Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Gets Held Responsible For Pittsburgh’s QB Struggles: “He scouted [Kenny] Pickett”

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has an impressive record, having never experienced a losing season in his 17-year tenure. This achievement is often highlighted by pundits as a testament to Tomlin's greatness. However, the Steelers have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, leading to growing frustration among Pittsburgh fans, some of whom have called for Tomlin's departure.

Despite this fan sentiment, the organization clearly values Tomlin's leadership, recently signing him to a three-year extension that will keep him as head coach through the 2027 season. Tomlin enjoyed the stability of having Ben Roethlisberger as his quarterback for most of his tenure, but since Roethlisberger's retirement, Tomlin has faced challenges in finding a suitable replacement.

While many national media pundits commend Tomlin for maintaining success despite subpar quarterback play, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly places more responsibility on Tomlin for the team's recent struggles. When asked about Tomlin maintaining a top-five winning percentage despite enduring poor quarterback play over the past four seasons, Kaboly expressed that he does not view Tomlin as blameless in the situation.

“Sure, it’s always a quarterback thing in the NFL. But let’s not clear him of all culpability for that. He scouted [Kenny] Pickett. He had a say in bringing in Mitch Trubisky. He is the one who waited so long last year to make the move to Mason Rudolph.”

The Steelers have struggled to find a replacement for Roethlisberger. They initially drafted Mason Rudolph with hopes he could develop into the future quarterback. While Rudolph showed glimpses of potential, he never proved himself as Roethlisberger's successor. Subsequently, Pittsburgh brought in Mitch Trubisky, hoping to reignite his career, but that move also fell short. One of the biggest criticisms of Tomlin has been his delayed decision to turn to Rudolph in 2023, a point highlighted by Kaboly.

Tomlin played a significant role in drafting Pickett, having scouted him extensively and showing great confidence in his abilities. However, Pickett's performance did not meet expectations. Tomlin was very high on Pickett and his abilities.

While Tomlin has been praised for keeping the Steelers competitive with poor quarterback play, he is also held accountable for the team's lack of preparation post-Roethlisberger.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Thrilled With His New QB Room

As the Steelers head into the 2024 season, they have revamped their quarterback room. All of the 2023 quarterbacks who saw game action—Pickett, Trubisky, and Rudolph—are now on other rosters. Pittsburgh has brought in two new quarterbacks: veteran Russell Wilson on a one-year deal and young prospect Justin Fields via trade. Tomlin has been enthusiastic about both players.

Wilson joins Pittsburgh after two difficult seasons with the Denver Broncos, where his performance declined sharply. He is eager to prove he can still play at an elite level. Fields, coming from a challenging tenure with the Chicago Bears, is seen as having potential to thrive in a better system with the Steelers.

Tomlin now has two quarterbacks determined to succeed in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have made numerous offseason changes, including hiring new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and other coaches to guide the quarterbacks. With Tomlin extended and new talent on board, the pressure is on to end the playoff drought and return to Super Bowl contention. While many praise Tomlin for maintaining success despite subpar quarterback play, he still bears responsibility for recent struggles. Tomlin will look to silence his critics in 2024.

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