The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't been to the Super Bowl since 2010-2011 when they lost to the Green Bay Packers in a tight contest. It's been 12 years. Head coach Mike Tomlin and his squad haven't even been close to making it back either. It's a loss that still stings to this day for many former players and obviously fans. Max Starks spent nine years in Pittsburgh and started a total of 104 games at offensive tackle, which included eight playoff tilts.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin smiles on during 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
As his career waned down, he was fortunate enough to be a part of the Super Bowl XLV squad. The team got off to a very slow start against Aaron Rodgers and his crew. Starks recently discussed that game with Chris Mueller and Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan. In fact, he disclosed the main reason why he thinks the black and gold couldn't bring home their seventh Lombardi Trophy.
“What’s the statute of limitations?” he said. “I think we were trying to make sure that, you know, guys had opportunities for bigger trophies at the end. I’ll just leave it at that. But I think it’s one of those things where if you feel good about it, and you know who your superstar is, you try to put the ball in his hands as many times (as needed)," Starks said to Mueller and Fillipponi.
If you are unsure of what he's referring to, he thinks the Steelers were focused on trying to get Ben Roethlisberger his first career Super Bowl MVP. Starks wasn't exactly pleased with how Tomlin and the coaches' game planned for the Packers, which ended in Roethlisberger throwing the ball 40 times. On the contrary, there were just 23 runs from the black and gold. The Packers' run defense was their weakness, a part that Starks felt they should have attacked.
Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall fumbles during Super Bowl XLV. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Now, to be fair, the Steelers went down quickly and early. That kind of forced the hand of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians to throw the ball a bit more than he may have wanted to. The Steelers almost came back too, losing by just six points. Running back Rashard Mendenhall's fumble is a play that will stay in the minds of fans forever, as it halted the team's momentum in their effort to make a comeback.
Photo Credit: Tribune-Review, Christopher Horner / Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) discussing a play with Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians during the first quarter of a game against the San Diego Chargers on Sun., Oct 4, 2009, at Heinz Field.
Overall, those are some interesting comments from Starks. While he was within the locker room and on the offensive line, it seems the game script simply favored Roethlisberger throwing the ball more. Perhaps handing the ball off just a few more times could have proved to be beneficial, but Mendenhall's fumble doesn't exactly help prove Starks' point.
Where were you when watching SB XLV? How much longer until the black and gold make it back to the big game? Do you agree with Starks' comments? As usual, share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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