CBS does NOT have Steelers in top 10 of AFC

[Northern_Blitz]

Honestly, that's what *I* personally need to feel inspired this coming season is a playoff birth - even with a 1st round loss, I *should* be content because I would expected it to be a wildcard birth facing the Bills/Chiefs. Not to say that I'll be happy about the loss, but I'll be content with the progress

With Ben's retiring, I saw a 3-year plan as "best case" and reason to still think Tomlin was the guy.

• Year 1 - at or below .500
• Year 2 - low-end wildcard team around 10-7
• Year 3 - 12+ win contender

That KP came in Year 1 to a team that was well below .500 and got them almost in the dance was slightly ahead of schedule. Barring major injuries, not making the playoffs in year 2 would be considered regression to me.

I think that's a pretty reasonable "optimistic" progression.

In year 3, I'd probably say something like 10 - 13 win season. Getting to 12 seems like it will be fairly difficult in a tough division that's in a tough conference. But hopefully KP takes that big 2nd year jump this year and 12 wins feels plausible.

[whatever]

Here is the facts. I’ve been here from 2008 and I know how the other side thinks.

They need to win ONE more playoff game than they actually win. No matter when they lose in the playoffs, if they won just ONE MORE GAME it would have been entirely different.

Winning the SB is the only way to quiet the Tomlin rage which would last until our first loss after winning the SB.

Fact

Actually that isn’t a FACT.
I’m trying to understand how most the fans on here claim tomlin is the second best HC, the Steelers are the model franchise to emulate, our drafts are always good/great, same goes for our FAs, they predict ‘X’ amount of regular season wins and maybe a couple playoff wins every year, but when all that comes up short, the season is still a success.
How can the Steelers be loaded player wise and coaching wise every year but only have 3 playoff wins in a decade?

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I think that's a pretty reasonable "optimistic" progression.

In year 3, I'd probably say something like 10 - 13 win season. Getting to 12 seems like it will be fairly difficult in a tough division that's in a tough conference. But hopefully KP takes that big 2nd year jump this year and 12 wins feels plausible.

Frankly, I'd be good with 10 wins and an AFCC game.
Honestly, some of that "12-wins" assumes a natural attrition around the division due to rookie deals expiring; All 3 opponents are slightly ahead on the rebuild curve (see: Lamar Jackson contract dispute).

It's hard to keep a contender together for more than 3-4 years because once contracts are up on a contender, everybody wants all your stars...

The Bengals are the ones that concern me because Burrow seems like the type to agree to below market value to ensure he has a winning team.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I’m trying to understand how most the fans on here claim tomlin is the second best HC, the Steelers are the model franchise to emulate, our drafts are always good/great, same goes for our FAs, they predict ‘X’ amount of regular season wins and maybe a couple playoff wins every year, but when all that comes up short, the season is still a success.

I've never, not once seen that happen. I'm one of the optimists, but I've not once called a first round bounce from the playoffs a success. And I can't say that I've seen it from anyone else - maybe flippy.
(Nothing but love, flip)

Now, I *have* seen the team exceed expectations only to be deemed a failure by many - we just finished that year.