In the 2024 season, Mike Tomlin took a bold approach to revamp the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room, bringing in seasoned veteran Russell Wilson and young talent Justin Fields. The aim? To elevate the team’s offensive potency and turn them into genuine Super Bowl contenders. However, the season’s end mirrored the previous year’s story, with the Steelers posting a 10-7 record only to be knocked out in the Wild Card round by their divisional foes, the Baltimore Ravens, just like in 2023 with quarterbacks Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph leading the charge.
The expectations were high, but the results brought more of the same—a tough pill for a franchise and fanbase hungry for more postseason success. Now, faced with the reality of their current standing, it’s time for the Steelers to reflect and reassign responsibility. Coach Tomlin has taken a decisive first step, making his thoughts clear.
After the playoff elimination, Tomlin candidly addressed the Steelers’ struggles against the Ravens. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry proved too much for the defense, but Tomlin’s focus was on the offensive shortcomings, particularly on Russell Wilson’s shoulders. “Our inability to convert third downs in the first half was glaring. Fatigue set in and wore us down,” Tomlin noted, highlighting the offensive struggles that left the team vulnerable.
When asked about the defensive frailties against Jackson, Tomlin reiterated the offensive woes as a critical factor. “Not surprising, given our offensive ineffectiveness,” he continued. “Against a player like Lamar, when you’re on the field too long, it becomes evident. A drop here, a misstep there—it all becomes magnified against good competition. We weren’t consistent enough in moving the ball or scoring points, and in January football, you have to put points on the board.”
Tomlin’s assessment paints a picture of a unit that couldn’t reach its potential, especially in critical moments. As the Steelers face an offseason of introspection, the focus will undoubtedly be on finding that offensive spark to propel them further next season. With the current pieces in play, it’s more about fine-tuning than an overhaul, aiming to transform this talented roster into one that’s feared throughout the league.
