What is this team's identity?

[TimmayLake]

Post-Ben I find myself struggling to come up with any answer than "NHALS".

We're not a power running team. In fact we have one of the least explosive and least scary rushing offenses in the NFL. We have a 1st round RB from Alabama who is probably the only multi-year starting NFL running back who is averaging under 4.0 ypc for his career. Behind him we have a bunch of JAGs. I like Warren but he's not starting on any team (perhaps other than the Steelers) at running back.

We're not a passing team. We have 1 legit WR in Pickens and he seems to be checked out. Maybe we should trade him.

We're not a TE centric offense despite the hiring of Arthur Smith. Muth would be a TE2 on most teams, but here he's our star. Washington and a converted fullback in Heyward are our other TEs.

We don't thrive on creating turnovers and splash plays. We do however have a good FG kicker in Boswell. Maybe that's our identity?

I think the best answer is our team's identity is that of our head coach, Mike Tomlin. A lot of style, not much substance. Inconsistent, confusing, confused, undisciplined, unorganized and rudderless.

[K_C_]

We play for field goals and believe our defense can stop anybody.

Maybe we won’t play for field goals if Russ is the starter but I’m betting we will.

Tomlin seriously wants to win games 9-6.

I’ll never understand it.

[Ice]

In a word, dumb.

[Mick]

Our identity is pretty clear. We want to win the second half.

It’s definitely intentional at this point. In the first half, we soft zone and let people burn through their playbook and just try to keep them out of the end zone, then in the second half we open up the playbook on both sides of the ball. It usually works, where ‘usually’ means ‘slightly more than 50% of the time’. It’s also painful to watch and just looks stupid when the other team’s last drive doesn’t throw a pick.

[W&M_Steeler]

There is no offensive identity. Offense in the Zombie Tomlin era is meant to burn clock to rest the defense, not to score points. Tomlin is probably glad Ben aged out and retired, because now Tomlin doesn't have to even pretend to care whether the offense can score. 2019 was his dream season, and I'm convinced Tomlin believes that if he gets QB play that's just a little better than Duck, he'll win a Super Bowl like the 2000 Ravens. Too bad for him (and for us) that he always wears out his defenses with his philosophy, so it will never win him anything. We're already starting to see this defense fall apart.

[LakecrestSteeler]

Our identity is pretty clear. We want to win the second half.

It’s definitely intentional at this point. In the first half, we soft zone and let people burn through their playbook and just try to keep them out of the end zone, then in the second half we open up the playbook on both sides of the ball. It usually works, where ‘usually’ means ‘slightly more than 50% of the time’. It’s also painful to watch and just looks stupid when the other team’s last drive doesn’t throw a pick.

This is what went on last night. Doesn’t work over 50% in the playoffs.

[Deebo]

Our identity is pretty clear. We want to win the second half.

It’s definitely intentional at this point. In the first half, we soft zone and let people burn through their playbook and just try to keep them out of the end zone, then in the second half we open up the playbook on both sides of the ball. It usually works, where ‘usually’ means ‘slightly more than 50% of the time’. It’s also painful to watch and just looks stupid when the other team’s last drive doesn’t throw a pick.

I was listening to the Iowa/Ohio State broadcast and the announcer was talking about the Iowa HC saying "he just wants it to be close in 4th and they can eke it out in the end"

This is Tomlins's exact philosophy and it's moronic.

[DumlinBumlinStumlin]

In a word, dumb.

Its why i changed my account to this name!!

[jebrick]

This is their identity. They are playing Marty ball just like Cowher did in the 90's. Problem is, no one else is playing that game.

[Ice]

Our identity is pretty clear. We want to win the second half.

It’s definitely intentional at this point. In the first half, we soft zone and let people burn through their playbook and just try to keep them out of the end zone, then in the second half we open up the playbook on both sides of the ball. It usually works, where ‘usually’ means ‘slightly more than 50% of the time’. It’s also painful to watch and just looks stupid when the other team’s last drive doesn’t throw a pick.

I was listening to the Iowa/Ohio State broadcast and the announcer was talking about the Iowa HC saying "he just wants it to be close in 4th and they can eke it out in the end"

This is Tomlins's exact philosophy and it's moronic.

Also why you don't hear Ferentz' name mentioned in NFL coaching discussions anymore. At one point, it came up relatively regularly. Stopped five or ten years ago, which also kind of says something.

[Deebo]

Our identity is pretty clear. We want to win the second half.

It’s definitely intentional at this point. In the first half, we soft zone and let people burn through their playbook and just try to keep them out of the end zone, then in the second half we open up the playbook on both sides of the ball. It usually works, where ‘usually’ means ‘slightly more than 50% of the time’. It’s also painful to watch and just looks stupid when the other team’s last drive doesn’t throw a pick.

I was listening to the Iowa/Ohio State broadcast and the announcer was talking about the Iowa HC saying "he just wants it to be close in 4th and they can eke it out in the end"

This is Tomlins's exact philosophy and it's moronic.

Also why you don't hear Ferentz' name mentioned in NFL coaching discussions anymore. At one point, it came up relatively regularly. Stopped five or ten years ago, which also kind of says something.

Wasn't Ferentz considered an "Oline guru" at one point in NFL circles?

And yes, I agree. You don't hear his name anymore for NFL openings...

[Steelperch]

Uber conservative ball control 1980s style football except their run game sucks so they are overly reliant on the defense to win games. They use that formula to win one more game than they lose and take that record to fool themselves into thinking they are just a couple plays or players away from being contenders. This is year 6 of the “Illusion of Relevance” period in Steelers history.

[SteelerDayTrader]

2024
1 Troy Fautanu (OT)
2 Zach Frazier (C)
3 Roman Wilson (WR)
3 Payton Wilson (LB)
4 Mason McCormick (G)
6 Logan Lee (DE)
6 Ryan Watts (DB)


2023
1 Broderick Jones (OT)
2 Joey Porter Jr. (CB)
2 Keeanu Benton (DL)
3 Darnell Washington (TE)
4 Nick Herbig (LB)
7 Cory Trice Jr. (DB)
7 Spencer Anderson (OL)


2022
1 Kenny Pickett (QB)
2 George Pickens (WR)
3 DeMarvin Leal (DE)
4 Calvin Austin III (WR)
6 Connor Heyward (TE/FB)
7 Mark Robinson (LB)
7 Chris Oladokun (QB)


2021
1 Najee Harris (RB)
2 Pat Freiermuth (TE)
3 Kendrick Green (C)
4 Dan Moore Jr. (OT)
4 Buddy Johnson (LB)
5 Isaiahh Loudermilk (DE)
6 Quincy Roche (LB)
7 Tre Norwood (S)
7 Pressley Harvin III (P)


2020
2 Chase Claypool (WR)
3 Alex Highsmith (LB)
4 Anthony McFarland Jr. (RB)
4 Kevin Dotson (OL)
6 Antoine Brooks Jr. (S)
7 Carlos Davis (DT)


- Players other teams must control every play
George Pickens WR
= 1

- Solid not great players
Frazier
Jones
Porter
Benton
Herbig
Austin
Harris
Friermuth
Moore
Highsmith
= 10

- Busts or not needle movers
All the rest = 23

In 5 years the Steelers have added one truly fearsome player and 10 good ones

11 / 5 = @ 2 players a year

That’s simply not enough. If it was even 2.5 this is likely a noticeably better team

[StillerDownSouth]

At this point it’s almost comical, same shit different day yet we all tune in, Tomlin has the philosophy that you can’t win a game in the 1st half but you sure can lose one in the 1st half, which isn’t unlike a bunch of dipshit coaches.

[K_C_]

Tomlin loves putting games in the hands of his defense.

Not quite working out the way he hoped.

[alancac98]

Well, that solidifies all of our initial thoughts. People hated Canada, but I really don't see much difference in our offense with Smith. So, logically, this all on Tomlin! This is the way Tomlin wants the game to be called. I don't think Smith was this bad at calling plays or running the offence anywhere else he has been, but it has been atrocious so far. They need to immediately get a new OL coach before our QB gets killed and the new guys are completely ruined by his ineptness. It's really getting hard to consistently watch and hope knowing that as long as Tomlin is here, we have no chance. Feel really bad for Watt and several others. They would really like to get a ring, but unfortunately, they need to wake up and realize it won't be here!

[MWS71]

It’s even more narrow than asking the defense to win games - they ask the pass rush to win games.

When the pressure comes turnovers come and they win more than they lose. But if the opposition protects well, or gets away with a few holding penalties, or 3 of our top four edge rushers gets hurt the plan is ruined.

Everyone knows the problems with the offense: no playmakers, extremely conservative game plans, o line injuries and inexperience, qb that doesn’t process well.

Hopefully the biggest problem is qb that doesn’t process well, because we’re going back to Russ next week. But if better decision making under center doesn’t help the other problems everybody knows about, Mr. Unlimited is gonna end up killed

[StillerInCT]

Chris Boswell. Legitimately should be the highest paid player on the squad given he's our focal point.

[swissvale72]

Our identity is pretty clear. We want to win the second half.

It’s definitely intentional at this point. In the first half, we soft zone and let people burn through their playbook and just try to keep them out of the end zone, then in the second half we open up the playbook on both sides of the ball. It usually works, where ‘usually’ means ‘slightly more than 50% of the time’. It’s also painful to watch and just looks stupid when the other team’s last drive doesn’t throw a pick.

I was listening to the Iowa/Ohio State broadcast and the announcer was talking about the Iowa HC saying "he just wants it to be close in 4th and they can eke it out in the end"

This is Tomlins's exact philosophy and it's moronic.

Those were exactly cowher's words.

[K_C_]

It’s even more narrow than asking the defense to win games - they ask the pass rush to win games.

When the pressure comes turnovers come and they win more than they lose. But if the opposition protects well, or gets away with a few holding penalties, or 3 of our top four edge rushers gets hurt the plan is ruined.

Everyone knows the problems with the offense: no playmakers, extremely conservative game plans, o line injuries and inexperience, qb that doesn’t process well.

Hopefully the biggest problem is qb that doesn’t process well, because we’re going back to Russ next week. But if better decision making under center doesn’t help the other problems everybody knows about, Mr. Unlimited is gonna end up killed

As soon as Herbig went down, I knew we were fucked.

No Herbig meant Dallas could put all their attention towards making sure T.J. Watt didn't beat them. Give Watt all the attention possible because he's the only player on the field who could wreck the Cowboy's chances.

The good news though is that with both Herbig and Highsmith on the shelf, Cool Shades knows the Steelers are going to need 30 points to win the games coming up.

This defense isn't stopping ANYBODY with a one dimensional pass rush.

Shit is about to get real for awhile until Watt gets some help. Gonna be interesting to see if Cool Shades sticks with Fields, or turns to Wilson.

[Deebo]

Our identity is pretty clear. We want to win the second half.

It’s definitely intentional at this point. In the first half, we soft zone and let people burn through their playbook and just try to keep them out of the end zone, then in the second half we open up the playbook on both sides of the ball. It usually works, where ‘usually’ means ‘slightly more than 50% of the time’. It’s also painful to watch and just looks stupid when the other team’s last drive doesn’t throw a pick.

I was listening to the Iowa/Ohio State broadcast and the announcer was talking about the Iowa HC saying "he just wants it to be close in 4th and they can eke it out in the end"

This is Tomlins's exact philosophy and it's moronic.

Those were exactly cowher's words.

Yes, bc Cowher at least had reason to until he got Ben. We saw a different Cowher in 2005 in the playoffs.
Mike Tomlin had no excuse when he inherited Ben.

We've seen the same type of BS philosophy whether he had prime Ben or Mitch the Bitch.
Doing the same thing regardless of your varying talent on your team? That's a hallmark of a bad coach

[Steel Ubaldo]

Our identity is pretty clear. We want to win the second half.

It’s definitely intentional at this point. In the first half, we soft zone and let people burn through their playbook and just try to keep them out of the end zone, then in the second half we open up the playbook on both sides of the ball. It usually works, where ‘usually’ means ‘slightly more than 50% of the time’. It’s also painful to watch and just looks stupid when the other team’s last drive doesn’t throw a pick.

I was listening to the Iowa/Ohio State broadcast and the announcer was talking about the Iowa HC saying "he just wants it to be close in 4th and they can eke it out in the end"

This is Tomlins's exact philosophy and it's moronic.

Those were exactly cowher's words.

Cowher did have a daring streak; though it was inconsistent…

Onside kick in SB XXX
5 wr sets in the 90s when very few were doing that
Going with Kordell in the Slash roll originally
Having Kordell start as a QB at that time
The Tommy Gun offense
Trick plays in playoffs and Super Bowl 40

I see none of that in Tomlin except for trotting out Justin Fields to strangle his own offense. Though I was not a huge fan of his, Kordell looks like Mahomes compared to Fields.

Bring on the Let Russ Cook era since Tomlin will die in office like FDR…

[Gonzo]

This may be the biggest joke and misperception of Mike Tomlins steelers - they have no identity because the one they purport to have is an intentioanl mirage

They are not physical and are not really a power running team
They are not built or trained to play that kind of football
Their only real identity is to Waste time

[Gonzo]

those 2020-2022 drafts are killers

[SteelPro]

This may be the biggest joke and misperception of Mike Tomlins steelers - they have no identity because the one they purport to have is an intentioanl mirage

They are not physical and are not really a power running team
They are not built or trained to play that kind of football
Their only real identity is to Waste time

Time wasting.. that is actually pretty astute and quite spot on.. they waste clock, offensive possessions, and the careers of some generational talented stars.

[AirRescueFF]

https://x.com/unordinarywon/status/1843 ... Tj1og&s=19

[Gonzo]

This may be the biggest joke and misperception of Mike Tomlins steelers - they have no identity because the one they purport to have is an intentioanl mirage

They are not physical and are not really a power running team
They are not built or trained to play that kind of football
Their only real identity is to Waste time

Time wasting.. that is actually pretty astute and quite spot on.. they waste clock, offensive possessions, and the careers of some generational talented stars.

the last one uis the biggest Tomlin crime ... wasting those previous Steelers teams and Ben

[Deebo]

This may be the biggest joke and misperception of Mike Tomlins steelers - they have no identity because the one they purport to have is an intentioanl mirage

They are not physical and are not really a power running team
They are not built or trained to play that kind of football
Their only real identity is to Waste time

Well stated.

When you know your boss is an imposter, can you trust anything he says about what it means to win football games or what this organization stands for?

[CKSteeler]

Offense under Tomlin has never had an identity. Early on, it was Ben and whatever rabbit he could pull out of his ass. Then it was Ben to Brown. Closest he came was when he had Leveon Bell and Munchack, but they were never really a ground and pound team consistently, either.

His defense is let TJ be TJ.

[stillthere]

Our identity is pretty clear. We want to win the second half.

It’s definitely intentional at this point. In the first half, we soft zone and let people burn through their playbook and just try to keep them out of the end zone, then in the second half we open up the playbook on both sides of the ball. It usually works, where ‘usually’ means ‘slightly more than 50% of the time’. It’s also painful to watch and just looks stupid when the other team’s last drive doesn’t throw a pick.

I was listening to the Iowa/Ohio State broadcast and the announcer was talking about the Iowa HC saying "he just wants it to be close in 4th and they can eke it out in the end"

This is Tomlins's exact philosophy and it's moronic.

Also why you don't hear Ferentz' name mentioned in NFL coaching discussions anymore. At one point, it came up relatively regularly. Stopped five or ten years ago, which also kind of says something.

I remember FC being big on him back on the stillers forum.