Risky Decisions Separate Steelers And Eagles: "Not Afraid To Make Changes And Keep Everyone On Edge"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the NFL's most storied franchises. The Rooney family found a winning formula when they hired Head Coach Chuck Noll and stuck by his side. Some would say they are too loyal. Head Coach Mike Tomlin just finished his 18th season, and during his tenure, he's taken the Steelers to two Super Bowls, winning one. 

Most fan bases would be ecstatic, but not Yinzers. Tomlin's recent playoff drought has them calling for his firing or for significant change. But their view of significant change and Art Rooney II's must be different. He told the media he felt they made substantial changes after the 2023 season and wanted to see how those develop. 

Steelers fans are comparing them to the team on the other side of the state, the Philadelphia Eagles, and wondering how they can get to their level. Many believe they are on the way with the hiring of Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl, who instituted a program to build Philadelphia from the trenches up. However, former Eagles scout John Middlekauff spoke with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Brian Batko on the Chipped Ham and Football podcast, and he said the Steelers must embrace change like the Eagles have.  

"They are just not afraid to make changes and keep everyone on edge," admitted Middlekauff. "I've never been in the Steelers' building, but I spent a lot of time with the Eagles, and it's an intense place. It's kind of a Howie [Roseman] thing, he just never settles. Tomlin says, 'The standard is the standard,' well it's not true anymore."

The Eagles are not afraid to pivot, regardless of their talent. Middlekauff said most fans would agree that Andy Reid is one of the best coaches in the NFL, but the Eagles chose not to renew his contract. That change worked out for both parties.   

Middlekauff explained that's what Executive Vice President and General Manager Howie Roseman adds. Unlike many general managers, Roseman was a lawyer, not a football player, before taking the job. He thinks more like a businessman and less like a coach. It has allowed him to make impartial decisions that grow the team. 

"I think one pivot they made is they kind of built their entire team on a bunch of TJ Watts and Minkah Fitzpatrick, hardcore, super high character, good football players and then they were equipped to take Jalen Carter, who has not been an issue for them. They don't like the George Pickens stuff, that doesn't really happen for them. Let's use the Carson Wentz example of when they pivoted off him and the Jalen Hurts draft pick the year before that set that up. Would the Steelers have done that? No chance."

Middlekauff said they aren't immune to the usual drama that comes with diva players. He added wide receivers are just "weird" and said that a guy like AJ Brown would sometimes run his mouth to the media. However, there's a big difference between being frustrated and quitting on your team. 

Batko said the Steelers are the literal antithesis of this. They don't embrace change; they avoid it. Of course, change alone will not make a team successful. Many NFL teams have turnover, which hasn't been a winning formula. The Steelers must find the sweet spot between loyalty and shaking things up.  

The Steelers Are Facing A Change Of Guard In The AFC North

Middlekauff said that the Steelers have done a better job than any other team at becoming and staying relevant. They have winning seasons despite rarely getting a top-ten draft pick. 

However, they have missed on quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired and are no longer the top dog in the AFC North. They struggle to compete with the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow or the Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson. They must be prepared to take a chance on a new quarterback without reaching out and hoping he pans out. 

Do you agree the big difference between the Steelers and the Eagles is their willingness to change? Tell us what you think below! 

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