Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers enter the playoffs on a four-game losing streak. They will face the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round and are a 9.5-point underdog.
Russell Wilson started the season well, but has struggled a lot in his team’s losing streak. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has hinted Justin Fields could play against the Ravens, and his comments sparked reactions from the team’s fans on social media.
Steelers Fans React to Arthur Smith’s Comments on Justin Fields
In the last four games, Wilson has thrown for 698 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, with a passer rating of 81.3. He has averaged 174.5 passing yards per game during this stretch, much less than the 254.9 passing yards and passer rating of 103.9 he averaged in his first seven games.
Smith talked about using Fields in the playoffs, and in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Andrew Fillipponi of “93.7 The Fan” speculated about the Steelers’ OC being pressured by Tomlin to start Wilson over Fields.
Here are some of the reactions related to it:
Unpopular Opinion: Arthur Smith isn’t to blame for the offense. Tomlin sets the offensive game plan and Smith follows suit. Run, run, run, and hold the clock out. Tomlin is holding back the offense and is the only Steeler “living in his fears”. https://t.co/0BO308hnSz
— Collin Cooper (@Mr_Coop15) January 8, 2025
“Tomlin needs to be traded and let Arthur run the show. The first six games were good, only two losses, and here comes Russell,” wrote a fan.
Another fan added, “I agree Mike Tomlin is the biggest issue with Steelers in their totality. Mike Tomlin needs to be fired, and [I’m] gonna keep saying it until it happens. People who defend Mike Tomlin need to change their opinion. They’re wrong to defend him.”
I think Artie has been in favor of Jussy all year. Too bad Mike wants Russy.
— the pennsyltucky kid (@PensyltuckySlim) January 9, 2025
“He should not listen to Tomlin and put together an effective passing playbook,” said another fan.
One fan added, “I would totally agree with you, but we all know that MT is going to do things his way no matter what. Even if it spells out a loss. He has to go.”
Sad that they risked this entire season all for the sake of ego. https://t.co/NYWd7NraB0
— Yayo 🤷🏽♂️ (@_yayeezy) January 9, 2025
Pittsburgh averaged 14.25 points in its last four games of the season. If the Wilson-led offense continues to play like that, the team has no chance of defeating the Ravens.
Super Bowl-winning quarterback Kurt Warner recently discussed how the Steelers’ offense with Wilson is all about checkdowns and moon balls for George Pickens. He also said that, to beat Pittsburgh, opposing defenses have to force Wilson to make constant smart decisions.
The Steelers’ offense has become predictable with Wilson, which is why they might have to feature Fields a lot more against the Ravens. Both quarterbacks will be free agents after the season, so their performance in the playoffs will go a long way toward dictating their future with the team.
Mike Tomlin Is Under Immense Pressure To Win Against the Ravens
Tomlin won the Super Bowl in his second year as the Steelers’ head coach. He is now into his 18th season with the team, and only has eight playoff wins.
Pittsburgh last won a playoff game in 2017, which came against the Alex Smith-led Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, they have lost five straight playoff games, and a loss to the Ravens will turn the fan base against Tomlin.
The Steelers head coach is well-respected around the league, but the fans in Pittsburgh are not very fond of how the team’s season finishes in the same manner every year. They are able to make the postseason, but constant failures in the game that matters the most are a cause of concern.
Lamar Jackson is 2-4 against the Steelers in his career, and Pittsburgh has had his number over the years. Since the playoff game is against a division opponent, Tomlin should be well prepared for it. Jackson did play in the Ravens’ Week 16 win against the Steelers, so it’s now up to the 52-year-old head coach to make sure his team avenges that loss and makes it to the Divisional Round.