Steelers Latest Win Doesn't Excite Legendary QB Ben Roethlisberger

The Pittsburgh Steelers turn the page to Week 6 following their win on Sunday at home against the Indianapolis Colts with a 3-2 record. As they get set to head on the road to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they are also looking for their first road win of the season. Head Coach Mike McCarthy is winless on the road so far this year, while he has not lost a regular season home game yet in his Pittsburgh tenure. Despite the latest win in which the offense scored over 30 points, they faced a team that had many flaws.

On Friday, team insider Jim Wexell discussed how flawed that Colts team is as they traveled to Acrisure Stadium to face McCarthy's group. He also mentioned the fact that they had just returned from London after a game that they played in Week 4 against the Washington Commanders. On Tuesday, a familiar name to the organization also pointed out that he sees an Indianapolis team that is flawed. 

Former Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hosted an episode of his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast Tuesday. During the episode, he broke down the storylines around the team following their win in Week 5 at home. While the team was triumphant in Sunday's contest, he did not seem impressed by the win. 

“I don't know how excited I can get by beating a bad Colts team,” Roethlisberger said. “But you always get excited about winning games you're supposed to win.”

While teams are always thrilled with a win in the NFL, especially against ones they should beat, there is no doubt that this was a favorable matchup for the Steelers. The Colts’ defense ranks among the worst in the NFL, and the offense had no problem picking that apart early and often throughout the game. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was able to provide a glimpse of what the McCarthy offense the organization was selling this offseason was all about, as he threw for three touchdowns. 

Roethlisberger's comments can be taken in a negative light, but the former franchise quarterback is simply trying to be realistic with expectations following a double-digit win. Despite the comments he made, that type of game could be one that really gets the offense in a solid rhythm moving forward. Rodgers found tight end Pat Freiermuth for a touchdown two separate times in the game. He will be an integral part of the passing attack over the coming weeks with wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson both out with injuries for the team.

Despite having two touchdowns, Freiermuth caught just five passes for 44 yards in the game. However, running back Jaylen Warren also had a big day for the team. On top of his 101 yards rushing, he had 87 yards receiving, while also recording a rushing and receiving touchdown against Indianapolis.

Steelers Can Take Advantage Of Another Struggling Team To Fix Road Woes

If Roethlisberger was not impressed by the Week 5 performance, he may not feel that way again after Week 6 if McCarthy's group can fix its road woes and win against Tampa Bay. They have struggled so far this season, with their only win coming in a Week 5 stunner on Thursday Night Football on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. The win last week gave the Buccaneers a record of 1-4 as they welcome Pittsburgh into town on Sunday.

Another noteworthy storyline for Tampa Bay is that they are without quarterback Baker Mayfield, as undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels has taken over for the veteran. This gives the Pittsburgh defense a huge chance to capitalize on another team's misfortune and earn their first road win of the season. While Roethlisberger may not be impressed if they do so, it does give the Steelers the chance to get into a rhythm as the 2026 NFL season continues to progress.