The Pittsburgh Steelers snuck into the playoffs thanks in large part to a massive Week 18 upset, but very few people believe they have a chance at making a deep run. Ben Roethlisberger is clearly embracing that skepticism heading into what could be his final NFL game.
The Steelers finished the regular season 9-7-1. Roethlisberger’s career would officially be over if the Jacksonville Jaguars hadn’t pulled off a huge upset against the Indianapolis Colts. Now, Pittsburgh is a massive underdog heading to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Roethlisberger offered a glimpse into his team’s mindset.
“We haven’t discussed it, but I think as a group you understand. We probably aren’t supposed to be here. We’re probably not a very good football team,” Roethlisberger said sarcastically. “Of the 14 teams that are in, we’re probably No. 14. We’re a double-digit underdog in the playoffs, so let’s just go play and have fun and see what happens.
“We’re probably 20-point underdogs. We’re going to the No. 1 team that has won the AFC the last two years, arguably the best team in football. We don’t have a chance, so let’s just go in and play and have fun.”
Pittsburgh is actually around a 13-point underdog, but you get the point. Roethlisberger obviously believes the Steelers have a chance to win. His point is that they are in a perfect position to embrace the underdog role and not feel any pressure. If they’re blown out, Big Ben’s final NFL season will still be considered a success for getting this far. If they find a way to win, the fairytale year continues.
Many teams have had success using the “nobody gives us a chance” mindset in the postseason. Between Roethlisberger’s comments and the funny story Mike Tomlin shared on Tuesday, it sounds like the Steelers are feeling plenty lax heading into their big game.
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