Changes looming in Pittsburgh’s Future?

Photo Credit: Carmen Mandato - Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) face an uphill battle against the Baltimore Ravens (3-1). With their offense being bottom five in the league, and their defense ranked even worse at 30th in the league, the Steelers may have to look at some changes sooner than later.  

For four out of the past five seasons not including this one, the Steelers have played sub .500 football, going a combined 47-33-2 in those years. If you remove the outlier year in which Pittsburgh went 12-4, that record becomes 35-29-2. Their total touchdowns and points per game have decreased year by year, and while their defense has typically been stout, their points allowed per game have increased over the past three seasons.  

Pittsburgh has been known for elite defenses and a high-powered run game en route to championships. Yet, for the last few years, the Steelers feel as if their game plan is lost with the times. The NFL has transitioned into an aerial game, and the Steelers play-calling, led by Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, has been disappointing to say the least.  

Mike Tomlin, a defensive-minded head coach, has never been on the hot seat, mainly due to the fact that Pittsburgh’s defense is always elite, and he has never coached a season that finished under .500. However, if the Steelers finish sub .500 once again or potentially worse, their front office may have to consider bringing in some fresh faces to coach a Pittsburgh team with young talent and a perennial DPOY contender in linebacker T.J. Watt.  

The silver lining for the Steelers is if they do have a poor record, this 2024 draft class is loaded with potential franchise quarterbacks, more so than ever before. Should they land one, Pittsburgh may be inclined to clean house and bring in a coach that can lead the Steelers back to contention.