*** 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers: one and done again. (7 Viewers)

[Grid71]

Khan needs to decide what to do with Minkah as well as his play seems to have fallen off a cliff. I wouldn't be against looking for some future draft capital.

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Fitzpatrick's been asked to play 20 freaking yards off the ball for two years. Its no wonder he isnt making plays. Doesnt make sense. Not like its helped stymie TEs either, thats for effing sure.

If thats what they want their FS doing, they may as well let him walk and and save 13 million. They can find someone to do that for a third of the cost.

Tomlin loves flexibility to move people around then sticks em where they aren’t as effective.

Minkah just turned 28 in November. Unlikely his talent has fallen off due to age. Tomlin has him playing a role that doesn’t suit his strengths.

seems out of necessity though due to weak CBs, no?

That’s an argument, but I’d rather have Minkah in a position he can dominate with a different next man up at strong safety.

I could see it as a solid move if Minkah performed above average in the role he played this season. Unfortunately he struggled. What a waste of talent.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Khan needs to decide what to do with Minkah as well as his play seems to have fallen off a cliff. I wouldn't be against looking for some future draft capital.

x.com

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Fitzpatrick's been asked to play 20 freaking yards off the ball for two years. Its no wonder he isnt making plays. Doesnt make sense. Not like its helped stymie TEs either, thats for effing sure.

If thats what they want their FS doing, they may as well let him walk and and save 13 million. They can find someone to do that for a third of the cost.

Tomlin loves flexibility to move people around then sticks em where they aren’t as effective.

Minkah just turned 28 in November. Unlikely his talent has fallen off due to age. Tomlin has him playing a role that doesn’t suit his strengths.

seems out of necessity though due to weak CBs, no?

That's part of the narrative, sure. If that's indeed the case, it didn't really work. They gotten eaten alive by any TE/slot guy with a pulse. Still gave up big plays deep more than they should too.

 

[crushedspirit]

I see a guy caught out of position so many times in the past two years that maybe it's time to seek some trade capital. Whether it's his play, or he's being miscast, or even a combination of both, it's time to decide what to do with 2 years left on his contract that carries a high cap hit.

 

[sm8680]

I see a guy caught out of position so many times in the past two years that maybe it's time to seek some trade capital. Whether it's his play, or he's being miscast, or even a combination of both, it's time to decide what to do with 2 years left on his contract that carries a high cap hit.

Further fuels my thoughts that the coaching staff is in over their heads. Steelers have the highest paid defense and the oldest defense in the NFL. I'm not saying you make a Kyle Hamilton move which was the opposite goes from in the box slot role to free safety where it strengthens Baltimore's pass defense. Doesn't matter though Pittsburgh and Baltimore didn't make the Super Bowl.

Not sure if anyone watched hard knocks but Baltimore was putting up pictures of Derrick stiff arming Minke. If I saw that correctly.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I do think I would rather have Wilson AND Fields back (at the right prices), rather than neither and deal with the other options out there. Or even just one of them with some brand new backup.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I do think I would rather have Wilson AND Fields back (at the right prices), rather than neither and deal with the other options out there. Or even just one of them with some brand new backup.

I think it's a lock that they're bringing back one of them.. unfortunately I believe it'll be Russ.

I think the coaches would probably love to have both of them back in the same roles they were in and let them fight it out again, but I doubt either one of the QBs want to be a part of that again. Certainly not for what the Steelers would likely want to pay each.

 

[3C's]

What we've been saying for a while.

Ben Roethlisberger: Mike Tomlin makes most decisions in Pittsburgh

The former Steelers’ quarterback gives everyone a look behind the curtain

www.behindthesteelcurtain.com

 

[sm8680]

First off, we all know Mike Tomlin isn’t getting fired. This isn't about that. The most recent episode of "Kitchen Nightmares" had a similar theme: a restaurant losing money because its stubborn owner refuses to change. He blames the community, has an overstuffed menu, and makes his cook (his son) prepare food in batches and freeze it, only to microwave it later for customers. Bottom line, he's an out-of-touch owner who only sees the light once Gordon Ramsay steps in.

Now, the Steelers are making money, so why bring this up? Because it's clear the current Steeler way isn’t working and the team desperately needs change. It looks like Grady Brown and Arthur Smith Jr. might stay, and Teryl Austin, Pat Meyer (bring back Munchak!), and potentially Mike Sullivan are still under contract and likely won't be fired.

Back in 2011, Mike Tomlin said the Steelers needed change and essentially fired Bruce Arians in a rather cowardly way, which turned out great for Bruce. In 2017, he fired Todd Haley. Keep in mind, Mike Tomlin doesn’t have a single coach on his coaching tree. I'm not asking for a Sid Gillman-level coaching tree, just a small branch. Not even leaves!

Mike needs to challenge himself long-term if he wants to stay in the league by hiring the best possible coaches who will challenge him and others to make the team and players better. To me, it seems like there are nothing but yes-men around him and he has too much power. Why not get a panel or maybe hire a consultant to help right the ship? Mike Tomlin has two more years left on his contract. He needs to turn things around.

 

[3C's]

Ben Johnson in his press conference today: "Listen, it's clear that modern football in the NFL is quarterback-driven. That is no secret. You can look at analytics right now: Quarterback success is a higher predictor of winning and losing than turnover ratio, which it's been for 20 plus years …"

Yet, the Steelers are a team focused on defense, turnovers, not taking chances. Cuz you know, we don't live in our fears.

 

[irish eyes]

First off, we all know Mike Tomlin isn’t getting fired. This isn't about that. The most recent episode of "Kitchen Nightmares" had a similar theme: a restaurant losing money because its stubborn owner refuses to change. He blames the community, has an overstuffed menu, and makes his cook (his son) prepare food in batches and freeze it, only to microwave it later for customers. Bottom line, he's an out-of-touch owner who only sees the light once Gordon Ramsay steps in.

Now, the Steelers are making money, so why bring this up? Because it's clear the current Steeler way isn’t working and the team desperately needs change. It looks like Grady Brown and Arthur Smith Jr. might stay, and Teryl Austin, Pat Meyer (bring back Munchak!), and potentially Mike Sullivan are still under contract and likely won't be fired.

Back in 2011, Mike Tomlin said the Steelers needed change and essentially fired Bruce Arians in a rather cowardly way, which turned out great for Bruce. In 2017, he fired Todd Haley. Keep in mind, Mike Tomlin doesn’t have a single coach on his coaching tree. I'm not asking for a Sid Gillman-level coaching tree, just a small branch. Not even leaves!

Mike needs to challenge himself long-term if he wants to stay in the league by hiring the best possible coaches who will challenge him and others to make the team and players better. To me, it seems like there are nothing but yes-men around him and he has too much power. Why not get a panel or maybe hire a consultant to help right the ship? Mike Tomlin has two more years left on his contract. He needs to turn things around.

It's a just a mystery how he still has a job. NOTHING will change in the next two years, absolutely nothing. Tomlin thinks he knows it all & just spews crap to the media that makes zero sense. But they are all in awe like, did you hear that genius statement. It's sickening.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

...we don't live in our fears.

Any HC who punts on fourth and a single inch, vs. a team that is CLEARLY not going to allow you to just do whatever you want on offense, can't claim that any more.

They reside ONLY in their fears, if that's how they're going to roll. They may as well start looking into purchasing more property in the next lot over, at this point.

The stuff from Jim Rooney earlier today was pretty frustrating to hear too. "Not to get into excuse making....<goes on a 5 minute dissertation that is 98% excuses>." Whateverrrr. Tone deaf, out of touch, or both, but he basically "admitted-without-admiting" that being an annual playoff doormat seems A-OK over at 3200 S Water Street.

 

[irish eyes]

...we don't live in our fears.

Any HC who punts on fourth and a single inch, vs. a team that is CLEARLY not going to allow you to just do whatever you want on offense, can't claim that any more.

They reside ONLY in their fears, if that's how they're going to roll. They may as well start looking into purchasing more property in the next lot over, at this point.

The stuff from Jim Rooney earlier today was pretty frustrating to hear too. "Not to get into excuse making....<goes on a 5 minute dissertation that is 98% excuses>." Whateverrrr. Tone deaf, out of touch, or both, but he basically "admitted-without-admiting" that being an annual playoff doormat seems A-OK over at 3200 S Water Street.

And they will stand behind the Fraud Tomlin until the end. A once proud franchise is quickly becoming a joke.

 

[3C's]

...we don't live in our fears.

Any HC who punts on fourth and a single inch, vs. a team that is CLEARLY not going to allow you to just do whatever you want on offense, can't claim that any more.

They reside ONLY in their fears, if that's how they're going to roll. They may as well start looking into purchasing more property in the next lot over, at this point.

The stuff from Jim Rooney earlier today was pretty frustrating to hear too. "Not to get into excuse making....<goes on a 5 minute dissertation that is 98% excuses>." Whateverrrr. Tone deaf, out of touch, or both, but he basically "admitted-without-admiting" that being an annual playoff doormat seems A-OK over at 3200 S Water Street.

The standard is the standard.

 

[steelers1080]

"I would imagine there's going to be some things that change around here on a lot of levels" - Mike Tomlin
Thus far, 0 changes.

We know Art2D2, no coaches will be fired, they'll just let their contracts expire. The only coach who I know has an expiring contract is Karl Dunbar, the guy who coached up Cam Heyward and TJ Watt (even though he's D-line). If we let him walk, but keep Pat and Teryl, WTF are we doing?

Here's what's going to happen and you all know it's true:

• No changes on coaching staff unless contracts expire, maybe a few new position coaches
• Still one of the smallest coaching staffs in the league and shoulder shrugs saying "what could we possibly change to improve?!?!"
• No significant personnel changes
  • Re-sign Wilson and/or Fields
  • Extend Warren
  • Re-sign Pruitt (Hey Arthur)
  • Re-sign Dan Moore (because FML)
  • Re-sign Cam Sutton and play him over Beanie even though he sucks
  • Sign just enough new free agents to cancel out all our compensatory picks
  • Extend Watt
• No personnel trades

I am an eternal Steelers optimist, but so far this offseason, I'm not seeing a lot of hope that we'll be a contender next year. Limping into and out of the playoffs isn't contending.

 

[sm8680]

Steelers1080 or others what's your take on the following. https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/lists/steelers-nflpa-mike-tomlin-art-rooney/ I know this has been discussed before.

Strength coaches led by Marcel Pastor received a B+ rating from the players, yet Mike Tomlin still decided to fire him and his staff. On the WFan, discussions with Jim Rooney revealed that they treat the Steelers like a mutual fund. It's clear that the Rooney family has set a sub-standard benchmark for the team. The real issue lies with the ownership IMHO. I'm not saying that MT isn't an issue.

 

[irish eyes]

...we don't live in our fears.

Any HC who punts on fourth and a single inch, vs. a team that is CLEARLY not going to allow you to just do whatever you want on offense, can't claim that any more.

They reside ONLY in their fears, if that's how they're going to roll. They may as well start looking into purchasing more property in the next lot over, at this point.

The stuff from Jim Rooney earlier today was pretty frustrating to hear too. "Not to get into excuse making....<goes on a 5 minute dissertation that is 98% excuses>." Whateverrrr. Tone deaf, out of touch, or both, but he basically "admitted-without-admiting" that being an annual playoff doormat seems A-OK over at 3200 S Water Street.

I just listened/watched this. Pretty disturbing and demoralizing if you're a Steeler fan. First time I've ever used the Rooney name and clueless together.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

CB Donte Jackson Sends Message To 'Tomlin Haters'

Cornerback Donte Jackson knows what it’s like to truly be on a bad team. Playing for the Carolina Panthers his entire NFL career before being traded to Pittsburgh last March, Jackson appreciates the stability Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have built as much as anyone. Disappointing as another...

steelersdepot.com

 

[Steelers4Life]

CB Donte Jackson Sends Message To 'Tomlin Haters'

Cornerback Donte Jackson knows what it’s like to truly be on a bad team. Playing for the Carolina Panthers his entire NFL career before being traded to Pittsburgh last March, Jackson appreciates the stability Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have built as much as anyone. Disappointing as another...

steelersdepot.com

If the bar is to be better than the Panthers and the other bottom feeders of the NFL, we've got that. Winning 10 games, losing a playoff game... that's a huge step up for him.

He just doesn't seem to understand that the bar is supposed to be higher than that, and the failures go back since 2011. I'd be perfectly happy if the Steelers suck for a few years but committ to changing the staff and the philosophy to be more competitive in what the NFL is today.

That's what I'd expect Jackson to say, though.

 

[ThaPenguin]

CB Donte Jackson Sends Message To 'Tomlin Haters'

Cornerback Donte Jackson knows what it’s like to truly be on a bad team. Playing for the Carolina Panthers his entire NFL career before being traded to Pittsburgh last March, Jackson appreciates the stability Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have built as much as anyone. Disappointing as another...

steelersdepot.com

He just doesn't seem to understand that the bar is supposed to be higher than that, and the failures go back since 2011. I'd be perfectly happy if the Steelers suck for a few years but commit to changing the staff and the philosophy to be more competitive in what the NFL is today.

Definitely agree here. I would like to think most Steeler fans are smart enough to realize what the master plan is and appreciate the work to get there, even if they have to bottom out for a bit. NFL of all leagues you won't be a bottom feeder for long if you are even somewhat competent. But much like the Pens, they seem content in just running it back with the same group, expecting things to change when we are going on a decade with disappointing results.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Think Wilson goes to Vegas to get back on Pacific Time and reunite with Carroll? Then we sign Fields and maybe Ridder and keep Allen at QB?

 

[sm8680]

Think Wilson goes to Vegas to get back on Pacific Time and reunite with Carroll? Then we sign Fields and maybe Ridder and keep Allen at QB?

Sounds like a good possibility. https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...ssell-wilson-after-firing-report/11365989002/

 

[Dizzy]

Think Wilson goes to Vegas to get back on Pacific Time and reunite with Carroll? Then we sign Fields and maybe Ridder and keep Allen at QB?

If your telling me the PIT QB room for 2025 is Fields, Ridder, Allen then I would say 9 wins is definitely within reach (maybe 10 with a few lucky bounces).

Looking forward to 2026 with renewed optimism.

 

[menobrown]

Think Wilson goes to Vegas to get back on Pacific Time and reunite with Carroll? Then we sign Fields and maybe Ridder and keep Allen at QB?

Very possible on Wilson though they might be shooting higher. Geno would likely be Carroll's first choice if Seattle makes him available.

Ridder is dog poop, if Arthur Smith had a halfway decent QB in Atlanta he's probably still their head coach. I don't want him an injury away from taking the field. I don't view him as even a serviceable backup, not say Mason Rudolph level.

Fields may end up being the best option but I think people are to caught up on his age. To that I say so what? What good is youth if you are not very good? I'm not seeing any real tangible progress. I was a huge fan of getting him for the cost they paid this last off-season, not a fan of getting into some kind of potential bidding war. Minshew got the best contract last year for a bridge starter/backup. 2/25. I'm good with that kind of contract if they can pull it off.

That's probably the most depressing thought to me. That Wilson and Fields might be in enough demand that if they actually wanted to run the same room back it might cost them $30+m more a year then last year and tied up for more then next season.

I'd check on Tannehill if I was the Steelers. See where his head is at after a year off, what kind of shape is he in, what kind of money does he want if everything else looks good? He's not be what I'd term the answer, but the kind of guy if I could get cheap I'd pair with another low cost QB and try and repeat something like last year. I don't want to get caught in a trap of paying a lot of money for substandard. I like what they did with the QB room this last year, loved it really relative to the options. I know it was not awesome but two competent level QBs for that cheap is the way you do it when you don't have a long term solution. I'd like to see it again, maybe mix in a QB with a second or later round pick. Just don't get caugth in trap of paying a bunch of money for mediocore on basis "what else can we do". That's how Daniel Jones contracts come about.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Ridder is dog poop,

This is an insult to dog poop.

I'd check on Tannehill if I was the Steelers. See where his head is at after a year off, what kind of shape is he in, what kind of money does he want if everything else looks good?

Let's be real...at this point in his career, you're hiring Tanny just so Mrs. Tanny hopefully shows up for a few games.

 

[Steeler]

I like what they did with the QB room this last year, loved it really relative to the options.

 

[ThaPenguin]

Rooting for KC just so Pickett doesn't get a ring. Call me petty, I am OK with that.

 

[Gold Fox]

Rooting for KC just so Pickett doesn't get a ring. Call me petty, I am OK with that.

... and an added bonus of another ring for JuJu. I can get behind that.

 

[Blick]

Rooting for KC just so Pickett doesn't get a ring. Call me petty, I am OK with that.

... and an added bonus of another ring for JuJu. I can get behind that.

Yep. Good for Juju. Also, if KC wins, maybe Kelce will decide to go out on top and we won't have to stomach the Kelce/Swift thing anymore.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Rooting for KC just so Pickett doesn't get a ring. Call me petty, I am OK with that.

"Kenny who?"

Don't really care about Pickett at all. Rooting KC because I don't want a particular subset of Philly's fans to experience a moment of joy (as brief as it may be for them).

Hell, at this point, I want Mahomes/Reid to surpass all of the Brady/Belly-chick ish. I sorta like the Chiefs when the Steelers aren't involved (I mean...how can anyone hate Andy Reid? He's a corpulent, "Magnum P.I. shirt" wearin', senior-citizen "Baby Huey" that makes fun of himself for being exactly that). The Patriots? I would watch them burn to a crisp every single week, even if they were 2-15 for the next 20 years, and feel at least a momentary twinge of satisfaction.

 

[steelcityman]

Juju can still be a WR2 on the Steelers.
I have nothing against pickett, it was the steelers who screwed up taking him that early, he was never a 1st rd QB. But what sickens me is all the Pitt fans making it sound like the Steelers did him harm, or that helped lead Philly to the bowl.

 

[steelers1080]

Steelers1080 or others what's your take on the following. https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/lists/steelers-nflpa-mike-tomlin-art-rooney/ I know this has been discussed before.

Strength coaches led by Marcel Pastor received a B+ rating from the players, yet Mike Tomlin still decided to fire him and his staff. On the WFan, discussions with Jim Rooney revealed that they treat the Steelers like a mutual fund. It's clear that the Rooney family has set a sub-standard benchmark for the team. The real issue lies with the ownership IMHO. I'm not saying that MT isn't an issue.

The Rooney's are one of the few ownership groups that derive a lot of their net worth from the team, versus having bought the team with a lot of money elsewhere. It's not too surprising that they're not spending extravagantly, but the lack of investment in team facilities and personnel is disappointing. I think they're holding out for the next stadium, instead of upgrading the current one significantly.

For team staff, I wish we had more very specific coaches/consultants to help maximize the Steelers' potential. IMO, the Rooney's are still better than 2/3 of the owners, or more, but there are key spots where they could improve.

I expect the press conference by Art II to be much of the same and I don't see any significant changes coming to the team in 2025. I don't think Wilson is back, but Fields probably will be, and all the same coaches will be unless their contract expired.

 

[sm8680]

I was underwhelmed by AR2 press conference. He mentioned wanting a QB that can read the defenses and audible. He also mentioned that the Steeler's unlikely will bring back both RW and JF. He wants to sign one but didn't mention either by name. He defended his smallish coaching staff. When asked about lessons learned about drafting KP he sounded like we just need to get the next one right. He's still endorsing MT and mentioned some coaching staff changes without mentioning names. I thought the questions asked were a little underwhelming.

 

[steelers1080]

I was underwhelmed by AR2 press conference. He mentioned wanting a QB that can read the defenses and audible. He also mentioned that the Steeler's unlikely will bring back both RW and JF. He wants to sign one but didn't mention either by name. He defended his smallish coaching staff. When asked about lessons learned about drafting KP he sounded like we just need to get the next one right. He's still endorsing MT and mentioned some coaching staff changes without mentioning names. I thought the questions asked were a little underwhelming.

Nobody asks anything controversial for fear of not being invited to the next one.

 

[crushedspirit]

Team really needs to change it's approach, and it starts on offense.

The run and pop fly offense was figured out after just a few weeks with Wilson and Arthur. Smith's track record shows he struggles to adapt to adjustments made by defenses which leads to the predictability we saw by season's end. Expect the same offense if Wilson is there and a continued regression to follow. Atlanta's offense showed these same tendencies and the collapse towards the end was simply blamed on Ridder, yet it went far beyond that. His usage of Bijan was a head scratcher, as was the usage of London. A McVay disciple takes over that offense and elevates them to 6th in the league just after one season and with a severely limited aging QB.

The biggest problem is the Rooney in charge. Cheap with his staff and with the facilities. As long as he pockets every year he won't care to make changes where it's needed most, the coaching staff. Nobody here will change a thing, maybe get a new popcorn vendor for Tomlin.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Team really needs to change it's approach, and it starts on offense.

The run and pop fly offense was figured out after just a few weeks with Wilson and Arthur. Smith's track record shows he struggles to adapt to adjustments made by defenses which leads to the predictability we saw by season's end. Expect the same offense if Wilson is there and a continued regression to follow. Atlanta's offense showed these same tendencies and the collapse towards the end was simply blamed on Ridder, yet it went far beyond that. His usage of Bijan was a head scratcher, as was the usage of London. A McVay disciple takes over that offense and elevates them to 6th in the league just after one season and with a severely limited aging QB.

The biggest problem is the Rooney in charge. Cheap with his staff and with the facilities. As long as he pockets every year he won't care to make changes where it's needed most, the coaching staff. Nobody here will change a thing, maybe get a new popcorn vendor for Tomlin.

The problem was clearly Wilson not Smith. There were throws available in the middle of the field, but he won't make them. Lots that has come out says they were what the play was designed for and were 1st reads

 

[crushedspirit]

Team really needs to change it's approach, and it starts on offense.

The run and pop fly offense was figured out after just a few weeks with Wilson and Arthur. Smith's track record shows he struggles to adapt to adjustments made by defenses which leads to the predictability we saw by season's end. Expect the same offense if Wilson is there and a continued regression to follow. Atlanta's offense showed these same tendencies and the collapse towards the end was simply blamed on Ridder, yet it went far beyond that. His usage of Bijan was a head scratcher, as was the usage of London. A McVay disciple takes over that offense and elevates them to 6th in the league just after one season and with a severely limited aging QB.

The biggest problem is the Rooney in charge. Cheap with his staff and with the facilities. As long as he pockets every year he won't care to make changes where it's needed most, the coaching staff. Nobody here will change a thing, maybe get a new popcorn vendor for Tomlin.

The problem was clearly Wilson not Smith. There were throws available in the middle of the field, but he won't make them. Lots that has come out says they were what the play was designed for and were 1st reads

We've had Ryan, Mariota, Heinecke, Ridder, and now Wilson run Arthur's vaunted offense which has finished 21st or worse in 3 of the past 4 seasons.

It's been a far cry from the 2020 season when he had one of this generation's best RBs and a top-5 man beating WR.

His offenses have been figured out and he won't adjust, since that's who he is. His approach meshes with Tomlin's vision, so expect the same results if not worse.

 

[menobrown]

We've had Ryan, Mariota, Heinecke, Ridder, and now Wilson run Arthur's vaunted offense which has finished 21st or worse in 3 of the past 4 seasons.

I would actually view this as a defense of Arthur and not an indictment.

It's been a far cry from the 2020 season when he had one of this generation's best RBs and a top-5 man beating WR.

And Tannehill at QB.


When Tannehill is arguably the best QB he's ever had to work with, and he had success with him, I find him to be a really hard guy to judge. Has not had much to work with which is why I liked him as a hire because we don't have much to work with so it's kind of his comfort zone. Sad but true. I got issues with him having his pets and not adhering to the golden rule of players>plays but I'm not knocking or blaming him for anything that went down last year.

 

[crushedspirit]

If someone believes he can re create what he had in 2020, then I wish them luck.

I saw his misuse of Bijan and London no matter who the QB was. Again, look at what Zac did this past season with a limited Kirk as his QB and many of the same weapons Arthur had the year before.

 

[travdogg]

It was a bad decision benching Fields for Wilson. The offense got a bit of a boost when the move was made, but ultimately, I feel it didn't really make the offense better and arguably made it worse. Sure, the passing yards went up, but the rushing yardage decreased, and the turnovers increased.

Not saying sticking with Fields would have gotten them further in the playoffs (though maybe they get the #5 seed and get the Texans and not the Ravens in round 1) but I fully believe they still get a playoff spot, and they have a full year to evaluate Fields who continued his improvement every season.

Both Fields and Wilson are lower end starting caliber NFL QBs, and I think could be fine, if the Steelers had an elite supporting cast. Unfortunately, they also have one of the worst supporting casts in the NFL, so they need the QB to elevate the talent. Wilson can no longer do that, and Fields only can in the run game.

 

[crushedspirit]

Either QB has limitations, so it all depends on what they want from that position.

 

[bryhamm]

It was a bad decision benching Fields for Wilson. The offense got a bit of a boost when the move was made, but ultimately, I feel it didn't really make the offense better and arguably made it worse. Sure, the passing yards went up, but the rushing yardage decreased, and the turnovers increased.

Not saying sticking with Fields would have gotten them further in the playoffs (though maybe they get the #5 seed and get the Texans and not the Ravens in round 1) but I fully believe they still get a playoff spot, and they have a full year to evaluate Fields who continued his improvement every season.

Both Fields and Wilson are lower end starting caliber NFL QBs, and I think could be fine, if the Steelers had an elite supporting cast. Unfortunately, they also have one of the worst supporting casts in the NFL, so they need the QB to elevate the talent. Wilson can no longer do that, and Fields only can in the run game.

I just don't see how you can say the bolded. The offense in general looked so much worse under Fields. His timing and accuracy down field on passes are terrible. He's like a great running version of Pickett. Yuck!

 

[travdogg]

It was a bad decision benching Fields for Wilson. The offense got a bit of a boost when the move was made, but ultimately, I feel it didn't really make the offense better and arguably made it worse. Sure, the passing yards went up, but the rushing yardage decreased, and the turnovers increased.

Not saying sticking with Fields would have gotten them further in the playoffs (though maybe they get the #5 seed and get the Texans and not the Ravens in round 1) but I fully believe they still get a playoff spot, and they have a full year to evaluate Fields who continued his improvement every season.

Both Fields and Wilson are lower end starting caliber NFL QBs, and I think could be fine, if the Steelers had an elite supporting cast. Unfortunately, they also have one of the worst supporting casts in the NFL, so they need the QB to elevate the talent. Wilson can no longer do that, and Fields only can in the run game.

I just don't see how you can say the bolded. The offense in general looked so much worse under Fields. His timing and accuracy down field on passes are terrible. He's like a great running version of Pickett. Yuck!

Because the running and less turnovers was arguably more valuable than the passing difference.

The Steelers went 4-2 with Fields and 6-6 with Wilson, they hit 20+ points in 3 of Fields 6 games, versus 5 of Wilson's 12 games.

I kinda felt like Wilson opened up the pass game his first few starts (albeit against some really bad defenses) but got figured out down the stretch. One could argue Pickens being out played a role in that, but I think that doesn't fully absolve Wilson not topping 200 yards in the last 5 weeks, or topping 17 points in the last 5 games.

 

[menobrown]

I saw his misuse of Bijan and London no matter who the QB was. Again, look at what Zac did this past season with a limited Kirk as his QB and many of the same weapons Arthur had the year before.

Sorry, not trying to make this a drawn out argument but don't think he misused either of those player and I sure notice that no one is blaming him any longer of misusing Pitts. Also think what ATL had to work at QB was a big improvement over Ridder/Hienke.

 

[crushedspirit]

His offense will fail again next season as it did this season. If someone doesn't agree, then that's totally fine. My opinion is based on what I've seen in his last 4 seasons as I look for progress and the ability to adjust when it comes to how good a play caller is, not what he did 5 seasons ago with a generational back at his disposal.

Just to add, Tomlin has a say on what he wants called, so he's also part of the issue on offense and it's not all about Arthur. Some of the plays have looked eerily similar the last 3 seasons, one has to wonder why. Smith just fit the philosophy this team wants.

 

[3C's]

We were all wrong on Wilson, obviously.

Russell Wilson Named To 2025 Pro Bowl

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson has been named to the 2025 Pro Bowl, the team announced Tuesday. Wilson will replace Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, who withdrew due to injury. .@DangeRussWilson has been named to the 2025 #ProBowlGames 💪 📝: https://t.co/wfeuoYj5iu pic.twitter.com/yXRnapo9xt —...

steelersdepot.com

 

[3C's]

Rooting for KC just so Pickett doesn't get a ring. Call me petty, I am OK with that.

We were SO close to a Pickett vs Trubisky SB. If the Bills had made it and with both Allen and Hurts being 1 play away from out, it could have happened.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Team really needs to change it's approach, and it starts on offense.

The run and pop fly offense was figured out after just a few weeks with Wilson and Arthur. Smith's track record shows he struggles to adapt to adjustments made by defenses which leads to the predictability we saw by season's end. Expect the same offense if Wilson is there and a continued regression to follow. Atlanta's offense showed these same tendencies and the collapse towards the end was simply blamed on Ridder, yet it went far beyond that. His usage of Bijan was a head scratcher, as was the usage of London. A McVay disciple takes over that offense and elevates them to 6th in the league just after one season and with a severely limited aging QB.

The biggest problem is the Rooney in charge. Cheap with his staff and with the facilities. As long as he pockets every year he won't care to make changes where it's needed most, the coaching staff. Nobody here will change a thing, maybe get a new popcorn vendor for Tomlin.

The problem was clearly Wilson not Smith. There were throws available in the middle of the field, but he won't make them. Lots that has come out says they were what the play was designed for and were 1st reads

We've had Ryan, Mariota, Heinecke, Ridder, and now Wilson run Arthur's vaunted offense which has finished 21st or worse in 3 of the past 4 seasons.

It's been a far cry from the 2020 season when he had one of this generation's best RBs and a top-5 man beating WR.

His offenses have been figured out and he won't adjust, since that's who he is. His approach meshes with Tomlin's vision, so expect the same results if not worse.

That is a really horrible list of QB's. Kind of making my point for me.

 

[crushedspirit]

Team really needs to change it's approach, and it starts on offense.

The run and pop fly offense was figured out after just a few weeks with Wilson and Arthur. Smith's track record shows he struggles to adapt to adjustments made by defenses which leads to the predictability we saw by season's end. Expect the same offense if Wilson is there and a continued regression to follow. Atlanta's offense showed these same tendencies and the collapse towards the end was simply blamed on Ridder, yet it went far beyond that. His usage of Bijan was a head scratcher, as was the usage of London. A McVay disciple takes over that offense and elevates them to 6th in the league just after one season and with a severely limited aging QB.

The biggest problem is the Rooney in charge. Cheap with his staff and with the facilities. As long as he pockets every year he won't care to make changes where it's needed most, the coaching staff. Nobody here will change a thing, maybe get a new popcorn vendor for Tomlin.

The problem was clearly Wilson not Smith. There were throws available in the middle of the field, but he won't make them. Lots that has come out says they were what the play was designed for and were 1st reads

We've had Ryan, Mariota, Heinecke, Ridder, and now Wilson run Arthur's vaunted offense which has finished 21st or worse in 3 of the past 4 seasons.

It's been a far cry from the 2020 season when he had one of this generation's best RBs and a top-5 man beating WR.

His offenses have been figured out and he won't adjust, since that's who he is. His approach meshes with Tomlin's vision, so expect the same results if not worse.

That is a really horrible list of QB's. Kind of making my point for me.

They are bad as is Cousins, yet that Falcon offense progressed year one under a different play caller.

Kirko Chainz last 5 games before they finally benched him he had 1 TD to 9 INT's. It doesn't get any worse than that.

 

[steelers1080]

Fields was definitely limited and Wilson was able to open the offense up by hitting the deep ball. The main hope for Fields has to be that a 2nd year in the same system will let him develop further. If he's the same next year as this year, we're not going to win a playoff game.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

If he's the same next year as this year, we're not going to win a playoff game.

They arent doing that now, so they may as well give him a full year to see what could happen.

Chances are its going to be "9-8 and rolled in the 1st quarter of the WC game", but at least it wont mean that plus 30m a year to Russ.

I've come around to the line of thinking that they should be purging everything that isnt nailed down. They wont outright suck enough to have a 4-6 win season, so they should be acquiring as many assets as possible to be ready to make a bold move up in the first round in 2026 (or even 2025, if they thought either Ward or Sanders was the answer...but they arent, IMO, so Id prefer they wait.)