The Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said he wasn’t going to get dramatic after the brutal loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Then the Steelers dropped another horrible game to the Baltimore Ravens. On Christmas Day, the Steelers gave their fans coal with a bad showing against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing 29-10.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland.
Tomlin spoke with the media after the brutal loss knocked the Steelers to 10-6 on the season. Tomlin was asked about why the team has regressed during this stretch.Tomlin addressed the team’s struggles with a serious tone, acknowledging that the recent stretch of losses has exposed key weaknesses on both sides of the ball.
The offense has failed to generate consistent drives, while the defense has struggled with containing explosive plays and getting off the field on third downs. The lack of execution in critical moments has been a recurring theme, and the team hasn’t been able to overcome those breakdowns against high-caliber opponents. When Tomlin was asked if the team has regressed in many areas, he gave an odd answer.
"You know you could say that if you so choose, but I just tend to look at performances and what we are doing and what we are not doing," Tomlin said. "We regressed in terms of our turnover culture. In terms of maintaining possession of the ball and getting the ball. We have been a plus group in most instances and that has really been a catalyst for us in terms of the game unfolding the way we desire. The last two weeks in particular. We have not been plus in that area. We have been minus in that area and the results are what they are."
The Steelers were riding high before this rough stretch, but three straight losses have brought them crashing back to reality. With momentum completely shifted against them, it’s certainly time to sound the alarm.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin addresses the media in his Week 14 press conference.
Tomlin acknowledged the need for change, stating he’s not afraid to make necessary adjustments to address their ongoing struggles with losing the turnover battle each week.
"Fundamentals man we don’t blink, but again as I mentioned in terms of the schematics and in terms of the division of labor, I am open to whatever change is necessary to change the outcome," Tomlin said.
In Pittsburgh, the noise is only going to grow louder after this loss. Tomlin will face plenty of tough questions, and rightfully so. For three consecutive weeks, his team has been embarrassed, with the latest disappointment coming at home on Christmas Day.
It doesn’t matter that the loss came against the Chiefs—it was an unacceptable performance, and the Steelers once again appeared to give up in the waning moments of the game.
Steelers' Season Isn't Dead Quite Yet
The Steelers' season isn’t over yet. They’ll face the Cincinnati Bengals to close out the regular season, and fortunately, Pittsburgh has already secured a playoff spot. However, the frustration among fans is palpable, and Tomlin’s recent results have only amplified their concerns.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin on the sidelines during a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024.
If the Steelers fail to secure a playoff win this season, the backlash will be significant. The pressure is mounting, and Tomlin needs to find answers—fast. Steeler Nation was feeling pretty good but knew this three game stretch was going to be brutal. It turned out to be worse than expected.
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