Former GM: Steelers Have Absolutely "No Chance" To Finish Above .500

The Pittsburgh Steelers have received plenty of attention from the national media throughout the 2024 offseason. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has had his hands full with numerous different headlines. There has been quarterback controversy, trade rumors and the release of an extremely difficult backend to the schedule. It will be very tough for the team to have a winning record in the final eight games of the season, which makes the first half critical if a playoff berth is going to be possible. Tomlin is known for never having a losing season, but the possibility of that happening will be on the table if the first nine games don't go as planned.

Some pundits might trust Tomlin and his incredible ability to always finish above .500 and be in the playoff conversation, but he has had his doubters throughout the years as well. One of these individuals is former NFL front office executive, Mike Tannenbaum. He was the general manager for the New York Jets when the Steelers defeated his team in the 2010 AFC Championship Game.

Tannenbaum is a regular on ESPN's popular morning show, Get Up, and the panel has seemed to discuss Pittsburgh nearly every day throughout training camp and the preseason. It has become redundant to a point, but when asked about the Steelers' chances of being above .500 once again, the former general manager said that Tomlin deserves an early induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame if the non-losing season streak continues.

"Greeny, if they have a winning record Mike Tomlin goes into the Hall of Fame in the bye week. This team has no chance to have a winning record. Just blow up the process and give him the gold jacket. Drive from Pittsburgh to Canton. KMart, there is just no way," Tannenbaum said.

It's not surprising to hear Tannenbaum be critical of Pittsburgh, as he has been several times in the past. Overall, however, the Steelers seem to be in better shape at quarterback than 2023 and have a relatively easy start to the season schedule-wise. Tomlin has finished above .500 with much less, and it shouldn't come as a shock if 2024 ends up being another nine-plus win campaign. 

Pittsburgh will have to play all six divisional games in the final eight games of the regular season while also mixing in the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. It is arguably the toughest stretch that any team in the league has at any point throughout the year. It's not going to take a miracle to get into the playoffs, but the easier games early on are crucial.

Tomlin's teams have often played down to competition, but that's an issue that can't be relevant in 2024. There is very slim margin for error and while Tannenbaum believes that the Steelers have no chance to compete for a playoff spot, it's certainly possible with a strong defense. Pittsburgh has relied on its defense for years and seems to be even better shape than in the past with the addition of Patrick Queen and the emergence of Nick Herbig.

Overall, there shouldn't be too much worry over Tannenbaum's comments. He has often tried to fire up the Steelers' fan base with comments similar to those he made on Wednesday morning. The reality of the fact is that several members of the media have been saying for years that Pittsburgh will finally be under .500, and it simply hasn't happened.

Steelers Need A Little Help From Offense To Silence Doubters

Pittsburgh will get strong play from the defense, as long as all key contributors remain healthy. The biggest challenge is going to be the offensive line being consistent and the players buying into Arthur Smith's newly-implemented offense. The team will be in most of the games that it competes in, but it will come down to a strong first half of the year while surviving a brutal stretch to end the campaign.

Do you think the Steelers have any chance of finishing over .500 in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

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