What “obligatory adjustments” can Mike Tomlin and the Steelers make at this level within the season?
As soon as once more, Mike Tomlin has watched a Steelers season spin off-course within the ultimate flip. Dropping three video games in a row, they not management their future for the AFC North. Whereas they’re sure for the playoffs, it would possible be as a Wild Card group.
After controlling the division because the starting of the season, that could be a powerful tablet for Tomlin to swallow. After the Steelers’ most up-to-date loss, he promised he would consider the place issues stand and make the “obligatory adjustments”. However what are the adjustments he can probably make?
If this dialog feels acquainted, that’s as a result of it’s. And if we’re being sincere, that’s hardly distinctive to Tomlin and the Steelers. Virtually each group hits a tough patch sometimes and must take inventory of what’s happening.
For the Steelers, it’s admittedly turning into annoyingly common, although. And with every time, it appears there are fewer and fewer issues they’ll do about it. Not less than again in 2013, for instance, there have been adjustments they may make. Getting Le’Veon Bell wholesome as a rookie was good, and inserting Cameron Heyward into the beginning lineup—an utter stroke of genius that ought to have struck lengthy earlier than. However what can Tomlin do now?
Hey, I do know. They’ll get Roman Wilson training this week and let him begin the season finale. I’m kidding, after all. They way back squandered any alternative the rookie receiver might need of contributing this yr. However that’s reflective of the place by which Mike Tomlin finds his Steelers.
Now, the group did have some accidents, and even this week have been with out Joey Porter Jr., whose absence was definitely felt. Well being is at all times a welcome factor, however the Steelers want extra than simply what they have already got. What they’ve isn’t working, and what can Tomlin do about it at this level? Play Jaylen Warren extra? Throw to Pat Freiermuth extra? Tremendous Bowl, right here we come.
The Steelers’ 2024 season is underway, following one other disappointing yr ending in a first-round playoff loss. They’ve had an extended offseason because the Buffalo Payments stamped them out of their distress again in January. There are constructive indicators, however issues might leap off the rails any second.
The largest query hanging over the group is the quarterback query. Is Russell Wilson incomes a profitable new deal subsequent yr, and is Justin Fields nonetheless in consideration? How will the group proceed to handle the depth chart, which is surprisingly nonetheless in flux?
The common season is right here, following weeks of camp and preseason video games. The Steelers made quite a few strikes by means of signings and commerce—and launch. Greater than standard, they appeared snug creating holes, assured they’ll fill them. Some they managed to fill, others not a lot. Now that we’ve so many items of the puzzle, nevertheless, we merely have a brand new set of inquiries to ask.