The Pittsburgh Steelers are stumbling backward into the playoffs. The Steelers are going into the first round on a four-game losing streak after beating up on the weaker teams in the league in the early part of the season.
Quarterback Russell Wilson hasn’t looked like the same player he did when he first assumed the starting role after returning from an injury that cost him the first six weeks of the season.
The defense has also struggled to look like the unit that dominated teams in the early part of the season, with star pass rusher T.J. Watt appearing to have taken a step back from his usual dominant self.
Now it looks like all of the struggles are culminating in a disconnect that is leaving players frustrated with the direction the coaching staff has taken in recent weeks.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo was recently asked by a fan if he thought head coach Mike Tomlin was giving veteran players too much of a rest during practice sessions and whether that might be resulting in the lackluster performances on game days.
“I don’t think that’s it,” Fittipaldo responded, according to SteelerNation.
“They actually practiced in pads one day last week. I know some players weren’t thrilled about that. I don’t think many other teams are doing that in Week 18. I just think they need better game plans, better buy-in from players. I get the sense now that a lot of players are frustrated and not believing in the game plans.”
It’ll be interesting to see if the Steelers’ players and staff can find common ground before their season comes to an early conclusion.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.