The Pittsburgh Steelers just experienced two ugly losses in a row, both to teams that came in 2-10. It is not surprising that the losses have caused everyone from fans, to the media, and even former players to question what is happening in Pittsburgh. The losses cannot be explained away by quarterback Kenny Pickett getting injured against the Arizona Cardinals since they weren't lighting up the scoreboard before that. Now a lot of the heat is centered on Head Coach Mike Tomlin. While Tomlin has always had his detractors, the pressure has increased exponentially. Even one of Tomlin's former players, future Hall of Famer, Ben Roethlisberger, is questioning the decisions he made during the Week 14 loss to the New England Patriots.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky used his legs to try and gain yards on multiple occasions against the New England Patriots in Week 14 of 2023.
While there was a lot that went wrong during the game against the Patriots, the play in question was a decision by Tomlin to go for it on fourth down, rather than kick a field goal. This occurred just before halftime and the Steelers were down 21-10. They had gone three-and-out on their last series and were trying to shift the momentum of the game before the half.
Instead, they were at 3rd-and-9 at the New England 15-yard line and backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky scrambled up the middle to pick up eight yards. Trubisky got the Steelers to the seven-yard line and they were now at 4th-and-2.
They should have just kicked the field goal. It would have been an easy chip shot for Chris Boswell. However, Tomlin chose to go for it. Trubisky threw a short pass to running back Jaylen Warren on the right which came up short.
Recently on an episode of his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the former Steel City leader questioned the decision that was made.
"I'd love to know and maybe he answered it, why Mike Tomlin didn't kick a field goal. He went for it on fourth and like two or three and on their own 15. You kick a field goal and you're down one score, instead you don't get anything. I know you're trying to like put a dagger and get the first down, get a touchdown this, that, and the other, but I just don't understand why we didn't," questioned Roethlisberger.
The Steelers did come back and score on their next series, even picking up a two-point conversion, taking the score to 21-18. The fact that they were within three points of a tie makes it extra frustrating that they didn't just take that field goal, it would have been a tied game.
New England Patriots
Steelers safety Damontae Kazee unsuccessfully jumps to try and stop a pass to New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry in Week 14 of 2023.
This feels like more of the same kind of issues the team has had all season. The Steelers seem to be missing that killer instinct that had made them notorious. The second half of the Steelers' schedule was supposed to be the easier portion and while they have had some injuries, they need to employ Tomlin's "next-man-up" philosophy and get the job done, especially against teams like the Patriots.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has Been Full Of Excuses
During his weekly press conference, Tomlin took several hard questions from reporters about the recent losses. Players are even questioning their teammate's work ethic. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said that he doesn't believe that all of his teammates are as motivated as they should be. According to Fitzpatrick, some players think that just because they are in black and gold, they are entitled to a win.
When asked about that by Brooke Pryor, Tomlin dismissed the comments. He said instead that he was sure that he was referring to "smiling in the face of adversity." While Tomlin is well known for playing his cards close to the vest, the cryptic non-answers are only making fans more aggravated. Many believe that it is time for Tomlin to go.
The Steelers are fortunate that other losses in the conference have left their path to the playoffs open. Remarkably enough, they still are solidly in the mix for a Wild Card spot, just behind divisional rivals the Cleveland Browns.
ESPN
Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
What did you think about the fourth down call? Who do you blame for the state of the team? Click to comment below!
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