Steelers' Mike Tomlin Focused On Not Making Ravens Matchup Aaron Rodgers' Final Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers were humiliated in Week 17 of the NFL season, losing to the Cleveland Browns by a score of 13-6. In a game that the Steelers needed to win to clinch the AFC North, Pittsburgh came out flat, posting 291 total yards of offense and were unable to capitalize on two key turnovers by the Browns. This has now set up a winner takes all showdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 on Sunday Night Football for the AFC North crown, with the loser being eliminated from playoff contention.

With this showdown potentially being the last game for the Steelers this season, this raises a lot of questions about the aging veterans on the Steelers roster, particularly quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as this could very well end up being his last game in the NFL. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about this potential in his latest address to the media on Tuesday.

When Tomlin gave his answer to this question, it revealed a determined head coach wanting to make sure he and the rest of the NFL fans could keep watching Rodgers play.

"You know, I don't know that I've taken time to ponder that," Tomlin said. "I'm just committed to making sure that it's not [his last game]. He's certainly been an awesome contributor to our efforts, not only from a talent perspective and experience perspective, but just, his professionalism, his relationship with the game, his love for his teammates, and his willingness to help them grow and get better and gain better understanding each and every day has been cool to be a part of."

Tomlin's comments show just how motivated he is to make sure that Rodgers gets to play again. Certainly, his last game potentially being a regular season game against the Ravens in Week 18 would be a let down to the organization and most Steelers fans, with the team having signed Rodgers for big moments such as this one.

With how Rodgers had expressed clear distaste over the play-calling on offense against the Browns, it's clear that Tomlin's game plan against the Ravens will need to be vastly different than what was put on display last Sunday afternoon. There were moments against the Browns that it looked as if Rodgers got so frustrated with the offensive play-calling that he began doing things himself, particularly on the final drive in which the Steelers looked like they did in Week 16, moving the ball down the field with ease. Even then, they still stalled out when it mattered most, allowing the Browns to pull off the upset.

If Tomlin is truly motivated to give Rodgers the best chance he can to get into the playoffs in what could be his final year in the NFL, things will have to change dramatically on offense, especially with key pieces on the unit being unavailable. Even so, the Steelers will need to make another very critical change if they want to have the best chance of victory against the Ravens.

Steelers Need To Stick With What Works On Offense Against The Ravens

During the recent game against the Browns, the Steelers' offense had moments where they moved the ball effectively, this being the ground game. Both running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren had solid games, with Warren going for 64 yards on the ground and Gainwell playing a pivotal role in the receiving aspect. When it looked like they were clicking again, the play-calling went back to the pass, ultimately stalling the momentum they were building. To beat the Ravens, the Steelers need to ensure Warren and Gainwell are heavily involved in the game plan, to give Rodgers his best shot at another game in the NFL.

What did you think about Tomlin's comments on ensuring Rodgers gets one more shot at a playoff game? Let us know in the comments below.

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