The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped to 10-4 after a disappointing 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The team struggled early, falling into a hole before managing to create some momentum with key opportunities in the red zone. However, they came away with just three points from those chances, leaving fans and players frustrated. Now, the Steelers will look to rebound on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens, knowing a win would secure the AFC North title.
Legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger addressed the loss on his podcast hosted on the Channel Seven YouTube channel. While reflecting on the game, Roethlisberger shared a surprising story from his career, revealing that he briefly considered quitting football after a devastating loss to the Eagles in 2008. That game, infamous among Steelers fans, saw Roethlisberger endure eight sacks in a brutal outing that shook his confidence.
Roethlisberger explained that the physical toll and frustration of that game pushed him to question whether he wanted to continue playing. While he ultimately rebounded and led the Steelers to success, including a Super Bowl win that same season, the memory of that game serves as a reminder of how grueling the NFL can be. His candid reflection added a layer of perspective to the current loss, highlighting the resilience required to bounce back in the face of adversity.
"I remember that is the game in Philly that I got sacked like eight times," Roethlisberger said. "I think we talked about this with Brett Keisel. I remember coming home, like I need to come to your house because I think I am going to quit playing football. I am done, I quit. It’s always physical."
That game is one Steeler Nation would likely prefer to forget. While it wasn’t a devastating loss—coming early in the season with a 15-6 final score—it stood out for how poorly Roethlisberger performed. Roethlisberger attempted 25 passes, completing just 13 for 131 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
The Steelers' offense never found its rhythm. Running back Willie Parker managed only 20 yards on 13 carries, further highlighting the team’s struggles. The eight sacks Roethlisberger endured were a major factor in the defeat, making it a game that exposed glaring issues for the offense.
Though Roethlisberger’s comments about considering retirement were not entirely serious, it’s clear the game left a lasting impression on him. The physical toll and frustration of that performance visibly affected him, showing how even the best players can be shaken by particularly tough outings.
He was clearly being dramatic when he said he wanted to quit, but it’s fascinating to hear about his mindset after that game. Fortunately, the Steelers went on to win the Super Bowl that season, proving Roethlisberger’s resilience in the face of adversity. While it’s unlikely he ever seriously considered quitting football at that time, the moment offers insight into the emotional toll of such a brutal performance.
Steelers Have Tough Day Sunday Against The Eagles
Steelers fans weren’t happy to see the Eagles assert their dominance again on Sunday. The team had been on a roll, making the loss all the more frustrating. It was a rough outing for almost everyone except TJ Watt, Chris Boswell, and perhaps Calvin Austin III, who managed to stand out in the defeat.
After the game, veteran defensive leader Cam Heyward set the tone for the team’s mentality moving forward. He emphasized the need for a goldfish memory, urging his teammates to forget the loss and move on. The Steelers now turn their focus to Saturday’s critical matchup against the Ravens, with the AFC North title on the line.
