Despite a 28-14 win versus the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 season is officially over. Yes, they did in fact handle their business on Sunday but they also needed some extra help from other AFC foes in order to punch a ticket into the postseason.
Although the Buffalo Bills did their part by successfully defeating the New England Patriots, unfortunately, the New York Jets failed to beat the Miami Dolphins on a controversial call that gave Miami a last-second field goal to win the game, as all of Steeler Nation saw the season end abruptly.
Although the outcome was not what the organization was hoping for, there has to be room for optimism for the seasons to come, especially how this season ended. Before the Steelers' bye week in Week 9, they had a win-loss record of 2-6, and sat in last place in the AFC North division, with a top-five overall pick in the draft in their grasp. In a time when most teams around the league would fold, Head Coach Mike Tomlin made sure his football team didn’t blink, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Those same Steelers got what they asked for, as they went 6-2 down the stretch, the last week of the season to punch their ticket into the AFC playoffs, and if that wasn't enough, they also had the opportunity to secure a 16th consecutive winning season for Mike Tomlin, as if the playoffs were not enough motivation for the final eight games of the year. Although some players avoided the questions regarding the potential of Tomlin’s streak, it would be safe to say it was on the minds of many players, including first-year Center Mason Cole.
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 02: Mason Cole #61 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on October 2, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Cole has done his part in securing that 16th consecutive winning season by being a reliable center on an extremely underrated offensive line this season. Cole was one of the first signings during free agency, being awarded a three-year $15-million contract in an effort to fill a gap at the center position left by 12-year NFL veteran Maurkice Pouncey. It was soon after that when offensive Guard James Daniels signed a three-year deal as well, pairing the two up for multiple years to come. The Steelers' offensive line was ranked 26th in the NFL in 2021, and clearly put an emphasis on upgrading the position that upcoming off-season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Center Mason Cole (61) in a regular season game vs the Las Vegas Raiders/ Photo Credit: Karl Roser: Steelers.com
The efforts of the offensive line, Cole included, were a solid reason why this football team found the success that they did. No, it didn't come fast, not even within the first eight weeks of football, but Tomlin still found a way to keep this football team competitive, making it interesting up until the final week. Where many teams may have folded, Tomlin's Steelers team did not and while many around the media were questioning Tomlin's coaching decisions early in the year, it sounds like his players bought into what their head coach was preaching.
"It's Tomlin, man, he's special. I've played for other coaches. If he's not up there with the best in the league, Tomlin's unbelievable. I've played for other coaches and to be here, to be around this guy, I get it. I get him, I get the Steelers, I get this city," Cole said.
Did the Steelers' 6-2 finish down the stretch give you any confidence for the future of this team? Let us know in the comments below!
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