Originally Posted by
JB13
This is a great post and, obviously, one I agree with. I don't know what it is, but for nearly Tomlin's entire tenure, it doesn't seem like the Steelers are afraid of screwing up. There's no fear of reprisal with these guys. I'm not saying guys don't get benched, like Mendenhall, but guys don't seem to give a sh*t. That attitude comes from Tomlin. He instills and reinforces the attitude of the team. I think he's too chummy with his team, like they view him more as a friend than anything else. Granted, this is my view from the outside, but like Pappy said, when you have mental errors to the degree the Steelers have them, it's a concern.
Last year, it seemingly took them more than a quarter to get into games and there were other times when they never got into it. Our O line is in love with holding, they can't protect anyone and while there is a large degree of ability that goes with that, surely preparation and mental focus play a role. False starts? That's all mental. Late hits? That's mental. Being aware of the game situation and what your role in the game is when/if you get the ball? That's mental. There were WAY too many times last year (and the year before) when the Steelers seemed to be sleeping. Great teams do not sleep and if there are guys sleeping, either the coach or the other players take care of it - quickly.
I get that the O line hasn't played together much, but after a point, that ceases to be a valid excuse. Pouncey, a vet at this point, had an AWFUL game. He should be setting the tone for the rest of the line. That's not how you do it.
I keep saying it and I know a lot of people disagree with me, but we need a new coach. The Steelers lack focus and discipline and that's on the head coach. This team is not going anywhere as long as Mike Tomlin leads them. I live in New England so I see the Patriots play every week. Belichick has his team ready every week and they have a ton of guys who may not be the most skilled, but they are so dialed-in mentally that they make up for any physical shortcomings by processing things quicker than their opponents. Brady usually has ALL DAY to throw. Sure, that has a lot to do with the talent of the O line, but it's also about scheme and about being disciplined. Belichick demands discipline and if you don't play that way, he'll find someone who will. Every Patriot knows and accepts this. The Steelers? They don't care.
I hope I'm wrong, but I think we are in for a LONG season. This team is a mess right now. I don't care what plays are called, if you can't block, can't stop committing penalties and can't stop turning over the ball, you won't win. This team, as they are constructed right now, won't win much. What Haley does or doesn't do is irrelevant. Tomlin is the guy deserving of the scrutiny and when you look at where this team is, you should see how poorly coached this team is, today. Yes, he has gone to two Super Bowls, but I'm talking about now. This team is a sh*tshow.
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