I'm not so old that I can remember when the Pittsburgh Steelers were the laughing stock of the NFL. A bye-gone era's version of the Detroit Lions, New York Jets or even the then Oakland Raiders for those Gen Z or Millennials who are not aware of the hard times this franchise suffered through. Shoot, I was in my teens when the post Steel Curtain gang all hung it up. Those Steelers squads of 1984 and beyond suffered some poor seasons, sans the '85 and '89 playoff runs, the last of the Chuck Noll era.
Chuck Noll | Steelers.com
But if you have been alive and following since the Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin regimes of Stillers football, you have seen some pretty good pig being played. Enough to watch four more Super Bowl runs and a pair of Lombardi trophies added to the case that sits inside the team's UPMC Complex on the South Side. There are fans in Detroit, New York, Cleveland and elsewhere that would kill for moments like those, both good and bad.
Sadly, what has become clear in recent years is this: Unless Mike Tomlin makes some serious changes to his coaching agenda, this most recent brand of Steelers football won't pass the eye test with fans. Not that your average Joe six-pack should be taken seriously with suggestions on making key personnel decisions, coaching, or cap assessments. If this thing we've come to know as the 'Steelers Way' is real, then it's time to address the elephant in the room. What Mike Tomlin says and then does, is not fitting this narrative. And it's up to Art Rooney II to change his point of view.
What Direct Action Art II Can Take For Starters
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 7: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (right) and president Arthur J. Rooney II look on as Dick LeBeau speaks during the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium on August 7, 2010 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
For starters, Rooney II must get Tomlin to commit to a change in offensive philosophy. If you can't replace your QB, (they won't) or your offensive line (they can't), and you can't run or catch the ball (see last two items), then where do you start?
It's painfully obvious as to where, yet Tomlin can't act on it.
I have to say when it comes to loyalty, Mike Tomlin has shown some chops in the department of keeping embattled offensive coordinator, Matt Canada in charge of this offense. To be fair, Canada, in his second season, was never going to be allowed to develop at first with Ben Roethlisberger running the show for his final season. Say what you want about Ben's injuries and limited mobility, but there is no way on God's green earth the Steelers make the postseason last year without him. Despite all his warts and arm issues, the future Hall of Famer willed this team to the playoffs, albeit a forgetful blowout loss at Kansas City. Matt Canada was not truly in 'charge' of things. Not like now.
It's not Canada's fault this team's defensive backs drop balls that should be intercepted. It's not Canada's fault the defense can't get off the field in key second half spots when the Steelers have a lead. It's not Canada's fault when wide receivers drop balls or run routes incorrectly. Or that his offensive line, despite playing better to begin the season, is still not playing at the level needed. It's not his fault he's got a rookie QB struggling to learn the ways of the NFL at its most demanding position.
But it's Canada who calls the plays. And Canada who designs them. It's Canada who must make adjustments when opposing defenses are figuring out what they are scheming. And he's failed in all of these areas by a country mile, or East Carson Street mile to be more yinzer-centric.
Players are frustrated. It's growing by the game, and it's not a good look.
Yet he stays employed. The question is why?
Mike Tomlin's Biggest Crutch He Must Overcome: Loyalty Over Business
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada and head coach Mike Tomlin on the field at Acrisure Stadium. | Credit: Matt Freed/Post-Gazette
Simply put, a blind loyalty to somebody who did Tomlin a favor. Or more importantly, his son Dino is what's driving this IMHO.
What else can it be? Shortly after the arrival of Dino Tomlin to Maryland, Canada was gone from the Terrapin's program. After spending three seasons in College Park, Dino is now at Boston College where he's been used mostly as a back-up.
Is keeping Canada as your OC worth all of this? Legacy aside, Tomlin has never faced a losing season like this. Nothing close. Thanks in part to taking over a team where you had 3-4 Hall of Fame players already on the roster, along with some other players who just fit the system well. He rode that club well, driving a pair of them to the Super Bowl.
But since 2011, Tomlin has squandered quite a few opportunities, many that have been chronicled here. Omar Khan is trying to convince Tomlin to fire Canada. Word is Khan has turned the heat up in recent weeks, only to be out-ranked by Tomlin. Simply put, he's got a chance this week to make a move that must be done now. If he won't, it's now up to Art Rooney II to force his hand, or the use of the phrase the 'Steelers Way' will hold no meaning.
Art II & Coaching Mike Tomlin To Embrace Change
Mike Tomlin on sideline of Steelers 35-13 loss at Philadelphia. Photo credit - Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Winning playoff games and Super Bowls are what playing in the NFL is about. It's time Art Rooney II reminds Tomlin of this. The only path to start that process is by firing Matt Canada this week and for Art II to make this come to pass as Tomlin has clearly refused out of blind loyalty. That isn't good enough. In order to keep up with the times, you must change. If Tomlin can't on his own accord, Art II must make this happen.
What say you, Steelers fans? Is it time for Art II to step in and give Mike Tomlin the push to do this? Sound off in the comment section below!
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