Mike Tomlin: Steelers’ Recent Playoff Failures ‘My Story, Not This Collective’s Story’
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has taken ownership of the team’s recent playoff struggles, dismissing any notion that it’s a collective failure.
The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016, going 0-3 in that span. Their most recent postseason defeat came in an embarrassing 42-21 loss to the Cleveland Browns in January 2021.
However, Tomlin refused to blame the team’s poor playoff performances on anyone other than himself.
“This Is on Me”
“The recent playoff failures are my story, not this collective’s story,” Tomlin said during a press conference on Monday. “I’m the head coach, and it’s my responsibility to get this team ready to play in the playoffs. I haven’t done that, and I own that.”
Tomlin’s statement is a departure from his usual stance of deflecting blame. He has often praised his players for their effort and resilience, even in defeat.
But after three consecutive playoff losses, Tomlin has decided to take a different approach.
Personnel Issues
The Steelers have faced some personnel challenges in recent years, particularly on the offensive line and at quarterback.
Ben Roethlisberger, the team’s longtime starting quarterback, has struggled with injuries and is now 39 years old. The offensive line has also been plagued by injuries, and the team has failed to find a consistent running game.
However, Tomlin refused to use these issues as an excuse for the team’s playoff failures.
“We Have Enough”
“I’m not going to sit here and talk about the challenges we’ve faced,” Tomlin said. “Every team in the league faces challenges. We have enough. We have enough talent. We have enough experience. We have enough leadership. It’s my job to get us ready to play, and I haven’t done that.”
Tomlin’s comments are a sign that he is determined to turn things around in Pittsburgh. He has been criticized for his stubbornness and his unwillingness to change, but he is now embracing a more self-critical approach.
Looking Ahead
The Steelers have a lot of work to do if they want to return to the playoffs and make a deep run. They need to get healthier, improve their offensive line, and find a more consistent running game.
But if anyone can turn things around in Pittsburgh, it’s Mike Tomlin. He has a proven track record of success, and he is determined to prove that the Steelers’ recent playoff failures are not a sign of a decline.
Conclusion
Mike Tomlin has taken ownership of the Steelers’ recent playoff failures, dismissing any notion that it’s a collective failure. He has promised to make changes and get the team back to the playoffs.
Whether he can deliver on that promise remains to be seen. But if anyone can turn things around in Pittsburgh, it’s Mike Tomlin.