‘They Weren’t Prepared To Play’: Former GM Says Mike Tomlin’s ‘Playoff Demons Stay On’

As soon as is a coincidence, twice is a sample, 3 times is a affirmation, so what does that make six occasions? The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff historical past during the last 9 years tells an unlucky story.

Six-consecutive losses and five-consecutive one-and-done playoff appearances is uncommon for any group, not to mention one with the excessive normal of playoff excellence that the Steelers have historically been identified for. However there’s been one frequent theme in every of these six losses: gradual begins.

“The frequent thread is that they weren’t able to play and that falls squarely on the teaching employees and Mike T[omlin],” stated former GM Doug Whaley by way of The Black & Gold Zone on WPXI. “As a lot and the way good he has been within the common season, his playoff demons reside on.”

Tomlin has regularly stated that his playoff file is his baggage to hold, and doesn’t fall on his crew. Many of the gamers haven’t been round for the complete dropping streak. However inside that dropping streak, is a extra regarding pattern of the Steelers getting the brakes beat off of them so badly within the first quarter (or half) that they’re unable to recuperate or make the sport aggressive in the long run.

The Ravens bought as much as a 7-0 lead within the first quarter and a 21-0 lead by halftime. Over the past six playoff video games, the Steelers have now been outscored 73-0. That’s unfathomably unhealthy. The video games are over earlier than they’ve begun. Take a look at the Steelers within the second half, for instance. They received the second half 14-7, however it didn’t matter as a result of they noticed the Ravens 21 factors within the first half.

The issue of getting gradual begins to video games extends past the playoff streak. The Steelers haven’t been in a position to rating a landing on the opening drive all season lengthy. Even the 2023 Matt Canada-led offense was in a position to crack that nut in all three of his seasons.

It made no sense to me when the Steelers received the coin toss why they might elect to obtain. The offense hasn’t been good at beginning video games all 12 months. Why would they take the ball early after they aren’t good to surrender the primary possession within the third quarter, the place they’ve been good?

When requested about beginning video games quick, it all the time comes again to execution. Gamers and coaches each discuss execution and situational soccer. Successful on early downs to arrange manageable possession downs. We’ve got all heard that message 100 occasions at this level throughout a number of totally different seasons.

In the long run, Tomlin was unable to train his playoff demons and he now has yet one more piece of luggage to hold into his subsequent crew. At a sure level, that baggage turns into too heavy to hold on.