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Steelers Coaching Fears: Is Tomlin Stuck in the Past?
24 Nov
Summary
- Mike Tomlin's teams consistently avoid passing plays over the middle of the field.
- Defensive strategy shifts, prioritizing run-stopping over pass defense, have failed.
- The Steelers face a challenging upcoming schedule against top opponents.
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear headed for another 9-8 season, a result coach Mike Tomlin is known for achieving. However, this consistent mediocrity raises questions about his "play-fearless" mantra, as the team's strategies suggest a more conservative, fear-based coaching style. This approach, evident in both offensive and defensive schemes, limits the team's potential and predictability.
Offensively, a persistent pattern of avoiding passes over the middle of the field, regardless of the quarterback or offensive coordinator, makes the Steelers an easy opponent to anticipate. Defensively, a recent pivot back to a run-heavy, single-high safety look, despite demonstrated struggles against the pass this season, proved costly against the Bears and raises concerns for future matchups.
With a daunting stretch of games against top-tier opponents like the Bills, Lions, and Ravens on the horizon, any further "coaching scared" will likely extinguish any postseason aspirations. For the Steelers to break free from their cycle of mediocrity, a more aggressive and adaptable approach is urgently needed.
