Mike Tomlin’s conservative approach to coaching drives Pittsburgh Steelers fans up a wall: Playing the game close while (usually) squeaking out a W at the end.
Tomlin’s conservative approach could also be an issue for the pair of Pittsburgh’s new quarterbacks.
Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis broke down the success rates of both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields over the last two seasons.
Out of 32 signal-callers who have thrown at least 250 pass attempts in the second half of games, Wilson ranks 30th and Fields ranks 32nd in success rate.
Their second-half sack rates are just as poor, with Wilson as the 30th-most sacked quarterback and Fields 31st.
What’s more concerning is Kenny Pickett’s numbers were substantially better in both success (16th) and sack rate (19th) categories.
Unfortunately, Tomlin isn’t going to suddenly change how he coaches the game as he’s done for the last 16 seasons. Wilson has been playing nearly as long as Tomlin’s been coaching.
If Tomlin and the Steelers hope to continue their one-score win streak with these quarterbacks, something has to give.
the Steelers went 9-2 in one-score games last year
best in the NFL
the Steelers are 34-11 in one-score games since 2020
best in the NFL by FAR
to win so many close games, you need GREAT performance late in games
that's bad news for the Steelers this year
here’s why: pic.twitter.com/1snRqMZ9sf
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 7, 2024
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