Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have lost three straight games. With the 29-10 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas — and the Ravens’ win on the same day — the Steelers have also played themselves out of potentially winning the AFC North (8% chance according to PFN’s Playoff Predictor.)
The Steelers exceeded expectations to start the season, but their recent form has worried many. Tomlin is facing pressure from the fans, and a former NFL player criticized his decisions in the loss against the Chiefs.
Ross Tucker Was Surprised by Mike Tomlin’s Strategy in Loss vs. Chiefs
Ross Tucker, an offensive lineman who played five years in the league, was puzzled by how Tomlin risked the health of some of the team’s key players in Week 17. He spoke about it on the “Ross Tucker Podcast.”
“Mike Tomlin went for it on 4th-and-20, but then the next series, on 4th-and-2, down 19 with six minutes left, he punted it. I couldn’t believe it,” Ross said. “Then he punts the ball, which means you’re giving up on the game, you’re not really trying to win, and that’s OK, like I can live with that. Why were Cam Hayward, Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and T.J. Watt still in the game?”
Ross added, “Why was Russell Wilson still in the game after that? You’re obviously not trying to win, but you’re going to take the chance of losing your most valuable players to injury and meaningless action. I was floored by that.”
“Mike Tomlin went for it on 4th & 20. But then he punted it on 4th & 2 down 19 with 6 minutes left which means you're giving up on the game…
…why was Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Russell Wilson, etc still in the game after that?”@RossTuckerNFL on the Steelers questionable decision… https://t.co/gr6Q8h97Zv pic.twitter.com/NqsLXpcIb5
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) December 26, 2024
The Steelers scored just three points in the second half and could have taken out their starters since they were behind by multiple scores. Fortunately, none of their key players got hurt against the Chiefs, but the head coach should have protected the players as they have a must-win game next week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Pittsburgh needs the Ravens to lose in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns to have a chance of winning the division. Given how the Ravens have played in the last few weeks, it seems like the Steelers’ three-game losing streak has cost the team their eighth AFC North title.
Steelers Expected To Match Up Against Texans in Wild Card Round
Unless the Ravens slip up against the Browns, the Steelers are expected to finish the regular season as the fifth seed in the AFC. They will match up against the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round, and it will be a favorable fixture for them.
The Texans already have a severely underperforming offensive line and star players out injured. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has struggled a lot, and the Steelers’ defense, led by Watt, could wreak havoc.
If the Steelers win in the Wild Card Round, they could face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in the Divisional Round. Based on how the Week 17 matchup between the two teams played out, Pittsburgh could run into trouble getting a result against the defending Super Bowl champions, especially when Patrick Mahomes and Co. usually play at their best in the postseason.
Tomlin and the Steelers’ last playoff win came in 2017 against the Chiefs. They will look to win against the Texans to snap their five-game losing streak in the postseason, but expecting them to go further than that could be difficult.
While Tomlin’s future with the Steelers is secured, Wilson has to perform in the remaining games of the season to save his spot on the team. The veteran quarterback has also struggled in the last few games, and some fans are not looking forward to the team signing him to a long-term deal.