The Pittsburgh Steelers are 6-3, and as I am certain you have heard, the workforce has blown a lead in all 9 video games up to now, turning into the one workforce to have a successful file underneath these circumstances. It is a statistic that has grow to be as tiresome as listening to that Mike Tomlin does not have a dropping file, however the truth that the Steelers are nonetheless discovering methods to win is spectacular. The way in which they’ve continued to win has earned Tomlin numerous respect this season, and NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks writes for NFL.com that Tomlin is at the moment his decide to win Coach of the 12 months.
“There isn’t a higher NFL coach on the subject of coaxing wins from a flawed roster. Tomlin has mastered successful video games through the use of quite a lot of complementary soccer methods to beat his aspect’s shortcomings,” writes Brooks. “Whereas Tomlin’s workforce does not win with spirit, Pittsburgh has a knack for forcing opponents to play on their phrases in ugly video games. The craftsmanship required to beat the Steelers pushes opponents and coaches out of their consolation zones, leading to extra errors and miscues at key moments. Moreover, Tomlin’s successful pedigree, using quite a lot of kinds, has given his gamers the boldness that they will win in any circumstance.
To say the Steelers lack grit is one thing of an understatement. Each sport is like that. Rattling. Ugly. However Tomlin and the Steelers have seemingly perfected the artwork of successful a sport they positively do not need to win. They’ve a turnover margin of +10, which is tied for first within the NFL, and so they additionally generate on-time turnovers. That they had two interceptions in the long run zone towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers, taking potential factors off the board and the protection is the definition of bend, do not break.
On a struggling offense, the splash performs assist give the Steelers offense alternatives to attain if the protection is not scoring by itself. Two defensive touchdowns had been key to the week two win towards the Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh’s protection, particularly TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, is the explanation this workforce is 6-3.
The offense has lastly gotten going within the final two weeks by leaning on the run, as they’ve rushed for over 160 yards in every of their final two video games. If they will proceed that success on the bottom and make the operating sport their id, this workforce may enhance within the second half of the season.
The important thing to really turning into contenders is for QB Kenny Pickett to get going. Pickett has seemingly regressed from the way in which he completed the 2022 season, and the Steelers will want him to enhance down the highway.
However they cannot be mad at 6-3 proper now, and so they may make the playoffs with an inherently flawed workforce. Tomlin deserves numerous credit score for that, and if he retains the Steelers going, he may win his first-ever Coach of the 12 months award. It is spectacular what he is achieved with this workforce, and I believe it is honest to say that this workforce can be a lot worse if they’d one other coach on the helm.
Tomlin’s skill to win ugly and soiled video games has benefited a workforce that was missing on offense and taking part in the well timed protection wanted to win. If it continues, or if the Steelers offense can discover a means to enhance and the protection tightens up a bit over time, Tomlin ought to begin planning his journey to the NFL Honors ceremony.
