The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, with a storied history of success. Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have consistently made the playoffs, winning multiple AFC North titles and even two Super Bowls. However, despite the franchise’s rich history and Tomlin’s steady leadership, there’s a recurring pattern that emerges almost every season: the Steelers seem to falter in the latter parts of the season. This collapse often derails their playoff aspirations, leading to underwhelming finishes and frustration among fans.
But what exactly is going wrong in the final weeks of the season? Why do the Steelers so frequently fall off when it matters most?
A former NFL scout, who has worked with various teams in the league, recently shared his insights on why Mike Tomlin’s Steelers consistently struggle in December and January. Here, we break down the former scout’s observations and discuss the factors contributing to the Steelers’ late-season struggles.
### 1. **Inconsistent Play Calling and Game Planning**
One of the first issues that the scout highlighted is the inconsistency in Mike Tomlin’s play calling and overall game planning during the crucial stretch of the season. The NFL is a league that demands adaptability and precision, particularly in the late stages of the year when playoff berths are on the line. The former scout noted that Tomlin, although a strong leader, sometimes fails to adjust his game plan to exploit weaknesses in the opposition.
In particular, the scout observed that Tomlin’s offensive play calling is often predictable in key moments. While the Steelers’ offense has some playmakers, including quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver George Pickens, the lack of a diversified offensive scheme makes it easier for opposing defenses to counteract Pittsburgh’s attack.
As the regular season winds down, defenses around the league start to adjust and tighten up. In the past, Tomlin’s offense has struggled to overcome these adjustments, and teams with better late-season preparation often leave the Steelers behind.
### 2. **Failure to Establish a Consistent Running Game**
Another significant issue cited by the former NFL scout is the Steelers’ inability to establish a consistent running game, especially in the second half of the season. The NFL is a league built on balance, and when a team becomes too reliant on its passing attack, it can become one-dimensional. The Steelers have struggled with this throughout Tomlin’s tenure, with their running game often failing to carry them through December and January.
The Steelers’ inability to consistently gain yards on the ground puts additional pressure on their quarterback, forcing them to make plays in high-stakes situations. The scout pointed out that when the Steelers’ rushing attack falters, the entire offense tends to stall. This is especially problematic in cold weather games in December, where running the ball is more important than ever. Without a reliable ground game, the Steelers’ offense often becomes stagnant, leading to late-season collapses.
### 3. **Defensive Inconsistencies in Critical Moments**
While the Steelers are known for their stout defense, especially under defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, the former scout pointed out that Pittsburgh’s defense has shown inconsistencies in high-pressure situations. In particular, the defense has struggled to close out games, especially late in the season when every snap is crucial.
The scout explained that while the Steelers’ defense is talented — with stars like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick — they sometimes lack the consistency needed in critical moments. This can be seen in games where Pittsburgh builds a lead only to let it slip away due to poor coverage, missed tackles, or blown assignments. These lapses in defensive execution are especially apparent in tight December games, where opponents are highly motivated and every play counts.
Moreover, while Pittsburgh’s defense has a knack for making game-changing plays early in the season, they often fail to generate the same level of pressure or turnover opportunities late in the year. The scout suggested that this could be a product of fatigue or a lack of depth in key positions, especially as the season progresses and injuries start to mount.
### 4. **Injuries and Lack of Depth**
Injuries are an unavoidable part of the NFL, but the former scout noted that the Steelers are often hit harder by injuries than other teams in the latter part of the season. This is particularly concerning because the Steelers do not have the same depth at key positions as other NFL contenders. While Pittsburgh has star players on both sides of the ball, their depth in crucial areas like the offensive line and defensive backfield can sometimes leave them exposed.
The scout mentioned that in past years, Pittsburgh’s offensive line has been a major point of weakness, and when the team faces injuries up front, it disrupts the flow of both the run game and the passing game. On defense, injuries to cornerbacks or linebackers have often made it difficult for the Steelers to maintain their dominant style of play.
As the season progresses and the injuries pile up, Pittsburgh’s lack of depth begins to show. Players who are forced to step into starting roles often don’t perform at the same level, leading to breakdowns in coverage and offensive protection that can be critical in December and January.
### 5. **Lack of Consistency from Quarterback Play**
Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ young quarterback, has shown promise, but he has struggled with consistency, particularly in the later stages of the season. According to the scout, Pickett’s performance has often been up and down, and this inconsistency becomes more pronounced as the pressure mounts in December.
As Tomlin’s Steelers strive to compete in critical games down the stretch, the quarterback position is often the difference between success and failure. The scout mentioned that in many of the Steelers’ late-season collapses, it has been the inability of the quarterback to execute at a high level that has hindered the team’s chances.
Pickett has shown flashes of brilliance but has also had moments where he makes crucial mistakes or struggles to get the offense into rhythm. This inconsistency can be the difference between a late-game win and a crushing loss, especially when every play counts during a playoff race.
### 6. **Psychological Fatigue and Lack of Mental Toughness**
Finally, the former scout pointed out that the mental aspect of the game plays a significant role in the Steelers’ late-season struggles. The NFL is a grueling season, and teams need to be mentally tough to overcome adversity, especially in the closing weeks of the year. Unfortunately, the scout believes that the Steelers sometimes struggle with mental fatigue, leading to lapses in focus and discipline.
The pressure of a playoff race, combined with the physical toll of a 17-game season, can wear on players, and the scout suggested that the Steelers’ inability to maintain focus in high-pressure moments often leads to their downfall. Whether it’s a crucial turnover, a missed tackle, or a blown coverage, these mental lapses have proven to be costly in the final stretch of the season.
### Conclusion: A Complex Combination of Factors
While there is no single reason for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ late-season collapses under Mike Tomlin, the former NFL scout’s analysis points to a combination of factors: inconsistent play calling, a lack of a reliable running game, defensive inconsistencies, injuries, quarterback play, and mental fatigue.
For Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, addressing these issues will be key to their success in the future. It’s clear that Tomlin has the leadership skills and experience to guide the team, but the challenges of balancing offense, defense, and mental preparation in the latter stages of the season remain a constant hurdle.
If the Steelers can address these issues and find more consistency down the stretch, they may be able to break the cycle of late-season collapse and contend for another Super Bowl title. But as of now, the question remains: can they make the necessary adjustments in time for the next playoff run? Only time will tell.
Leave a Reply