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As December unfolds in Pittsburgh, the Steelers find themselves in the midst of what may be the darkest winter of Coach Mike Tomlin’s tenure. Traditionally dominant in the late season, the Steelers had won 35 of their previous 51 December and January games entering this season.
However, a recent three-game losing streak against seemingly beatable teams—the 3-11 Cardinals, the 3-11 Patriots, and the 8-6 Colts with a backup quarterback—has cast a shadow over their once-stellar December record.
Tomlin acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating that they haven’t developed as desired, with execution levels resembling those of September rather than December. Fundamental flaws, especially in penalties, have hindered the team’s ability to engineer drives and secure victories in the crucial late-season period.
This struggle may sound familiar to Browns fans who, for much of Tomlin’s career, have experienced out-of-season penalties and a historical lack of significance in December games. However, this season sees a role reversal, as the Browns, despite dealing with injuries, continue to defy odds and win with a depleted roster.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has seemingly borrowed Tomlin’s winning formula, securing victories with four different starting quarterbacks, all of whom have orchestrated game-winning drives. The Browns’ resilience stands in contrast to the Steelers’ current predicament, where defensive rankings trail behind Cleveland’s in various categories.
The Steelers, once celebrated for their strong defense, now find themselves ranked behind the Browns in categories such as EPA per play, yards allowed per play, opponent success rate, and takeaways. Although the Steelers maintain a slight edge in scoring defense, each ineffective offensive possession puts additional pressure on the defense. Notably, Pittsburgh ranks 25th in time of possession percentage and 29th in first downs per game, prompting defensive players like Cam Heyward to emphasize a team-oriented mindset.
The Steelers’ current struggles have prompted questions about the team’s winning tradition, with former players Ben Roethlisberger and Ryan Clark openly expressing concerns. The offense, in particular, has faced internal complaints, leading to queries about a potential “maturity problem.” Tomlin acknowledged that the team is dealing with adversity, suggesting that it may be characterized as maturity issues.
In contrast to their historical success in December, the Steelers find themselves in an unfamiliar position, grappling with challenges and seeking solutions. Tomlin’s decision to shuffle quarterbacks, benching Mitch Trubisky for Mason Rudolph, reflects the team’s attempt to navigate its offensive struggles.
However, with the playoffs approaching, the Steelers find themselves missing their usual late-season magic, while the Browns, surprisingly, are utilizing late-season free agents to overcome winter opponents. In a reversal of roles, Pittsburgh, not Cleveland, is running out of immediate solutions, raising questions about the team’s direction as they approach the postseason.
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