisberger, everyone knew what the Steelers stood for,” Faneca said in a local interview. “There was structure, leadership, and consistency. Since Ben retired, we’ve changed quarterbacks, philosophies, and play styles, and the team has lost its sense of identity.”
Faneca went on to argue that no successful franchise can thrive without a unified direction, and that Pittsburgh’s revolving door at quarterback has disrupted the chemistry that once defined its offensive rhythm.
“It’s not about talent. These young guys have potential,” Faneca continued. “But you can’t build anything when the foundation keeps changing. The team has to pick a quarterback and stick with him, that’s how stability is built.”
To drive his point home, Faneca drew a comparison to the Philadelphia Eagles, who faced a similar transition after Carson Wentz’s departure but made the bold decision to fully commit to Jalen Hurts, a move that led them to two Super Bowl appearances and a championship in 2024.
“The Eagles didn’t panic. They believed in Hurts, built around him, and it paid off. That’s what leadership looks like,” Faneca said. “The Steelers used to be known for that kind of conviction, for knowing who they are. Right now, I don’t see that anymore.”
Faneca’s comments quickly went viral among Steelers Nation. While some fans applauded his honesty, others defended head coach Mike Tomlin, arguing that injuries and roster turnover have forced adjustments. Still, many agreed with Faneca’s core message: that the Steelers’ greatness was always rooted in discipline, belief, and stability, traits that now seem in short supply.
As one longtime fan wrote on X: “Faneca said what everyone’s been thinking. We don’t need another quarterback, we need a plan.”
