Steelers' Mike Tomlin Held Responsible For Offensive Decline Thanks To His Insistence On Defining Their "Personality"

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a rough end to their regular season. No one can deny that playing three games in 10 days is soul-crushing for any team. However, the Steelers shot themselves in the foot with those four losses by going away from what was working. The fans want someone to blame, and many fingers are pointed straight at Head Coach Mike Tomlin.  

The hiring of Arthur Smith was met with mixed reactions, but nearly everyone agreed that it couldn't get worse. Many didn't expect to see some of the same tendencies bubbling up, which has people asking how much of what happens on offense is because of Tomlin. 

That question was presented to Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan. He said he thinks what went on these past four games, and even the past five years, the heavy reliance on the run, and the fact that they got away from what was working when they were 10-3, is more because of Tomlin than Smith. 

"Listen, Arthur was brought in because he and Mike saw eye to eye on how they wanted to play," said Fittipaldo. "I just have a hard time knowing Arthur put together that game plan in Cincinnati a month ago and how much success it had. I have a hard time with anyone in his position would do what they did. It doesn't compute for me, thinking about it from a common sense perspective."

The Steelers engaged in a shootout win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, winning 44-38. Russell Wilson had a tremendous game, throwing for 414 yards and three touchdowns. It is nearly impossible to stop the Bengals' high-powered offense, so it is critical that their opponents put points on the board to win. 

That is why everyone was so confounded in Week 18 when the team chose to run the ball repeatedly. They lost 19-17, and Wilson only threw for 148 yards with one touchdown, yet they attempted 23 rushes for a paltry 74 yards. Fittipaldo said that the traditional Steelers smashmouth offense isn't who they are now. 

"I get it; they want to play to that personality; they don't want to turn the ball over, but I would argue you're not there yet with your offensive line," explained Fittipaldo. "In fact, your offensive line has regressed in the second half of the season. They're not playing well in pass protection right now, and they're not playing as they did earlier in the season in the run game. Are you taking a risk if you have Russ drop back 35-40 times? Yeah, because we don't know if the pass protection is going to hold up, but it's probably better than the first down run for one yard, the second down run for two yards, the third and seven, punt. It's really what we've been seeing here for the last month or so."

Steelers fans rejoiced when the team fired former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada partway through the 2023 season. The offense had not only struggled, but opponents repeatedly commented on how predictable it was, saying they knew every play call. 

The expectation with Smith was that that would change, and when Wilson took over the offense, it did look more innovative until the season's final four games. They must get back to that place to win against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. 

Will The Steelers Use Justin Fields?

Since Wilson took over, everyone has wanted to see Justin Fields used in packages designed to take advantage of his legs and speed. While he has come in a few times, it has not been as much as most would like. 

Considering they have to win to survive in the playoffs, Tomlin told the media he plans to do all he can to win the game, including playing Fields. The young quarterback said he is ready to go, feels healthy, and hopes the Ravens spent time prepping for him.

Do you agree the offense has been more Tomlin than Smith? Click to comment below. 

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