The Pittsburgh Steelers have suffered a string of terrible losses, most recently against the Arizona Cardinals, raising questions about the team’s future under head coach Mike Tomlin. This piece explores the coaching choices made by Tomlin, the Steelers’ troubles, and the obstacles that lie ahead for his tenure.
The Perplexing Losses: Houston Texans’ Surprise and Browns’ Upset
Mike Tomlin’s toughest loss as manager may be against the Arizona Cardinals, with three of the four losses this season considered some of the worst under Tomlin. CJ Stroud, a rookie quarterback, scored 30 points and had over 300 yards and several touchdowns. The Texans, with a 7-5 record, are not easy opponents. The Steelers, who had a terrible loss to the Cleveland Browns, fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada due to Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s leadership, indicating a serious issue.
When the Steelers faced the Cardinals, they looked utterly unprepared. The players were unnerved by their postgame remarks and behavior. This weakness is worrisome since they have the New England Patriots, another team that is supposed to be weaker, coming up.
Tomlin’s Legacy and Coaching Choices
Mike Tomlin, a renowned NFL regular-season coach, has not had a losing season in his career. However, the team’s playoff potential is doubtful due to their lack of success since 2017. Tomlin’s coaching hires have been controversial, with younger head coaches like Demeco Ryans, Jonathan Gannon, Kyle Shanahan, and Kevin Stefanski outperforming him, suggesting a changing NFL landscape.
Tomlin has created a culture of “yes men” around him because of his stable status in Pittsburgh. Indirectly, but Tomlin feels he is better than coaches like Teryl Austin, Eddie Faulkner, Mike Sullivan, Randy Fichtner, and Matt Canada.
The Fragile Locker Room
Despite his reputation for maintaining cohesive locker rooms, the current Steelers team seems as fragile and fractured as it was during the Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell saga. This unsettling development raises concerns about the team’s chemistry and unity.
A Telling Showdown
Thursday night’s game against Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots will be a pivotal moment for both head coaches. It marks a showdown between the two longest-tenured head coaches in the NFL, and the outcome may provide insight into the future trajectories of their respective careers.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing significant challenges this season, and Mike Tomlin’s era appears to be at a crossroads. The team’s struggles, coaching decisions, and a shifting NFL landscape have cast doubts on their ability to compete at the highest level. Only time will tell whether the Steelers can overcome these obstacles and regain their winning ways.
FAQs
Is Mike Tomlin’s job in jeopardy?
While it’s too early to say definitively, the recent struggles have raised questions about his coaching decisions.
Why are younger head coaches outperforming Tomlin this season?
Tomlin’s coaching hires and a lack of fresh perspectives may be contributing to this trend.
How important is chemistry in a football team’s success?
Team chemistry is vital for success, and recent issues in the locker room are cause for concern.