The Pittsburgh Steelers have found ways to make the postseason over the last two years, but the drought of playoff success has continued. The fan base has grown extremely frustrated and wants to see some major changes, but as right now, it doesn't seem like much will be changing outside of the roster. The Steelers have many holes within the team, however the deeper issues within the organization are probably what is holding the franchise back. These issues include a lack of discipline, as well as a lack of commitment.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin ahead of a 2024 home game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
A lot of the problems with the Steelers do fall on the shoulders of Head Coach Mike Tomlin. He has a lot of the say in what goes on within the organization, and how the front office builds the roster. One of the most talked about players on the current is the polarizing wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens has had some moments where he has been a distraction to the team, and it doesn't seem like he has always been the best teammate. Hall of Fame wide receiver, Cris Carter, went on the Up & Adams show where he shared that the issues with Pickens are much deeper than many think.
"The Pittsburgh Steelers have a couple problems at a couple different positions," Carter said. "It's not because of lack of talent, it's because of lack of overall discipline, lack of overall commitment to the program and what they are trying to do."
A lack of commitment from a team is a bad look for any coach in any field. Tomlin is one of the most well-respected coaches in all of sports, yet the veteran leader seems to be having trouble getting his team to buy in and be fully committed. Some argue his message is getting stale, yet the decision-makers in Pittsburgh will not move on from him. The new contract extension that Tomlin signed ahead of the 2024 season ensures he will be the coach in Pittsburgh for at least the next couple of seasons.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland during the 2024 season.
Carter spoke about Pickens as an example, but there were other instances where players in Pittsburgh did not seem to be trying their best. Over the last several weeks of the regular season, the defense seemed to give up. Guys were not flying to the ball and tackling properly, the team was just completely flat. If Tomlin can find a way to get this team to buy in more in 2025, then maybe there will finally be some success on a football field in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Need To Add Veteran Role Models On Offense
When speaking about Pickens, Carter was asked how the wide receiver situation can be fixed for the Steelers. The Hall of Famer suggested that the Steelers prioritize going out and acquiring an established veteran. Not only will this help with offensive production and improve the passing game, but this player can also serve as a voice of reason for Pickens.
"You need to get another veteran receiver with him [Pickens]," Carter said. "DeAndre Hopkins, Amari Cooper, guys that have really established themselves, not only as consistent wide receivers, but they've been great role models. He [Pickens] is a tremendous talent, but he has lapses where he does not make an impact on the game in a positive way."
The trade talk surrounding Pickens has died down for the time being, so it seems as though the fan base believes he will still be on the roster for the 2025 season.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens running in for a touchdown after a nice catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 Wild Card Round.
If the organization wants to find a way to get the best out of the fourth-year wide receiver, an effort needs to be made to get him some help. Preferably a productive veteran that can show Pickens how to be a professional.
What do you think about Carter's comments? What veteran wide receiver would you like to see in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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