Steelers' Mike Tomlin Gets Exposed By Kirk Herbstreit For Losing Locker Room

The Pittsburgh Steelers began the 2024 NFL season with a strong start, reaching an impressive 10-3 record and fueling hopes that they might finally end their playoff drought. Fans were optimistic, and it seemed as though the team was on track for a deep postseason run. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse, as the Steelers ended the regular season by losing five straight games, culminating in a 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs.

During the loss to the Ravens, several glaring issues became apparent, but perhaps the most concerning was the team's lack of energy. In a must-win playoff game against their division rivals, the Steelers failed to bring the intensity expected in such a high-stakes matchup. This lack of motivation and urgency was evident, and it didn't go unnoticed by commentators.

On the Amazon Prime broadcast, Kirk Herbstreit didn't hold back, directly calling out Head Coach Mike Tomlin for his team's uninspired performance. Herbstreit criticized the lack of energy and fire, especially in a playoff game, and questioned how the Steelers could come out flat when so much was on the line. It was a tough moment for the team, and Tomlin's leadership came under scrutiny as the Steelers faced yet another early playoff exit.

"If I were a Steelers fan, the thing that would concern me just watching this first half, you’re in the postseason, you’re getting dominated," Herbstreit said. "I don’t see any fight, I don’t see any pushback. It’s one thing to lose X/Os against a really talented offense. But where the h**l is the fight? This is the Pittsburgh Steelers. There’s nothing. They’re just going through the motions."

Herbstreit is typically calm and respectful during his broadcasts, known for his composed and thoughtful approach to calling games. So when he made such a pointed comment, it drew attention. His decision to speak out in such a manner highlighted serious concerns, as it’s rare for him to be so direct. 

Herbstreit raised valid points, and in doing so, he resonated with Steelers fans, expressing the frustration many were feeling about the team’s lack of energy and urgency in such a critical playoff game.

"This just did not look like Pittsburgh Steelers football in the first half," Herbstreit said. "Just the fight, just the energy. We’ve seen that really the last four weeks. We thought in the postseason, it’s a fresh start, they’re playing the Ravens, a team that they’ve beat eight of the last 10 — the Steelers have got to show up! They’ve got to fight tonight! They didn’t in the first half."

Steelers' Tomlin Should've Gotten Dramatic

The Steelers had a strong start to the 2024 season, but it now feels like a distant memory. After a tough loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Tomlin was asked about the game and responded defensively, downplaying the importance of the defeat by saying it was just one loss and they wouldn’t get too dramatic.

However, things took a turn for the worse as they went on to lose four more games, finishing the season with five straight defeats. It seems the team may have needed to be more dramatic, as major changes appear imminent in Pittsburgh. The offseason is expected to bring plenty of drama and storylines for fans to follow.

It was especially disheartening for Steeler Nation to watch the team come out flat in a crucial playoff game against a division rival. Herbstreit’s comments seemed to directly address Tomlin, criticizing the lack of fight and energy he felt the team should have displayed during such a high-stakes game.

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