The Pittsburgh Steelers and their Head Coach, Mike Tomlin have been under the microscope all of the 2023 season. The inconsistent game and individual player performances have the fans and the media holding their feet to the fire. They have turned up the heat after Pittsburgh lost two in a row to two 2-10 teams. The discontent has spread with players voicing their concerns over the team's identity and motivation to win. Now, former Steelers safety, turned NFL analyst, Ryan Clark is adding his opinion on the culture inside UMPC Rooney Sports Complex.
X: @LSUfootball
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Ryan Clark (left), and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right).
Recently Steelers star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick vented his frustrations to the media after they lost to the New England Patriots during Week 14. He said that he feels that some players on the team feel like they are entitled to win just because they put on a black and gold uniform. He added that not everyone on the team is working as hard as they should be to help the team get back on track.
The Steelers are one of the most storied and successful franchises in the history of the NFL. However, this year has seen the often-discussed "Steelers Way" slip into something unrecognizable. Fitzpatrick added the whole team needs to take things more seriously. They have to work for every inch and he doesn't feel they all are. Clark agrees.
Recently, Clark was a guest on The Pat McAfee Show and was asked about the apparent change in the "standard" of the team, as well as about the comments that were made.
"Zero people care about the Steeler way. Zero people," said Clark.
Immediately, Pat McAfee and his co-hosts bristled at this comment. They cited that the Steelers have several players who work hard every single game, and every single practice. Their list included T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cam Heyward. Clark corrected himself saying that he didn't literally mean zero, but said it is clear there is an issue.
"You heard Minkah Fitzpatrick say that there were people in that locker room that think just wearing those colors entitles you to win, and it doesn't. You can't will wins in this league. When a guy comes out after only two losses and says people need to approach it different, they need to work different, hat's because he's seen things around that locker room, around that practice field, in those meeting rooms that doesn't lead him to believe everybody is putting their hand in the pile the same way," added Clark.
According to Clark, there was a clear example of this with wide receiver Diontae Johnson. During the Week 12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson failed to haul in a touchdown in the end zone. His frustration led to him mentally checking out on the next play. The ball was fumbled by running back Jaylen Warren practically at Johnson's feet and he didn't move a muscle to help.
CBS Sports
Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson appeared to give no effort toward recovering a ball fumbled by teammate Jaylen Warren.
This is not the first time that Johnson has displayed immature behavior. His negative attitude and inconsistent performance have led the fans to start turning against him.
Steelers' Diontae Johnson Is Part Of The Problem According to Ryan Clark
The seeming lack of consequences for Johnson has blown back on Tomlin, causing an increase in the number of fans calling for his head. Those calling for Tomlin to be fired, saying that his message of "the standard is the standard" is dated and ineffective, Clark disagrees with. However, he does think that there should be more visible consequences.
"When you look at messaging, Coach T doesn't need to change who he is, but the messaging has to change. I said this last week and I meant this wholeheartedly, if Diontae Johnson does what he's been doing, because this isn't the first time he has had these issues, I'm not throwing the football to him on 4th and 2. You aren't getting the opportunity to save my team, you aren't getting the opportunity to be a hero, because you haven't earned it. And when you have the T.J. Watts that show up every day and the Cam Heywards that show up every day, the Minkah Fitzpatricks that show up every day - they are the tone setters, and in setting the tone, those are the people that should be put front and center. I'm gonna be honest, I'd have liked to see Diontae Johnson benched the week after the Cincinnati game."
Clark thinks that if that had happened it would have sent a strong tone and message to the whole team that Tomlin will not tolerate players not playing to the "Steelers standard." Instead of benching Johnson for his attitude, Tomlin allowed the players to handle it internally, with Johnson apologizing to his team.
Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Ryan Clark knows the standard that is held in Pittsburgh and he is disappointed with what is transpiring in 2023.
Of course, it is no secret that Tomlin is not a coach that publicly airs all of his grievances with players and unless it is something very detrimental to the team, he is not one to bench players. Of course, some feel that Johnson's childish behavior is just as cancerous as Chukwuma Okorafor's comments about the play-calling.
Surprisingly enough, Pittsburgh is currently at 7-6 and still has a shot at making the playoffs. The real question will be can they get their act together and win their upcoming games? This Week 15 game against the Indianapolis Colts is a huge must-win.
What do you think about Clark's comments? Do you think Johnson should have been benched? Click to comment below.
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