Telling Admission From Mike Tomlin Confirms The Steelers' Coaching Staff Is Doomed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a disappointing season through 12 games as the team has a 6-6 record and is currently second in the AFC North. Thankfully the division has underperformed as a whole, so Pittsburgh still controls its own destiny with two games remaining against the Baltimore Ravens, who currently lead the AFC North. If the Steelers can win their two matchups with Baltimore, the organization will give itself a chance to clinch a playoff berth by likely winning the division, but the outlook on the season is pretty bleak as of now after a bad string of games.

The Steelers fell to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13 by a score of 26-7 after going into halftime with a 7-3 lead. The offense never really got clicking, and the defense fell apart in the second half as the Bills were able to run wild. Buffalo set the record for the most yards recorded on the ground by a visiting team in Pittsburgh, which is completely embarrassing for one of the highest-paid defensive units in the NFL. Outside linebacker TJ Watt showed frustration after the game as the Bills were able to find success running the same play over and over again, which is something Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about during his press conference on Tuesday.

"It was really good execution by them," Tomlin said. "Oftentimes, it was the final look, but they had pre-snap movement and changes of offensive personnel that disguised it. So sometimes a play would hit in a particular space, but they would change offensive personnel, requiring us to change defensive personnel and the person might be different the second time. So that's just a strategic component of football. They did an awesome job, I don't want to take anything away from them. And we certainly have to be better."

This was one of those instances where it seemed like Pittsburgh was unable to make the proper adjustments to stop a certain play, which is a direct indictment on the coaching staff. Tomlin essentially admitted they were out-schemed and out-strategized, which is something fans have been complaining about throughout the 2025 season, and even in prior years.

Pittsburgh has been predictable and outdated on both sides of the ball for years now, and it is finally catching up to the franchise. The team is trending in a bad direction, which is why many fans don't have much faith when it comes to clinching a spot in the postseason or advancing in the playoffs.

Tomlin is known as a defensive head coach, and he and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin work together on the defensive game plan throughout a week of preparation for an opponent. The two have come up short with a good amount of talent on the defensive side of the ball, which is part of what allowed Buffalo and James Cook to account for so many yards on the ground, despite being banged up on the offensive line.

Steelers Have Another Tough Task Ahead Of Them On Defense In Week 14

Pittsburgh will travel to take on Baltimore in Week 14, which is going to be a very pivotal game within the division. Baltimore has not had as much success on the ground as they have in recent years, but Pittsburgh's weak defense will be a great opportunity for the Ravens to bounce back. 

Both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are major threats on the ground, and after seeing how Pittsburgh performed against Buffalo, the Ravens will likely look to punish the Steelers with their legs.

What did you think of Tomlin's remarks from Tuesday regarding the Bills' recent rushing performance at Acrisure Stadium and how the Steelers couldn't stop it? Let us know in the comments below, or on our social media pages!

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