Tuesday, during his weekly press conference, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin spoke out about Marcus Allen’s egregious behavior during the win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Steelers.com
The Steelers played nearly a perfect game on Sunday, beating the Panthers 24-16. However, there were two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties called. The first was on the receiver, Diontae Johnson, for taunting after making a huge catch during the second quarter. The catch came on a 3rd and 6 and pushed the Steelers back deep into Carolina territory.
The second was much more flagrant. Near the end of the 3rd quarter, the Panthers hit a totally unmanageable 4th and 27. The Steelers were about to put this game well out of reach. Then out of the blue, Allen approaches the Panthers' special teams huddle and starts trash-talking them. He even bumped into a player and tried to insert himself into their group.
Of course that warranted an immediate 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. This allowed the Panthers to kick a field goal.
Fortunately, the Panthers were not able to come back enough to win the game, but they very well could have.
Allen’s behavior had all of Steeler Nation outraged. Cries to have his head on a platter rang all over social media. After the game, Allen took responsibility:
"I should’ve just started walking to my team," Allen said. "Man, I have to keep a better head than that. My emotions got the better of me. Listen, I can’t let that happen. I let down the defense."
After the game, Coach Tomlin responded exactly how you expect Tomlin to respond - with few words and even fewer emotions:
“It’s three points,” he said.
The topic of Allen’s behavior was brought up today during Tomlin’s weekly press conference and he again dismissed the idea of discussing it with the press:
“I’m not going to give you the pound of flesh you’re looking for.”
Tomlin is well known for playing his cards close to his chest. When asked about the conversations he had with the players, Allen and Johnson, Tomlin remained secretive:
“I’ll leave that between us.”
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Marcus Allen #27 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Tomlin is well known for being a “players coach,” much to the chagrin of many fans and analysts. Some fans long for the Bill Cowher days when you saw spittle flying from his mouth as he screamed and shook the pads of a player that made this kind of mistake.
That feels like retribution to fans. Fans want to know if and how the player has been “punished.”
However, Tomlin is not Cowher. That isn’t good or bad, it is just different. They have different methods of leading the team. Frankly, even when Cowher publicly shamed a player, there were still complaints from fans. Tomlin is smart enough to know that nothing he says to the press or does in public will make everyone happy. Imagine making a mistake at your job and your boss dressing you down in front of the entire office. Is that something that would improve rapport? The best leaders lead from within and through mutual respect, not fear.
None of that takes away from how incredibly stupid Allen’s behavior was. The Steelers have been in close games almost the entire season. Out of their eight losses, five have been by a touchdown or less. It is this kind of action that allow opponents to gain momentum and get back in the game.
What do you think of Allen’s behavior? What do you think Tomlin said to him after the game? Do you think Tomlin should be more vocal with the fans about how he disciplines players? If so, why do you think it would be beneficial to the team? Click to comment below.
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