The Pittsburgh Steelers will return to work on Monday following a few days off. Wednesday’s loss to Kansas City was their third in a row and their third game in 11 days. So yes, you could say they were deserving of this break. But now is the time where the rubber meets the road.
The Steelers will welcome one of the hottest teams in the NFL on Sunday when the Cincinnati Bengals come to town. And they’re coming in with everything to gain. I say, “Bring it on.” I wasn’t so sure how I would approach the finale knowing we would have to play the following week either way, but now? Playing a team bringing everything they’ve got might be exactly what the Steelers need.
How Will Tomlin Handle His Players?
Based on the way the Steelers have played over the last three games my assumption is that Mike Tomlin will proceed as normal. Starters will start and they will play. The only thing that could possibly alter this is the scoreboard.
If the Baltimore Ravens are way up on the Cleveland Browns (these games will more than likely kickoff at the same time), then does Tomlin sit some guys? Russell Wilson? Cam Heyward? T.J. Watt? All seem like perfect candidates to get the second half off if a division title no longer looks possible.
While that decision remains to be seen, the more curious and immediate question is how the players are feeling after their break. When last we saw these guys they were standing in front of their lockers bemoaning the effort and play of some of their own especially on the defensive side.
I would be stunned if we don’t hear the words “players only” meeting early this week. Whether that would prove beneficial or not, who knows? Oftentimes those are more like ‘Festivus’ where everyone airs grievances and little gets resolved. Sometimes however, the less said the better and maybe that’s the path the captains will take.
I’m sure Mike Tomlin will make things clearer in his Tuesday press conference but I also don’t expect him to reveal everything. That’s just how he is. What we are talking about a week from Monday is anyone’s guess but a lot of the questions from this week will likely have been answered.
