Shocking Claim Suggests Several Steelers Players Aren't Bought Into Offensive Or Defensive Philosophies

The current reality for the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 2025 offseason ramps up is that the organization is not very close to competing for a Super Bowl championship. The present-day roster make-up is not up to par with a lot of the competitors in the AFC, and a bad track record for eight years in the playoffs has the fan base completely distraught. A lot of criticism has been thrown in the direction of Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Many believe that his messaging and game plans are stale in the modern age of the NFL. Despite this, he will be back in 2025, and probably beyond, to lead the team.

Pittsburgh certainly has talent on the roster, but that will only get a team so far. It has become apparent in recent years that the coaches that are one step ahead of their opponents will always have the advantage. This is what happened against the Steelers down the stretch and during a five-game losing streak, which saw two defeats occur at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.

The collapse in 2024 has to make many fans wonder what is going on behind closed doors. Ray Fittipaldo, a beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, gave his take on the situation, specifically in regards to the team's "swagger," or lack thereof. During a recent fan chat, he was asked why it seems as if the players aren't fully bought in.

"I think a big part of it is that many of the players don't believe or fully buy into their offensive and defensive systems," Fittipaldo wrote. "Until that changes, you're not going to see anyone on that team playing with swagger."

This is an alarming statement that is indicative of questionable coaching. If a reporter that is around the team often gets the vibe that many in the locker room don't believe in the systems that are in place, that could certainly be a reason as to why the organization can't get over the hump in the postseason for nearly a decade now. Tomlin's approach could have absolutely failed to resonate recently for a lot of players.

Fittipaldo continued to answer the concerned fan, and noted that it does not feel as if everyone in the Steelers' building is on the same page. This could be one of the biggest problems facing the organization entering 2025.

"Cam Heyward was quoted at the Super Bowl that the defense lacked 'cohesion.' Everyone in the organization needs to be on the same page. It doesn't feel that way with the Steelers at all right now."

No one can doubt that Tomlin is a heck of a head coach. This doesn't necessarily mean he is the right man for the job in Pittsburgh anymore. In recent offseasons, it appears as if a little more comes out each year regarding what is going on inside the organization's building.

A lot needs to be done throughout the offseason for the Steelers to increase their chances of being competitive well into February. One crucial piece to the puzzle may be someone confronting Tomlin about serious adjustments that need to be made in order to turn the ship around.

Steelers Have Bigger Problems If Locker Room Is Losing Faith In Tomlin

Tomlin is under contract through the 2027 season, which will likely keep him around until then, unless he decides to part ways with the organization. If, however, players are talking behind the coaching staff's back about not believing in the philosophies in place, that is a massive issue that could have terrible ramifications. If what Fittipaldo is theorizing is true, there is so much work to be done in the Steel City.

Do you think that the Steelers' roster isn't buying into the systems in place? Let us know in the comments below!

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