Category: Mike Tomlin

Former Steelers QB believes team was rushed on Week 12 field goal miss

Big Ben joins fans in critiquing the Steelers’ time management issues during their Week 12 loss, specifically on a missed field goal.

Steelers fans and former players unite! It appears former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger shares a similar sentiment with fans concerned about Pittsburgh’s poor time management during the team’s Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns—specifically one rushed play that led to Chris Boswell missing a 58-yard field goal.

On the most recent episode of Big Ben’s podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the former QB stated, “What felt weird to me is that it felt rushed. The field goal felt rushed. Was it a late field goal call? Was Coach Tomlin thinking about punting it first and then he’s like, ‘Oh, let’s go field goal,’ because it just looked like the play clock was getting low.”

Roethlisberger’s analysis, like his throws against Cleveland, is right on the money. Tomlin also seemed confused and lost with the use of timeouts in the second half, and it appeared the team was unprepared throughout the winter wonderland that was Week 12’s Thursday Night Football.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to improve their preparedness ahead of an impressive Cincinnati Bengals offense in Week 13 on December 1st at 1:00 PM EST.

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Ben Roethlisberger questions Mike Tomlin’s Week 12 coaching decisions

Ben Roethlisberger joined in on questioning Mike Tomlin’s coaching calls, particularly his fourth-down decisions against the Browns.

The ‘Week 12 Mike Tomlin criticism party’ was beginning to conclude, until former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw his name into the hat of those questioning Tomlin’s strange coaching decisions against the Cleveland Browns.

On Roethlisberger’s podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the former QB highlighted Tomlin’s fourth-down decisions in particular: “Did he ever consider punting on some of those fourth downs, or just trying to flip the field? You know, like let’s play the field position game, because there were times going for it on fourth down, going for a long field goal, you gave them the field position.”

Roethlisberger’s criticisms ring true, as if Pittsburgh had punted on some of the fourth downs, the Steelers might have improved to 9-2 on the season after last week’s Thursday Night Football game.

While Tomlin’s risks and questionable decisions may never truly satisfy Steelers fans, one can only wonder if the threat posed by the Cincinnati Bengals may be enough to shock Tomlin’s decision-making into shape.

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Steelers fans react to Mike Tomlin’s bizarre Week 12 coaching strategy

Steelers fans voice frustration over Mike Tomlin’s Week 12 coaching decisions after the team’s loss to the Cleveland Browns.

The more things change for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the more they stay the same. Regardless of Mike Tomlin’s excellent coaching resume, some fans love to hate the Steelers’ head coach.

While much of the criticism surrounding Tomlin over the past few years has been unfounded, his coaching decisions in Week 12 left plenty to be desired.

For example, some fans argue that Tomlin directly cost the Pittsburgh Steelers the game when he made the call to accept an illegal touching penalty on an offensive lineman during fourth down. This decision gave the Cleveland Browns another opportunity to complete a third-down conversion in prime scoring position. His bizarre choice ultimately backfired, as Browns RB Nick Chubb ran in the game-deciding touchdown just a few plays later.

Another questionable aspect of Tomlin’s Week 12 performance was his awkward usage of the team’s second-half timeouts, leaving little to no time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to stage a last-minute comeback.

The Steel City has one of the most passionate sports fanbases in the world, and here are some of the best fan reactions to Tomlin’s odd coaching decisions in Week 12.

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Former Steelers All-Pro RB calls out fans over Mike Tomlin criticism

Former RB Le’Veon Bell defends Mike Tomlin amid rising calls for the Steelers’ head coach to be fired following the team’s Week 12 loss.

In what has resulted in a terrible Pittsburgh Steelers blame game, the team’s Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns has taken a toll on players and fans alike.

While much discussion over who is more directly responsible for the 24-19 loss to Cleveland has resulted in several prominent names being thrown under the bus, such as HC Mike Tomlin, OC Arthur Smith, QB Russell Wilson, and P Corliss Waitman, former Steelers All-Pro RB Le’Veon Bell is sick of hearing it.

This blame game has recently turned into a Tomlin witch hunt, with fans calling for the head coach to be fired. Bell, who spent the majority of his career under Tomlin’s leadership, recently made it clear on social media that any fans calling for the coach’s firing are “not real Steelers fans.”

Out of everything Bell touched on, the truest statement he made is that everyone is clearly overreacting to the Steelers’ Week 12 loss. Within a few weeks, fans will forget this stinging defeat, and the 8-3 Pittsburgh Steelers can prove why the 2024 season will finally lead to a deep playoff run.

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Former Steelers safety defends Mike Tomlin in Week 12 blame game

Ryan Clark defends Mike Tomlin’s fourth-quarter decision against the Browns, while the Steelers face scrutiny over Week 12’s struggles.

Once a Steeler, always a Steeler. While appearing on ESPN’s First Take, former Steelers safety-turned-analyst Ryan Clark proved he will forever bleed Black and Gold.

Host Molly Qerim asked Clark if Head Coach Mike Tomlin was to blame for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Clark, demonstrating immense loyalty to his former coach, defended Tomlin’s most questionable call—the acceptance of the illegal touching by an offensive lineman penalty in the fourth quarter—stating it was the correct decision.

Clark added that making the field goal attempt tougher with the acceptance of the penalty could have paid dividends for the Steelers if the defense had stopped the Browns.

The conversation shifted to discuss who was truly to blame, with the general consensus landing on Arthur Smith’s poor playcalling in Week 12. Pittsburgh will need to reevaluate its offensive approach moving forward, as the Cincinnati Bengals await the Steelers in Week 13 on December 1 at 1:00 PM EST.

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Mike Tomlin’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ road record: An in-depth look

Here’s a look at the Thursday Night Football record of Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin ahead of their Week 12 game with the Browns.

Update: Mike Tomlin’s TNF record falls to 2-9 after Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the Cleveland Browns.

As one of the NFL’s most consistent head coaches, Mike Tomlin has built a reputation for his leadership and adaptability over 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the numbers paint a more challenging picture when it comes to “Thursday Night Football” games on the road.

A tough road for Mike Tomlin on ‘Thursday Night Football’

According to career stats, Tomlin holds a 2-8 record in road TNF games. While short weeks can be tough on any team, these results highlight the challenges of performing under Thursday night lights, especially in hostile territory. The Steelers’ scoring average during these games is 19.7 points per game (PPG), while their opponents average 23.2 PPG. This points to close contests where the team has struggled to gain the upper hand.

Turnover troubles

A key factor contributing to this record is turnover differential. At -4 in these matchups, giveaways have hampered the Steelers’ chances of controlling the game. Turnovers are incredibly costly in ‘TNF’ games, where preparation time is limited, and opportunities to adjust are fewer. In general, Pittsburgh’s defense has been the one creating turnovers this season.

What These Numbers Mean

While Mike Tomlin’s overall legacy is one of success, the road struggles on ‘TNF’ underscore how challenging these games can be for even the most experienced head coaches. Short rest, travel demands, and less preparation time often result in unpredictable outcomes. Despite these hurdles, Tomlin’s ability to consistently keep the Steelers competitive is a testament to his coaching acumen.

Moving forward

As Tomlin and the Steelers look ahead, improving their Thursday night road performance will remain a priority. For fans and analysts alike, these games offer a fascinating lens into how even seasoned teams adapt to the unique grind of ‘TNF’ football, especially in the first cold-weather game of the season.

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Mike Tomlin ecstatic Baltimore let Patrick Queen hit free agency

Mike Tomlin shares his thoughts on Patrick Queen following the Steelers’ Week 11 win, highlighting his value to the team.

In the post-game press conference following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 11 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked his opinion on former Raven and current Steelers LB Patrick Queen. Tomlin kept it short and sweet, explaining: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Man, I am glad he is on our team.”

Queen, who left Baltimore after the team allowed him to hit free agency in the 2024 offseason, had a fantastic outing against the Ravens, providing much-needed run support against the one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL.

Heading into Week 11, much discussion surrounded Queen’s potential in the revenge game against his former team, and the Steelers LB did not disappoint.

While Queen had his ups and downs to start the season, no one can deny the consecutive elite performances he delivered in Weeks 10 and 11.

Queen will look to keep his red-hot momentum rolling as his team faces a short week due to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12’s Thursday Night Football game.

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Mike Tomlin spares no feelings regarding Russell Wilson’s Week 11 INT

Mike Tomlin addresses Russell Wilson’s costly interception in Week 11 as the Steelers prepare for Thursday Night Football against Cleveland.

While Russell Wilson has led the Steelers to four consecutive victories in each of his past four starts, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was unimpressed with one specific play from Week 11 against Baltimore.

The offense was struggling to score touchdowns against a stingy Ravens defense, and Wilson almost made a spectacular touchdown pass to TE Darnell Washington.

Wilson escaped pressure, scrambled to his right, and threw up a jump ball to the 6’7″ dynamic tight end in the end zone, but Washington watched it fly past his head and into the arms of Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey.

While the blame game was to be expected, Tomlin wasted no time letting everyone know who he believes was at fault: “I just wish Russ hadn’t thrown it.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought Wilson in to make plays for their offense, and Tomlin shouldn’t be surprised nor discourage Wilson’s willingness to take these risks.

Tomlin and the Wilson-led Steelers offense will look to get back on track against the Cleveland Browns on, Thursday Night Football, on November 21st at 8:15 PM EST.

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Mike Tomlin has four-word message for newest Steelers WR Mike Williams

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was fired up after Mike Williams’ game-winning touchdown vs the Washington Commanders.

For nearly 60 minutes, it appeared that newcomer Mike Williams wouldn’t be a factor in his first game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That is until Calvin Austin III was sidelined with a head injury late in the fourth quarter.

Williams’ sole target was a 32-yard touchdown floated perfectly by a pressured Russell Wilson. The score would ultimately be a game-winner for Pittsburgh.

On the sideline, a fired-up Mike Tomlin had four words for Williams: You’re a Steeler now.

It’s a small sample size, but Williams could be just what the doctor ordered for Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room. Van Jefferson ain’t it. Austin’s talent has its limitations. We already know how valuable George Pickens has been. Pickens, paired with Williams, should bolster scoring opportunities as the Steelers navigate a brutal second-half schedule.

 

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Fans react to Mike Tomlin’s hilarious comments on Diontae Johnson

Steelers fans mock Diontae Johnson after Mike Tomlin’s comments, as bad blood brews before Week 11’s clash with the Ravens.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson just can’t catch a break! From frustrations in Pittsburgh to unhappiness in Carolina, and now disappointment in Baltimore, Johnson’s negativity seems to follow him wherever he goes.

His recent social media meltdown apparently stemmed from being used sparingly for two consecutive weeks by the Ravens.

As previously reported, Mike Tomlin took a subtle jab at the former Steelers receiver, smirking as he told reporters he’s more concerned with important players who actually get playing time.

Tomlin ultimately had to deal with quite a bit of immaturity from Johnson during the receiver’s time in Pittsburgh, including his struggle to make routine catches on the field, lack of effort on run plays, and his inconsistent attitude both on and off the field.

There’s no secret that some bad blood might be brewing as the team heads into the Week 11 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Fans of the Steel City took this opportunity to let their boos rain down early on Johnson, with the prelude starting on social media. Here are some of the best reactions to Tomlin’s comments on Johnson.

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