18 years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike Tomlin to be just the franchise’s third head coach in history. Since the start of his tenure, this team has not lost.
Ok, that’s a stretch. But, factually, the Steelers have not had a losing season during Tomlin’s time as head coach. His 173 regular season wins are second in franchise history, behind legendary Chuck Noll‘s 193.
2024 would have been the last year of the previous extension he signed in 2021. No worries. he will remain the head coach through the 2027 season.
“Extending his contract for three more years reflects our confidence in his ability to guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships, while continuing our tradition of success.”
Steelers owner Art Rooney on the extension of Mike Tomlin as head coach
Now Focused On Improving From Last Year, Starting At QB
The Pittsburgh Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016. They beat the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs before falling to the New England Patriots in the conference championship.
Since then, they have appeared in the playoffs in 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023. However, they’ve lost in the wild-card round each year.
With the extension signed and sealed, Tomlin can focus on coaching the team back to prominence. Mike Tomlin has two QB1s heading into 2024. Thank goodness. After quarterback issues last season (having to bench Kenny Pickett for “checks stat sheet” Mason Rudolph), a change was needed. Russell Wilson, is a veteran who struggled recently with the Denver Broncos. His resume speaks for itself, as the 9X Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion looks to rejuvenate himself with Tomlin.
The other option is Justin Fields. Younger compared to Wilson, he was traded from Chicago to Pittsburgh this offseason. He looks to show why he was a first-round pick in 2021. Going through struggles and constant losing with the Bears, he now will be playing under a more competent coaching staff.
How About the Supporting Cast?
Despite trading away Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh still has three competent wideouts to throw to. One of them is George Pickens. He was inconsistent at times but showed why he can serve as the WR1 without any issues. His 1,140 receiving yards in 2023 were good for 16th-best in the entire league and looks to improve on those numbers with Wilson/Fields throwing him the football.
Behind Pickens are veteran Van Jefferson and rookie Roman Wilson. Don’t forget about the speedy Calvin Austin III, who can break out for big plays at any moment. Trusty tight end Pat Freiermuth enters his fourth season, and Tomlin hopes the 25-year-old can replicate what he did in his rookie season (60/497/7).
The Steelers have been in the bottom half of the league in points per game for three straight seasons. This revamped offense hopes to not extend the streak to a fourth straight year. After Matt Canada was fired midseason, Arthur Smith entered this season once again as the offensive coordinator.
How About The Defense?
The Steelers were sixth in points per game allowed. It’s why they’ve been known as the “Steel Curtain” at times. Led by T.J. Watt (68 TOT, 19 sacks, 4 FF), this unit looks to continue its success. Alex Highsmith lines up opposite Watt and had a solid season himself in 2023 (90.0 PFF grade, seven sacks, and 57 total tackles). The team also added former Baltimore Raven Patrick Queen at inside linebacker.
In the secondary, Joey Porter Jr. looks to back up his talk and shine as the CB1 for the Steelers once again. The 23-year-old had just a 64.3 PFF grade but his advanced stats say he should have been graded a lot higher.
Joey Porter Jr. only gave up 50+ yards in the air in 2 out of his 17 games during his rookie season đź‘€ https://t.co/GygKJPpqXG pic.twitter.com/37Xi7wz7Um
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) May 28, 2024
The “King of the North” will be lined up opposite of fellow cornerback Donte Jackson. 3x All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott are at safety.
2024 Could Be Their Year
This Steelers unit has a chance to surprise some people this season. It helps they have a head coach in Mike Tomlin who doesn’t know what a losing season is leading the charge.
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Featured Image: Joe Sargent/Getty Images
