Mike Tomlin Focusing On Game, Not Roethlisberger, Ahead Of Ben's Likely Home Finale

The Pittsburgh Steelers finish out the home portion of their schedule Monday night against the Browns, likely the last at Heinz Field for Ben Roethlisberger, however Mike Tomlin isn't getting sappy just yet. He's more worried about the game, and we couldn't think of anything more Mike Tomlin than his statement.

"My focus and his focus this week is on this game, preparing for this game and performing well in this game, Tomlin said during Tuesday's press conference. "I'm sure there will be an appropriate time in the future when I'll get an opportunity to sing his praises, and I'll gladly do so. It just doesn't feel like the appropriate time as we zero in on this opportunity."

Roethlisberger is 7-7 this season having thrown for 3,373 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. It's been a tough year for the Steelers, especially Big Ben, so it's overwhelmingly likely this is the final year of his 18-year Hall of Fame career.

"Ben has done a really nice job of setting a nice pace about that throughout the season," Tomlin said when asked about Roethlisberger facing questions regarding his future in football. "He's been singularly focused on the next challenge and where we are in terms of the here and now, It's been easy to follow his lead in that regard, and I'm sure we'll all do the same as we press forward into Monday Night Football."

This felt like a press secretary statement, but we'll take it. Mike Tomlin and Big Ben want the message to be that they laid it all out there and that's what most will remember. It's not like Roethlisberger doesn't know he's getting sacked every other play because he's slow as molasses in the pocket.

It's time for Ben to head into the Football Hall of Fame and sometimes players or coaches don't get to go out their way. Not everyone can be Tom Brady and never age. What a career.