Steelers Coaches Get Absolutely Shredded For "Cowardly" Decisions

The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped another mistake-filled game in which they had every chance to win. This time, they fell to the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 20-17 despite dominating in the turnover battle. There were questionable decisions made all game by Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. From the lack of usage from George Pickens to clock management decisions and to play-calls on both sides of the ball, the Steelers seemingly blew the game on their own just like Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. Steeler Nation is getting very restless with the team. 

Even the analysts are tired of the shenanigans, as Jon Ledyard ripped into the coaches of the team on X. 

Pittsburgh has consistently gotten out to slow starts under Tomlin and this was no difference against the Cowboys. The Steelers haven't been built to come from behind in several years, further enhancing Ledyard's remarks about cowardly decisions early on.

While the Steelers did have injuries stacking up, there was no reason to put the game on the shoulders of Aaron Shampklin and Jonathan Ward, two practice squad-level guys that saw playing time due to Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson being out. It makes sense to give Najee Harris some help when his usual running mates aren't there, but why rely on the backups to win you the game? 

Steelers' Cowardly Decisions Go Beyond Running Game

Shampklin and Ward combined for six total carries for 23 yards. While those plays were didn't move any needles, there were other major issues. The Steelers played a lot of soft zone coverage, which resulted in guys like CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson repeatedly getting wide open. The Cowboys' horrific run offense even benefitted from the "cowardly" defense, as Rico Dowdle had hole after hole, running for 87 yards on 20 carries.

While Justin Fields has not been the greatest quarterback, he has been praised by media, players and even Tomlin himself for his development. In the Colts game, he helped bring the Steelers back from down 17-0 with over 370 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns. He proved to be a guy that could be relied on when needed, yet Shampklin gets some of the carries to try and set up 3rd and 7? It doesn't make sense.

Fields did struggle in the game, but a big reason for that also falls on the coaches: they chose to not utilize their top receiver and Fields' favorite target, George Pickens. Van Jefferson was the top receiver for most of the game, despite the fact that he had five total receptions in the previous four weeks. Tomlin's answer to that was also abysmal, as he claimed to bench Pickens repeatedly for better reps when he was on the field.

The Steelers had every chance to win the game. The Cowboys had three turnovers, and Pittsburgh even blocked a kick. the Steelers' only turnover was on the final play of the game where they try a million laterals to win the game on the final play. Instead of taking advantage of said miscues, they chose to be scared and conservative. Why coach to win when you can just sit on your hands and take the ball away from your playmakers?

Steeler Nation has every right to be angry at Tomlin and Smith. The coaches could have done so much more to secure victory, and they decided to treat the game like they were up by four scores. You don't win playoff games by just hoping that the opponents hand you the game on a silver platter. Sure, you can win nine regular season games like that, but it's not enough, and the coaching staff has to come up with a real gameplan if they want to be more than a free playoff win for real teams.

What do you think about the Steelers' cowardly decisions? Let us know in the comments.

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