The Pittsburgh Steelers went forty plus years without a postseason victory. Then came the dynasty years of the 1970’s, the struggle of the 1980’s and ‘90’s before grabbing a couple of more rings in the first decade of the 2000’s. Since then, it’s been nothing short of mediocrity with a few jolts of potential that ended in failure mixed in. It appears that mediocrity is the new standard as the team gave General Manager Omar Khan a new three-year contract.
Combined with Mike Tomlin’s three straight extensions despite no postseason wins in that span, it sure feels like the Steelers are stuck. They look like Chris Farley’s “Tommy Boy” sitting in the middle of the lake with nowhere to go. Sure, there may be no wind but at least they’re enjoying the weather right?
This is what the Pittsburgh Steelers have become. Maybe the patient, “we’ll figure it out” mantra is no longer working. Dan Rooney isn’t walking into the facility anytime soon so maybe it’s time to change things up a bit huh? Speaking of Mr. Rooney… You’ll notice that the team’s last postseason victory came when he was still with us. Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that his absence has had a larger effect than anyone would have dreamed.
I know I’m not alone in that thinking either. But to be fair, there are many things at play here that I’m not sure Mr. Rooney could have fixed. The team is still struggling to find a franchise quarterback yet I’m told to “wait until next year.” Fans seem to think that because there are a number of top quarterbacks available that we’ll just scoop one up and get back to the Super Bowl. I was told the same thing about Kenny Pickett… It’s not that easy.
Kevin Colbert’s last several drafts have also burdened this team with a shortage of talent and depth and that’s tough to overcome. Omar Khan is doing his best to re-shape the roster with just 13 guys still around from when he took the reins from Colbert. But it sure feels like Khan isn’t doing enough despite the bevy of trades. Putting the entire 2025 season on the shoulders of a 40-something Aaron Rodgers is a mighty risk even though I put this more on Mike Tomlin than I do Khan. But he’s the GM and if the coach isn’t getting things done, the GM has to pay too doesn’t he?
I suppose I’m being a bit salty. Perhaps my recollections of the 1980’s are clouding my judgment. Then again, the Steelers still found their way to a couple of postseason wins in that decade. Those came with QBs that aren’t exactly on your “greatest of all-time” lists now are they? For those of you who didn’t live through those years, consider yourselves lucky.
With a boatload of draft picks for next spring, maybe Khan will prove me wrong. Maybe the QB of the future is there waiting for us along with a number of other future stars. Or maybe it’s just more so-so players who are just enough to keep us “competitive” while waiting for Mr. Franchise QB to show up. After all it feels like mediocrity is the new standard anyway.
