The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a setback on Sunday as they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 27-13. It was the biggest loss of the season for the Steelers, but it did come against one of the best teams in the NFL. The Steelers fell to 10-4 following the loss, but they still hold the lead in the AFC North and the organization actually clinched a playoff birth as both the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts lost in Week 15. The loss was a rough showing for the Steelers, as no aspect of the team looked particularly good.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter/ X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Head Coach Mike Tomlin yells in the direction of one of his players during warmups prior to a 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin usually takes a lot of heat when the Steelers lose, and that is no different after the loss in Philadelphia. The coach had a lapse in clock management at the end of the first half, and he also made a questionable decision to punt the ball at midfield while down 14 points in the fourth quarter.
There were plenty of other questionable coaching decisions made by the Steelers and Tomlin throughout the loss, and one was pointed out by former Pittsburgh offensive lineman Trai Essex.
It is legit coaching malpractice that Cordallee is in the game over Jaylen. Makes no fucking sense.
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) December 15, 2024
The split of the repetitions at running back in Pittsburgh has always been a strong debate topic. In recent years fans just argued about Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, but in 2024 Cordarrelle Patterson is also included in that mix. The Steelers signed Patterson during the 2024 offseason mainly due to his prowess as a return-man, but he has been featured in the backfield quite a bit.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson returns a kick in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 season.
Fans became aware that Patterson wasn't just brought into Pittsburgh to return kicks. He was featured in the offense early on. He isn't on the field as much as Harris or Warren, but his presence is noticed and many fans are unhappy with the way he takes touches away from the other backs. Patterson isn't nearly as effective as he was earlier in his career, and the veteran even fumbled during Pittsburgh's Week 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has been around Patterson for many seasons during their time together with the Atlanta Falcons, and it is obvious that the coordinator likes to involve the veteran even when it isn't necessary. It would be much more beneficial for Pittsburgh if Patterson's touches went to Harris, or even Warren who has been limited throughout the 2024 season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson during mandatory minicamp in 2024.
Steelers' Patterson Hasn't Been Effective On Offense
Patterson may be good in special teams, but he hasn't been effective on the offensive side of the ball. He doesn't do anything that Warren or Harris couldn't do. During the loss to Philadelphia Patterson carried the ball twice for nine yards, which is more than decent, but if a smaller and more explosive player like Warren had the ball in those moments he likely would have made more happen.
Moving forward Patterson should only be used on special teams, or if either Harris or Warren goes down with an injury. He doesn't have the same burst that he used to, and either of the other running backs gives the Steelers a better chance to break open a big play. Patterson put some good games together earlier in the year before going down with an injury, but the veteran hasn't looked the same since returning to action.
What do you think about the constant usage of Patterson? Let us know in the comments below!
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