From the moment Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was hired, expectations were high. Perhaps unreasonably so but such is the life when it comes to the Steelers. This season might be the most pressure Tomlin has ever been under as the Steelers head coach and you have to wonder if his seat could get a little hot this year if the team struggles.
Like it or not, Tomlin inherited a very good football team when he took over in 2007. Winning a Super Bowl in his second year only compounded those expectations and really magnifies just how much the team has struggled in recent years.
This offseason presented an interesting mix of challenges and opportunities for Tomlin. On one side you have the retirement of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Not an easy chore to replace a guy like Big Ben. But Pittsburgh had the opportunity. Lots of cap space and very few spots to fill.
I’m not here to judge the moves Tomlin made this offseason but after going 0-3 in their last three playoff games and being outscored 135-100, questions do arise about the top-end potential of this team.
If the Steelers come out and struggle, the 2022 season could be over before it ever gets started. If this happens and Pittsburgh turns to rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, this whole season might be a wash. Does that give Tomlin a pass or will he be forced to take the heat for not doing enough this offseason to be competitive? Let us know in the comments below.
