Ben's problem with the pick, not Mason

By now I'm sure everyone has seen/heard Ben's comments on Mason and only had a problem with the pick and not Mason personally. I hate to doubt Ben's integrity, but I say "Hogwash." When Mitch started after Kenny went down, Ben made the statement that Mason has been here for a while and they haven't played him. "There must be something to it." Then when Mitch as pulled and replaced with Mason for the last 2-minutes+ versus the Colts, Ben was criticizing his play for that last two minutes. I don't think anyone thought Mason was coming in to win that game as it was out of hand with the amount of time on the clock. I'm sure if anything it was to get him some in game snaps. Ben made the comment that his issue was his awareness as it was approaching the 2-minute warning. I would be curious if we are able to re-sign Mason for the 2024 season, would Ben have him on Footbahlin'? It would make for an interesting podcast and to clear the air. While Mason owes nothing to the organization, I do believe he is a class act and would look to move forward.

 

Now there is a Podcast I'd enjoy.

 

Just about every year the FO got Ben a new toy. Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders, AB, Markus Wheaton, Martavius Bryant, Sammy Coates, JuJu, James Washington, DJ, Claypool. And most of these were high picks. Sometimes he comes off like a spoiled kid..

 

MHO. Ben is a self centered prick. He stayed with all the yes Ben guys. Never had time for Mason. I could care less what that no nothing says or thinks.

 

Love Ben. Appreciate what he’s done for the Steelers organization. Second best QB in Steelers history. But…he’s full of crap.

I would tune in if Ben had had Mason on his podcast though.

 

He’s not wrong. All the Ben haters . . . SMH

 

Typically a 3rd string QB doesn’t become a franchise QB. Later rounds just as likely. If it was a pick for the future, I agree with Ben that a positional player that could see the field whether offense or defense would have had more impact that year.

But hey, he’s not the first one to be excited about drafting a replacement.

 

The same thing that's a negative is also a strength. Ben is a prick, most great QBs are. Montana was a prick to Steve Young. Rodgers was not really touchy with Jordan Love.

These guys have unfathomable competitivness. More than people can comprehend.

 

Ben is irrelevant now. What he says doesn`t mean squat anymore.

Ben who?

 

In hind site Ben was not wrong.

 

I read somewhere that the front office had Mason as a late first round grade. And it was just a best player on their board scenario.

 

Agreed. I think Ben's comments reeked of attempts revisionism and the whole thing about Mason not wanting his help, like gaslighting. Ben clearly treated Mason like crap and his attitude, probably very literally set Mason's career back by years, imo.

 

Ron Cook used to have a weekly radio segment with Ben. After they drafted Mason, that season, Cook asked Ben about this and he said the same thing then live on the radio: “he understood planning for the future but he thought they should have drafted a position that would provide immediate help”

I’m paraphrasing, but he 100% said the same thing then as he said on his podcast.

 

You Ben haters crack me up.

 

All they do is ***** about the guy that was most instrumental in getting their team to 3 Super Bowls and winning 2 of them.

All we would have is our memories of greatness from the 70's without him.

I don't know about you, but I'm kinda glad that as fans we got to enjoy a couple more championships in the last two decades.

 

I'm not a Ben hater. I am thankful for the years he played. Ben being a diva has never been a secret. He made the comment about Mason asking for help after the draft that he would most likely just point to the playbook. Everyone who heard that interview questioned Ben's diva/selfish attitude. He later tried to walk it back saying it was a joke and you can tell by his tone that he said it in a joking manner. I've heard a lot of sarcasm in my lifetime and dealt my fair share of sarcasm as well, but I sensed no playful tone when I heard that interview. Many have heard Ben apologize to both AB and Le'Veon Bell for his treatment of them after they left and publicly stated their experience with him while he was still playing. I think everyone can agree those two in particular left on bad terms and had some serious character flaws. Now that Ben is retired, he seems to be trying to project some of the blame toward Mason for their relationship. I'm not saying he should raise his hand and say this is all his fault, but I do believe he could own up to the fact he could have handled the situation differently. Many are seeing the extreme class that Mason has handled himself in comparison to AB and Bell. Unfortunately, this is evidence of nice guys finishing last.

 

Glad you got that off your chest

 

I actually get where Ben is coming from here. The team used a 4th on Josh Dobbs the previous year and then a 3rd on Mason. The team was in go mode at that point and were considered contenders, and Bens time in the league was clearly coming to an end.

That said he should have kept his thoughts to himself and just gotten on with it. Players, even great players like Ben shouldn’t be dictating draft strategy to the team.

 

I 100% understand where Ben is coming from. If I'm in a band , and the drummer sucks....I will be upset if they bring in another Guitarists , and kept the drummer.....Although....I have said for awhile that I think Ben didn't like Mason because He was the 1st Qb brought in that actually showed competition for Him.

 

He’s saying what every QB has said and still says to this day but for some reason it’s only “edgy” when Ben says it. Get me weapons and I’ll get you Wins!

 

As a lifelong musician, I can really appreciate that analogy. I can definitely see what you mean haha.