The Pittsburgh Steelers entered a Week 15 matchup versus the Carolina Panthers without their starting quarterback and an overall belief that the playoffs were still in reach. Despite the 5-8 record, head coach, Mike Tomlin's team came to play. The offense was efficient and impressive even with backup signal-caller, Mitchell Trubisky leading the way. Najee Harris led a strong rushing attack while wide receiver, Diontae Johnson had his best game of the year in the 24-16 victory. It seemed as if it could be turning into a blowout and then a defensive player who is pretty much irrelevant made a horrible decision at the end of the third quarter.
Steelers linebacker, Marcus Allen (#27) walks on the field prior to a 2021 regular season game. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Panthers were driving down 21-7 just before the fourth quarter began until any hope of a score was halted due to two straight sacks by Pittsburgh's defense that came at the hands of Alex Highsmith and Cameron Heyward. The broadcast broke away to commercial as the remaining seconds left in the third quarter expired with Carolina facing a 4th and 27. A punt was coming... until it wasn't.
One of the dumbest penalties you're ever gonna see. Marcus Allen joins the Panthers huddle to talk smack during a timeout. Wow. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/A40j4MwXVB
— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) December 18, 2022
Hybrid linebacker, Marcus Allen, who typically is just a factor on special teams, inexcusably went over to the Carolina huddle taunting them which led to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty being called. It resulted in an automatic first down and the Panthers offense trotted back on the field. Pittsburgh's defense was fortunately able to hold their opponent to just a field goal. It is baffling that the coaching staff and his teammates would even let him approach the opposing sideline in that situation, but Allen's actions are ones that he needs to answer to.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Marcus Allen #27 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
It doesn't matter that the Steelers prevailed. This kind of behavior should not be tolerated within a locker room or an organization. There was a time when it seemed as if Tomlin's team was a surefire bet to win the game and the actions of an irrelevant special teams player ended up reviving the Panthers' chances of pulling off an improbable comeback. Discipline is one of the main traits that helps with forming a consistent and winning football culture. Allen showed the opposite with the embarrassing penalty at the end of the third quarter.
Allen was drafted by the Steelers in 2018 and while he has hung around for four years, it is time for Tomlin to set an example. There is absolutely no excuse for the penalty, especially at that moment in the game. He can be replaced on special teams and with Damontae Kazee healthy, he serves no legitimate purpose and certainly does not have the amount of stock within the organization to act like he did on Sunday afternoon down in Carolina.
What are your thoughts on Allen's horrible, untimely and undisciplined penalty ? Let us know in the comments below!
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