In 2009, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin claimed his team was about to “unleash hell” as December rolled in. They promptly lost to an Oakland Raiders team that had three wins and a Cleveland Browns team that had one. So much for the playoffs… Following a second consecutive loss to a two-win team a week and a half ago, Tomlin said, “We’ll be back.” His team was anything but ‘back’ in a demoralizing 30-13 loss to Indianapolis. So much for the playoffs…
Well, technically I guess the Steelers are still alive but if you’ve watched this team the last three weeks then you know as I do they may not even win another game. You also know deep down that Mike Tomlin isn’t getting fired and he isn’t getting traded. If he isn’t on the sidelines next season it will have been his decision to be elsewhere. With that in mind, there are some things Tomlin can do over these final three games to prepare for next year. I’m not naive – I know these suggestions likely won’t happen – but I can dream can’t I?
For starters, take George Pickens and Diontae Johnson and put them on the bench. Oh I know, so you’re cutting off your nose to spite your face? A message has to be sent here. Clearly George Pickens didn’t get the message about playing hard as he stood and watched a defender tackle Jaylen Warren short of the goal line. Pickens needs to know this crap isn’t going to be tolerated. What message are you sending him if you keep starting him or playing him?
Johnson meanwhile is on borrowed time. His body language couldn’t be worse and there’s no way in hell you can tell me he’s worth $15 million a year. He’s getting traded in the offseason and I honestly don’t care what the Steelers get for him. Let him go to Kansas City and become a star. Or at least until the fans tire of his drops and running backwards. Tomlin can send one massive message by sitting both of these guys. I’d rather lose while giving effort than lose and watch these two mope around and pout.
Next on my list is Mason Cole. It’s time to give someone else a chance at center. From poor snaps to piss-poor blocking he is a liability that literally breaks down the entire blocking continuity of the line. Would Spencer Anderson really be that much worse? Can’t you move James Daniels over there and let Nate Herbig replace him at guard? Cole is unlikely to be back in 2024 anyway so let’s start prepping for the future.
Speaking of guys who aren’t going to be around much longer… The front office and Mike Tomlin need to acknowledge that Najee Harris is not the guy they thought he would be when they drafted him in the first round. Unlike Pickens and Johnson, Harris still plays hard and runs hard but you’ll find few people who don’t know that Jaylen Warren isn’t a better option. Tomlin doesn’t have to “sit” Harris but it’s high time Warren gets the bulk of the carries. He’s a consistently better threat and deserves the opportunities.
The culture of this team is in shambles. Harris refused to speak to the media last night while Patrick Peterson was calling guys out much in the same way Minkah Fitzpatrick did last week. If Mike Tomlin really wants to get things turned around then send some messages now. Don’t wait until the offseason. Don’t “unleash hell” and don’t make promises about “being back” either. Now is not the time to be a Player’s Coach, it’s time to hold people accountable.
