Agreed with this completely up until the line about struggling to find consistency in recent years. You may mean it in another way, but the Steelers have been tremendously consistent in Tomlin's time here (much to the chagrin of some here), Our win total is almost always 10 +/- 1. We're either on the bubble for the playoffs or get in. And when in, we almost always lose in round one. More consistency: the poor game-day coaching that the locals see on a weekly and yearly basis like poor clock management, bad strategy, players lacking discipline. Just today, on three separate plays, Kelce goes uncovered. If that happens once, OK it was a blown coverage or one player messed up. Three times in the second half? That's poor coaching or poor learning from the players, either way a reflection on the coach and a consistent issue over the years.
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*** 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers: one and done again. (13 Viewers)
- Thread starter Godsbrother
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Penguin
Footballguy
Mark Kaboly
@MarkKaboly
Trouble brewing in paradise in Steelers land?The sense I am getting are the players are getting closer and closer of outing the person who they feel is a big part of the problem on defense.Patrick Queen on the "slump" the defense is in: “Can’t explain it, it’s happening. We keep talking about it. Nobody is doing a thing about it. ... if nobody does anything about what they are supposed to be doing then we don't have any room for it. ”Followup:"I don't know if we have to keep saying it. We have said it the last two or three weeks. It is at a point where you realize it and go out there and play fast and play physical and do your job."
@MarkKaboly
Trouble brewing in paradise in Steelers land?The sense I am getting are the players are getting closer and closer of outing the person who they feel is a big part of the problem on defense.Patrick Queen on the "slump" the defense is in: “Can’t explain it, it’s happening. We keep talking about it. Nobody is doing a thing about it. ... if nobody does anything about what they are supposed to be doing then we don't have any room for it. ”Followup:"I don't know if we have to keep saying it. We have said it the last two or three weeks. It is at a point where you realize it and go out there and play fast and play physical and do your job."
Penguin
Footballguy
Mike Nicastro
@MikedUpSports1
Is there a cancer on the Steelers defense hiding in plain sight? A lot of weird quotes these past few weeks. TJ Watt here: “I love football. I love the process and I know there’s a lot of guys in the locker room that do also.”
@MikedUpSports1
Is there a cancer on the Steelers defense hiding in plain sight? A lot of weird quotes these past few weeks. TJ Watt here: “I love football. I love the process and I know there’s a lot of guys in the locker room that do also.”
irish eyes
Footballguy
What a freaking train wreck. Hey hey coach of the year, give me a damn break.
Dizzy
Footballguy
"Pretenders" in the sense theyll be challenging for a SB title? Absolutely.
Nobody believed that. Maybe clickbait dopes and daily media clowns "said it"... but even they could not have believed it.
The roster is just not there. They're on the "playoff filler" tier with Houston, Denver... a notch above "no chance" (Miami, Indianapolis).
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Being "playoff filler" tier is precisely the problem I'm talking about. But that's essentially what "the standard" has become in the Steel City. Or it sure feels that way.
Year after year of first-round playoff exits basically puts the team in a perpetual gulag of "hoping everything breaks right" to maaaybe win a playoff game. Not a SB. Just a playoff game.
What anyone did or didnt believe, or what it even was they were (or werent) believing, doesn't matter much to me. As a fan, I just want championships. The way the team has gone about attempting to acquire any for what feels like forever isn't working, and that's frustrating.
Year after year of first-round playoff exits basically puts the team in a perpetual gulag of "hoping everything breaks right" to maaaybe win a playoff game. Not a SB. Just a playoff game.
What anyone did or didnt believe, or what it even was they were (or werent) believing, doesn't matter much to me. As a fan, I just want championships. The way the team has gone about attempting to acquire any for what feels like forever isn't working, and that's frustrating.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Don’t want to let the defense off the hook cause they have stunk these last 3 games but Wilson looked awful lately.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
For certain. Defense has laid down and died of late. Disgusting.
Blick
Footballguy
Expected more today. The entire offense was bad. Wilson, the line, the coaches, receivers, backs, everyone.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Another season in sports purgatory.
Why bother showing up against Mahomes? The guy laughs when he faces this D.
KC was without their game wrecker on D and it still didn't matter.
Maybe they can face one of the other playoff fill ins to have a chance because they won't beat any of the upper teams.
Why bother showing up against Mahomes? The guy laughs when he faces this D.
KC was without their game wrecker on D and it still didn't matter.
Maybe they can face one of the other playoff fill ins to have a chance because they won't beat any of the upper teams.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Same issues year in and year out with this franchise (no matter how much talent they try to infuse via draft and FA). Highest paid defense, large draft capital in the O line and secondary. Still the same issues - can’t pass protect, can’t stop the pass, can’t tackle. Every single year. Coaching is the problem fellas. And that problem isn’t going away anytime soon. Let’s hope that at a minimum we have a new D coordinator and O line coach next year. Not holding my breath on either. And even if it does happen, not holding my breath that the current regime will make the correct decisions on the replacements.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Yes the offensive line is terrible and Russ, even when does have time, now has happy feet.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Yep, and his little spin move to evade the rush does not work anymore as he is too slow now. Short and fast can work, short and slow does not.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
The line was fine. The problem is Russ and WR's. It was over 3 seconds to throw and still a really short ADOT. WR and QB are the most important positions in football and they are bad in Pittsburgh.
Dizzy
Footballguy
Well, spoiler alert. Russ is closer to retirement than prime years and winning 9-10 games/year keeps you a long way from drafting a franchise QB.
The defense is good, but not the dominating, win with a mid-pack QB type of greatness.
They've got one WR with greatness in his body but child-like in his brain. The rest are meh at best.
BUF, KCC, BAL, and CIN should dominate the AFC for at least another 5-10 years.
It is all about the QB. Big Ben was a true, difference making franchise QB. Unfortunately, he played in the Brady/Manning era. Steelers are mid-pack until that next stud QB falls into their laps. And they're not alone in that regard.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Ok saying 5-10 years is a massive exaggeration. Things change quickly in the NFL.
Dizzy
Footballguy
Well, how long have these 4 dominated the AFC already?
I suppose Mahomes, Burrow, Jackson, and Allen could all decide to vacation together, get on a plane, and...
Things only change fast when a truly great QB lands in a good situation. A Burrow-like lightning strike could occur, but probably not to perennial mid-pack teams.
Stoneworker
Footballguy
I'm curious to hear how the Bengals, a team that is 7-8 and lost in a 44-38 shootout to the Steelers (a team with a "meh" QB), is expected to "dominate the AFC" for at least the next 5-10 years
Godsbrother
Footballguy
And not trying to put lipstick on a pig but we all knew the second half of this season was going to be brutal.
The Steelers have 9-10 days to rest up for the Bengals game at home. Hopefully they can get a win and a little momentum for the playoffs
The Steelers have 9-10 days to rest up for the Bengals game at home. Hopefully they can get a win and a little momentum for the playoffs
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
I do agree with this. If you had realistic expectations for this team, this was expected
Dizzy
Footballguy
Because when you have a true franchise QB, like Joe Burrow, it is realistic to have Super Bowl aspirations. Considering Burrow has already been to a Super Bowl... then yes, they are in the mix. CIN is getting healthy on the defense and I would be shocked if the Steelers swept them.
Easy to see them finish 9-8, sneak in, and do some damage.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Oh, I expected it.
However, expecting it does not mean I (or anyone) need to be satisfied by it (Not that I'm suggesting that you're saying anyone should, necessarily).
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
If "AFC domination by 3-4 teams for the next decade" is a given (spoiler alert: it isn't), but if it is....then maybe showing a single scrap of innovation on either side of the ball might be a decent idea to have a hope of hitting the lottery sometime between now and 2034?
Or they can keep ignoring what actually works on offense in the modern NFL, keep rolling out zone heavy schemes vs the likes of Reid/Mahomes (just as they did to Hoodie Hobo/Brady, et al prior), beat enough mid teams to get 9 or 10 wins,and then watch most of the playoffs from their couch.
If the only answer is "tank openly/not openly in a year a generational QB is available" then we may as well just pack this up. They'll never do that.
Or they can keep ignoring what actually works on offense in the modern NFL, keep rolling out zone heavy schemes vs the likes of Reid/Mahomes (just as they did to Hoodie Hobo/Brady, et al prior), beat enough mid teams to get 9 or 10 wins,and then watch most of the playoffs from their couch.
If the only answer is "tank openly/not openly in a year a generational QB is available" then we may as well just pack this up. They'll never do that.
Dizzy
Footballguy
They don't really function in the front office like a modern NFL either. They seem to be content with what they are... don't gamble the farm away... consistency... blah blah blah.
There just aren't enough great QBs to go around. Even if you do get in position to draft one... its still a crap shoot. Them's the breaks.
Gold Fox
Footballguy
I would love for the Steelers to grab the 5th seed with a road matchup against the 4th seed Texans. Watt and our d-Line would feast.
I was reading about pure speculation on who will take the fall for this season Arthur Smith Jr came up number 1. Due to regression at the QB position by Russ. Then George due to lack of TDs and Joey Porter Jr. I was surprised that a defensive coach wasn't brought up.
I felt the article was a little misleading by only focusing on the last 6 games by Russ and Justin.
Justin Fields last 6 games which happen to be his first 6 games 4-2 beat 3 possible playoff teams.
Russell Wilson last 6 games 2-4 haven't beat a playoff team in last 6 games.
Russell Wilson first 6 games 5-1 beat 3 playoff teams. I'm counting the Bengals.
Russell first 6 teams he obviously had an easier schedule with the last 6 games being a lot tougher.
I felt the article was a little misleading by only focusing on the last 6 games by Russ and Justin.
Justin Fields last 6 games which happen to be his first 6 games 4-2 beat 3 possible playoff teams.
Russell Wilson last 6 games 2-4 haven't beat a playoff team in last 6 games.
Russell Wilson first 6 games 5-1 beat 3 playoff teams. I'm counting the Bengals.
Russell first 6 teams he obviously had an easier schedule with the last 6 games being a lot tougher.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
I wasn't satisfied with the offseason . Khan bought into his own hype and completely screwed up the WR room
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
No good reason why Austin's seat shouldn't be hotter. Wasn't very enamored by that hire when it was made, and remain in a similar state.
Plenty of blame to go around when the team fades as badly as it has, though.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
It hasn't faded. They are just playing the tough teams now
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Call it whatever you want.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Yea, these 3 games were always going to be an issue. Like I said, we needed to beat the Eagles, because Ravens on the road and then a short week to prepare for the Chiefs weren't winnable IMO.
Grid71
Footballguy
team went from playing it's best football in november to crumbling in december. lack of a strong #2 WR hurt the team when pickens went down. russ lost his confidence and the D can't slow down well coached teams.
wouldn't shock me if coach T decided to feed the media some bull so it becomes "us against the world." focus on getting healthy and what really matters, making a playoff run.
wouldn't shock me if coach T decided to feed the media some bull so it becomes "us against the world." focus on getting healthy and what really matters, making a playoff run.
The_Man
Footballguy
Hard Knocks this week was interesting when it showed the Ravens' defensive meeting saying that all Russ takes are 3s and lay-ups. He leads the NFL in deep throw attempt percentage and is last in mid-range attempt percentage
I think once defenses got some film on Russ and were able to game plan for his current skill set, it became much easier to focus on stopping the deep ball. Losing Pickens for a number of weeks obviously didn't help the Steelers combat that strategy
I think once defenses got some film on Russ and were able to game plan for his current skill set, it became much easier to focus on stopping the deep ball. Losing Pickens for a number of weeks obviously didn't help the Steelers combat that strategy
Sometimes a wounded animal is the most dangerous
Unless it's so wounded it can't put up a fight
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
So here we are. Need a win against Cincy next week (assuming the Chargers win again) or it’s another guaranteed first round exit.
karl.Racki
Footballguy
And if they lose to Cincy and it's still a guarantee first round exit... Team is cooked.. The idea Tomlin put Beanie Bishop on the Bech to start a women abuser is crazy and it's causing issues among others.
The offense is George Pickens.
Steelers should beat Cincy If they lose then they shouldn't bring back RW for next season. Due to the team spiraling.
George could be shy of 1k receiving yards after the Ciincy game. He's missed a few games. Not sure if I'd say he's the offense when he's only had 3 TDS.
Teryl Austin should be on the hot seat.
George could be shy of 1k receiving yards after the Ciincy game. He's missed a few games. Not sure if I'd say he's the offense when he's only had 3 TDS.
Teryl Austin should be on the hot seat.
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karl.Racki
Footballguy
Steeler fans need to come to grips that RW will be resigned for probably 2-3 more years... TBH, There just isn't anything out there to replace him with, and I just don't see them ever taking a QB in the first rd again after Pickett. LOL
That said, I could see them taking a QB on day 2 to be a future starter and sit behind RW.
They aren't resigning Fields, for what he will want, they went really sour on him. Never even really played him outside a few snaps after RW took the job.
I see them getting Tez Johnson in the first Rd, or maybe the WR from Ohio State, and a QB or OL in rd 2.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Been saying this for a couple months. FA will be a wasteland. Outside the two guys they have right now the "best available" is likely Darnold. Hork.
Some team will throw real money at Fields, unless he has the worst agent, like, ever.
Almost guaranteed it's going to be Russ. Tomlin (and his current braintrust, even) has no real idea how to develop a young quarterback, mostly because he never had to. Wilson lets him absolve himself of that for a few more years.
Not sure how Omar moves forward other than that. If it were still Colbert, it'd be 100% lock Artie/Austin keeps their gigs, they bring in Tanny as the #2 behind Russ, and then draft a QB in the 5th round, stick a feather in their hat and call it macaroni.
Commanders went from Howell to Daniels
Broncos went from RW to Nix
Granted those were first round picks.
Vikings went from Cousins to Darnold.
I'm sure there's a few other ones.
There's always a possibility of trading up in a draft. Also the Steelers might not be RW's only suitor.
You tend to come up with Racki facts. Steelers souring on JF. Teammates souring on Sutton. It would be nice to say speculating or a link to support Racki facts.
Just so you know the Steelers defender hasn't been outed yet.
Broncos went from RW to Nix
Granted those were first round picks.
Vikings went from Cousins to Darnold.
I'm sure there's a few other ones.
There's always a possibility of trading up in a draft. Also the Steelers might not be RW's only suitor.
You tend to come up with Racki facts. Steelers souring on JF. Teammates souring on Sutton. It would be nice to say speculating or a link to support Racki facts.
Just so you know the Steelers defender hasn't been outed yet.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Yeah I have seen zero reported anywhere on the interwebs about them "souring on Fields."
That said, I don't think it really matters. Given how thin the free agent crop is, and how mid the draft class is at QB, there are too many other teams out there that will be willing to give him a shot as a starter. If they want to keep him, theyll have to pay
That said, I don't think it really matters. Given how thin the free agent crop is, and how mid the draft class is at QB, there are too many other teams out there that will be willing to give him a shot as a starter. If they want to keep him, theyll have to pay
5-ish I'm with you on the RW signing. I think the Steeler's will do it as well. If FanDuel let you put money on free agent signings I'd throw some money at that. Darnold will more than likely get the Franchise tag. I'm hoping RW throws for over 300 yards next week. If he does the Steeler's have a chance at winning and possibly landing the Texans in the first round. Granted last time he threw for 400 but I see the Bengals being extremely hungry.
A quick scrapping from the web here's the 2025 Free agent QBs. This group of free agents other than Darnold aren't enticing. Quarterbacks to watch include Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Jacoby Brissett, Mac Jones, RW and Jameis Winston. This may not be accurate so read it with a grain of salt.
A quick scrapping from the web here's the 2025 Free agent QBs. This group of free agents other than Darnold aren't enticing. Quarterbacks to watch include Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Jacoby Brissett, Mac Jones, RW and Jameis Winston. This may not be accurate so read it with a grain of salt.
N Zone
Footballguy
QB Decision for 2025
Russell Wilson’s 4-Word Strong Message to Steelers As Mike Tomlin Told To Start Justin Fields Next Season
Pittsburgh faces a crucial decision between veteran Russell Wilson and rising star Justin Fields for their quarterback future.
www.essentiallysports.com
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Thats pretty much it, for guys teams may talk themselves into starting anyway.
There's another group of guys who have started in the NFL, but you really wouldn't want starting for you now if at all possible: Mariota, Lock, Flacco, Syndrome/Red Rifle, Hienicke types.
Full list, according to Sportrac: https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/_/year/2025/position/qb
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5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
They're going to retain one of the two guys they've got rostered. When you look at the available talent in that FA list, that seems pretty clear to me.
Just from age/ability standpoint alone it should likely be Fields...but that also requires a shift in mindset, IMO. They need someone better than current coaches available, including Tomlin, to best develop him. I'm just not sure Steelers ownership/Tomlin are ready to embrace that mindset, regardless of his avowed man-lust for Buckeye era Justin.
And that's why, ultimately, I assume they will settle on retaining Russ. It requires zero "recalibration" on philosophies.
Just from age/ability standpoint alone it should likely be Fields...but that also requires a shift in mindset, IMO. They need someone better than current coaches available, including Tomlin, to best develop him. I'm just not sure Steelers ownership/Tomlin are ready to embrace that mindset, regardless of his avowed man-lust for Buckeye era Justin.
And that's why, ultimately, I assume they will settle on retaining Russ. It requires zero "recalibration" on philosophies.
3C's
Footballguy
T Austin deserves some heat but...
Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has taken all kinds of heat for the defensive failures as of late, but, as Ray Fittipaldo pointed out while making an appearance on WMBS, he is not the responsible party.
"Keith Butler was a defensive coordinator in name for a few years. Now, Teryl Austin is the defensive coordinator in name," Fittipaldo stated. "But he's really not the one pulling the strings. This is Mike Tomlin."
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Not ready to consider what they’re going to do in the offseason.
The question at hand is whether they get the 3rd, 5th or 6th seed. Obviously the division and therefore the 3rd seed is unlikely, I’m hoping to hold onto the 5th
The question at hand is whether they get the 3rd, 5th or 6th seed. Obviously the division and therefore the 3rd seed is unlikely, I’m hoping to hold onto the 5th
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