The Pittsburgh Steelers had a ton of momentum going into a Week 4 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. They were 3-0 and atop the standings in the AFC. However, fans were able to tell the team was in trouble shortly after its matchup with the Colts began. Both sides of the ball looked rough for Pittsburgh, and the team couldn't really get anything going in the first quarter as it went down 14-0 quickly. It seemed as though there were miscommunications all over the field, which is a major indictment on Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
AP
Steelers' Mike Tomlin o the sideline during a game against the Colts.
The Colts came into the Week 4 contest with a 1-2 record, yet the Steelers managed to play down to their opponent. It almost looked like they overlooked Indianapolis. Tomlin was even messing up, as he had a questionable challenge near the start of the second quarter. He challenged a completed pass from Joe Flacco to Josh Downs which picked up a first down. Tomlin thought the ball may have hit the ground, but as the replay began it became clear it was a catch.
Steelers challenge a completed catch. It does look like Downs held on though.
— SteelerNation (@steelernation) September 29, 2024
For as good of a head coach as Tomlin has been throughout his career, he has always struggled with when and when not to challenge plays. It's arguably his biggest flaw as a head coach. This was his first challenge of the 2024 season, but it was the 54th time he has been wrong on a challenge in his career. He has a success rate of just below 43 percent.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris during a game against the Colts in 2023.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Missed A Potential Challenge As Well
There was a play earlier in the game that was more worthy of a challenge. Running back Najee Harris ran the ball close to a first down on third down, but the spot he received from the referees was a bit questionable and it resulted in a fourth and one for the Steelers. Tomlin decided to go for it, which resulted in a turnover on downs.
The third down run by Harris looked like a play that could have been challenged. It's unclear whether or not it would have been a successful challenge, but it certainly would have had more legs than the catch made by Downs. This has been an issue for Tomlin for years, and it seems like it will continue into the 2024 season.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin on the sideline during a game.
Tomlin, like all head coaches, has someone up in the booth helping him determine whether or not to challenge, so the blame isn't all his. But this is an issue that can't go unnoticed. It may be time to look to bring in someone on the staff that can help with decisions that involve game management, as Tomlin has also had some questionable timeout usage over the years.
What do you think of the criticism of Tomlin? Let us know in the comments below!
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