Fans Hear Steelers' Mike Tomlin Use Crazy Excuse To Defend Pittsburgh's Lack Of Pass Rush Against Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roasted the Cleveland Browns for trading Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. On Thursday night, it was made obvious why Tomlin was afraid to see Flacco. Even at the age of 40, the veteran quarterback is still giving Tomlin nightmares. Flacco went 31-of-47 for 342 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, leading the Bengals to a 33-31 win over the Steelers in Week 7. He was only sacked twice all game, keeping his composure in the pocket and picking apart Pittsburgh’s secondary with ease.

For a player many believed was well past his prime, Flacco once again proved that experience and precision can still outplay youth and athleticism. Tomlin’s frustration was clear throughout the night as his defense failed to generate consistent pressure against the Bengals' offensive line. Despite trying a variety of blitz packages, the Steelers could not disrupt Flacco’s rhythm. 

TJ Watt faced constant double teams, and Alex Highsmith struggled to make an impact on the opposite side. Flacco’s ability to read the defense before the snap and get the ball out quickly completely neutralized Pittsburgh’s pass rush. The result was a long, exhausting night for the Steelers defense, who watched as Flacco methodically marched down the field time after time.

After the game, Tomlin spoke with the media about what went wrong and why his defense could not get to Flacco more. He admitted that his players did not win enough individual matchups and that the veteran quarterback took advantage of every opportunity. Tomlin gave credit to Flacco for his poise and preparation. He was asked if he had any excuse for why his pass rush couldn't get to the 40-year-old quarterback enough.

"Nah, they got rid of the ball quick," Tomlin said to the Pittsburgh media after the loss on Thursday night. "They were running the ball effectively, so it minimized some of those one-dimensional passing circumstances."

He emphasized that the defense needs to execute better and finish plays more effectively. For Tomlin and the Steelers, the loss served as a humbling reminder that Flacco, even at 40 years old, continues to be a major thorn in Pittsburgh’s side. 

Though Tomlin did say it directly heading into the matchup, it was clear he had serious concerns about facing Flacco again. That is why he was so confused about the Browns’ decision to send a veteran quarterback to a divisional rival. 

Tomlin understood exactly what Flacco was capable of and how dangerous he could be with a solid supporting cast. The move puzzled him because Cleveland essentially handed one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league to a team they face twice a year.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin May Have Accidentally Given Joe Flacco Confidence

If anything, Tomlin’s comments and praise for Flacco may have given the Bengals and their quarterback an extra boost of confidence. His acknowledgment of Flacco’s intelligence, composure, and leadership seemed to reinforce Cincinnati’s belief that they could rely on the veteran to control the game. 

The Bengals played with purpose and energy, determined to prove that adding Flacco was the right move all along. In the end, Tomlin’s concerns were validated, and the Browns’ decision to trade Flacco now looks even more questionable after his dominant performance against Pittsburgh. 

When the Steelers needed to stop Flacco, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase the most, they could not. It was another poor showing by the highly paid Steelers defense once again, failing to make the plays that mattered in crucial moments. Big plays kept slipping through, and the unit struggled to contain the Bengals’ top weapons despite their talent and experience. 

What do you think went wrong for this Steelers' defense against the Bengals? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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