Steelers' Mediocrity -- Avoiding Rebuild Guarantees Championship Incompetence - Episode Hero Image

Steelers' Mediocrity -- Avoiding Rebuild Guarantees Championship Incompetence

The Herd with Colin Cowherd · · Listen to Original Episode →
Original Title:

TL;DR

  • Mike Tomlin's career of consistently achieving 9-7 or 10-7 records prevents the Steelers from bottoming out, but it also guarantees they remain uncompetitive for championships.
  • The Steelers' organizational philosophy of maintaining competitiveness through veteran players, rather than embracing a full rebuild, has led to a decade of mediocrity and embarrassment.
  • DK Metcalf's inconsistent hands, despite his physical prowess, make him a "poor man's Terrell Owens" and a risky investment for teams seeking elite wide receiver production.
  • The Houston Texans' elite defense, featuring dominant players like Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, has the potential to win a Super Bowl, but their offense and quarterback CJ Stroud's turnover-prone play create significant uncertainty.
  • Tony Romo's broadcasting has shifted from lauded insight to widespread criticism, suggesting a decline in his ability to connect with audiences and analyze games effectively.
  • The trend of NFL offensive coordinators being overly aggressive on fourth downs in the first half of games, often ignoring reliable field goal opportunities, can lead to critical missed points and strategic disadvantages.
  • Chris Mara's direct involvement in the Giants' coaching search, bypassing the general manager, signals potential instability and a possible shift in the team's personnel decision-making structure.

Deep Dive

The Pittsburgh Steelers' recent playoff loss signifies a critical inflection point, exposing systemic issues in coaching, personnel, and overall team construction that prevent them from competing at an elite level. This outcome, while predictable to some, underscores a decade of stagnation for a once-proud franchise, highlighting how their refusal to bottom out and rebuild has led to a cycle of mediocrity rather than sustained success.

The Steelers' persistent inability to compete at the highest echelon is rooted in a coaching philosophy that prioritizes consistent competitiveness over transformative change. Mike Tomlin has built a career on avoiding losing seasons, consistently guiding the team to 9-7 or 10-7 records. While this avoids the embarrassment of a complete collapse, it also prevents the necessary self-examination and aggressive roster overhauls that championship teams undertake. This approach has led to a roster heavily reliant on aging veterans and a lack of clear direction at the quarterback position, as evidenced by the team's inability to secure a franchise signal-caller and their reliance on stop-gap solutions like Aaron Rodgers. The team's defense, once a dominant force, has also shown significant decline, struggling against elite offenses and blowing crucial coverages, further compounding the offensive woes. This strategic inertia, coupled with a lack of significant foundational talent in key areas like wide receiver, has created a team that is perpetually outmatched in the playoffs, unable to contend with the league's top-tier organizations.

The implications of this sustained mediocrity extend beyond on-field performance. The lack of a clear vision and the inability to evolve the roster have created an environment where the franchise is "going nowhere fast." This not only disappoints a passionate fanbase, leading to apathy rather than outright anger, but also signals a missed opportunity for significant strategic shifts. While other franchises like the Ravens have demonstrated a willingness to make difficult personnel decisions for long-term gain, the Steelers appear trapped in a cycle of incremental adjustments that fail to address fundamental weaknesses. This situation raises questions about the future for both the coaching staff and key personnel, suggesting that a more drastic change may be necessary to reignite the franchise and restore its competitive standing. The narrative around Aaron Rodgers' potential final game and the Steelers' inability to capitalize on his presence, even with his limitations, further illustrates the team's current predicament.

Ultimately, the Steelers' current trajectory suggests a need for a fundamental reevaluation of their approach. The current model, which prioritizes avoiding losing seasons over aggressively pursuing championships, has resulted in a team that is competently managed but fundamentally incapable of reaching the sport's pinnacle. This situation begs the question of whether a coaching change, a significant roster overhaul, or a combination of both is required to break free from this cycle and reclaim the franchise's former glory. The refusal to bottom out, while understandable from a fan-base perspective, has become a self-imposed barrier to true success.

Action Items

  • Audit coaching decision-making: Analyze 3-5 recent fourth-down play calls in first halves to identify patterns of recklessness versus strategic aggression.
  • Evaluate player evaluation process: For 3-5 key veteran players, assess the rationale behind contract extensions versus performance trends.
  • Track defensive unit performance: Measure coverage breakdowns and missed tackles across 5-10 defensive series to identify systemic weaknesses.
  • Analyze quarterback decision-making: For 3-5 games, review turnover-prone plays to understand root causes beyond individual errors.
  • Measure fan engagement apathy: Track social media sentiment and ticket sales trends over 3-5 seasons to identify critical engagement thresholds.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"Mike Tomlin has made a career now of going nine and eight or ten and seven like he is never going to not be competitive we know that next year aaron rodgers retires they could land mac jones they could land malik willis and i would bet on the Steelers to be a nine or 10 win team they're never going to bottom out even with these older players that they will figure it out they're not going to suck but what does that get you feels like it puts a band aid on the situation that this once proud franchise that used to compete go toe to toe with the great ravens teams with the great patriot teams even though they couldn't really beat the patriots in the playoffs but in terms of the regular season they were really really good and this last decade has been an embarrassment"

The author argues that Mike Tomlin's consistent ability to achieve .500 or slightly better records, while commendable for avoiding a complete collapse, ultimately signifies a lack of true competitive success for the Steelers. This approach, the author suggests, merely masks deeper issues within a franchise that once stood among the league's elite. The author implies that this pattern has led to a decade of underperformance and embarrassment for the team.

"I learned a long time ago when I got involved in college recruiting and then through the nfl guys with bad hands for good teams are complete stay aways because you can't play the position if you can't catch you could play defensive line if you're a little bit shorter you you could play certain positions if you lack certain physical characteristics but you can't play wide receiver at the highest of level and when they make that trade they expected him to be a star and you saw tonight he's just not"

The author explains that a fundamental requirement for playing wide receiver at a high level is the ability to catch the ball. This principle, learned through recruiting and NFL experience, suggests that players with consistently poor hands are not viable for top-tier teams. The author uses this to critique a specific player's performance, indicating that despite expectations, he has not met the standard due to this deficiency.

"The overwhelming percentage of players in their career through a release i'm talking hall of fame players there's a small percentage of guys that just like retire on their own that's not usually the way it works and same thing with coaches so i i think this thing has come to a screeching halt tonight was really really ugly they have had some really embarrassing moments at home today's show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor hard rock bet"

The author states that the vast majority of professional football players, even Hall of Fame caliber ones, end their careers by being released rather than retiring voluntarily. This pattern extends to coaches as well, suggesting that sustained employment is rare. The author uses this observation to underscore the severity of the team's recent poor performance, implying that it signals a definitive end to their current trajectory.

"I do think though that's a reflection of the Jaguars more than this lady because i can imagine this lady i don't know never heard of her was probably excited for the first time or one of the only times in the last like 20 years whatever she does for a living actually mattered people kind of cared because the team always sucks they're always drafting high if you did that in Phil when I was working for the Eagles i'm i might get i'm pretty sure it was les bowen either attack jeff mclane or jeff mclane attack les bowen there was a fight in the locker room for open locker room to interview the players and like Asante Samuel was like rooting it on like that's what I enjoy that's that's what I want"

The author suggests that a reporter's overly positive interaction with a coach reflects more on the team's overall lack of success and public interest than on the reporter's individual actions. This is contrasted with the typical, more adversarial media environment in other franchises, where such deference would be met with skepticism or even conflict. The author implies that the Jaguars' consistent underperformance creates a unique situation where even minor successes are met with excessive enthusiasm.

"I do think we have a little bit of like an epidemic of these coaches going for it and i think there's a consistent theme i've always said you'll never meet a fan who in big spots late in games don't want their coach to be aggressive right go for it go for the kill shot like i would say most fans on their couch or at the game you heard it tonight when rodgers stayed on the field early in the game for a fourth down they ended up getting it uh i think the thelan you get loud standing ovations most human beings aren't like just kick the field goal but i do think that we've jumped the shark a little bit when it comes to the first half of these games"

The author observes a trend of coaches being overly aggressive on fourth downs, particularly in the first half of games, which they believe has gone too far. While acknowledging that fans generally prefer aggressive play-calling in crucial moments, the author argues that this tendency has become excessive and potentially reckless. This "epidemic," as the author calls it, suggests a departure from more conservative, strategic decision-making in earlier game stages.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "Project 2025" by David Graham - Mentioned as a topic of conversation in the "Next Question" podcast.

Articles & Papers

  • "The Athletic deep dive into the Baltimore Ravens situation" - Discussed in relation to owner's observations about fan apathy and internal momentum.

People

  • David Graham - Mentioned for his conversation on "Project 2025" on the "Next Question" podcast.
  • Liz Oyer - Mentioned for her conversation on presidential pardons on the "Next Question" podcast.
  • Tina Brown - Mentioned for her conversation on the year's biggest scandals on the "Next Question" podcast.
  • Michelle Williams - Host of "Checking In" on the Black Effect Podcast Network, discussing mental health.
  • Katie Couric - Host of the "Next Question" podcast.
  • Al Michaels - Mentioned as returning to Amazon for broadcasting.
  • Tim Lincecum - Used as a comparison for Al Michaels' current broadcasting ability.
  • Will Anderson - Mentioned as a player the Texans are considering giving a large contract to.
  • Danielle Hunter - Mentioned as a player on a strong defensive front.
  • Reggie White - Mentioned in the context of historical NFL player acquisitions.
  • Charles Woodson - Mentioned in the context of his career resurrection and signing with the Packers.
  • Ed Policy - Mentioned as the president of the Packers who is new to running a team.
  • Murphy - Mentioned in relation to the Packers' front office.
  • Sean McVay - Mentioned as an offensive play-caller who has been reckless on fourth down.
  • Liam Cohen - Mentioned as an offensive play-caller who has been reckless on fourth down and had a viral moment with a reporter.
  • Ben Johnson - Mentioned as an offensive play-caller who has been reckless on fourth down.
  • Dan Lanning - Mentioned for his coaching decisions regarding fourth downs.
  • George Seifert - Mentioned as a coach who took a team from four wins to 13+ wins in his first year.
  • Nick Sirianni - Mentioned in relation to losing to Kyle Shanahan and a reporter's reaction.
  • Matt Mayock - Mentioned as someone who had never worked in the NFL as a personnel man.
  • Tim Kawakami - Mentioned as a journalist with a substack who has had interactions with coaches.
  • Matt Minkler - Mentioned as a journalist covering teams.
  • Anthony Slater - Mentioned as a journalist covering the Warriors.
  • Marcus Thompson - Mentioned as a journalist covering the Warriors.
  • Ethan Strauss - Mentioned as a journalist with a substack who had a viral moment with Kevin Durant.
  • Kevin Durant - Mentioned in relation to a viral moment with journalist Ethan Strauss.
  • George Kittle - Mentioned in the context of player injuries and positive reinforcement.
  • Nico Collins - Mentioned in relation to player injuries and positive reinforcement.
  • Aaron Glenn - Mentioned as a coach who faced questions about his job security weekly.
  • Dak Prescott - Mentioned for throwing five touchdowns in a game against the Cowboys.
  • Tom Brady - Mentioned for his broadcasting career and contract.
  • Julian Edelman - Mentioned in relation to Tom Brady's off-camera persona.
  • Rob Gronkowski - Mentioned in relation to Tom Brady's off-camera persona.
  • Joe Jennings - Mentioned in relation to Tom Brady's broadcasting.
  • John Madden - Mentioned as a historical broadcasting figure.
  • John Gruden - Mentioned as a historical broadcasting figure.
  • Walter Payton - Mentioned in a hypothetical game scenario.
  • Joe Montana - Mentioned in a hypothetical game scenario and as a historical quarterback.
  • C.J. Stroud - Mentioned for his performance in a game, including fumbles and an interception.
  • Brad Johnson - Mentioned as a type of quarterback the Texans might need.
  • Trent Dilfer - Mentioned as a type of quarterback the Texans might need.
  • Mac Jones - Mentioned as a type of quarterback the Texans might need.
  • Christian Kirk - Mentioned for his performance in a game.
  • Christian Gonzalez - Mentioned as a player who might be out for a game.
  • Drake Maye - Mentioned in relation to a matchup with the Chargers.
  • Kevin Garnett - Used as a comparison for a difficult catch.
  • Demeco Ryans - Mentioned as a coach for the Texans.
  • DeMeco Ryans - Mentioned as a coach for the Texans.
  • Willie Mays - Mentioned in the context of legendary players finishing their careers.
  • Emmitt Smith - Mentioned in the context of legendary players finishing their careers.
  • Peyton Manning - Mentioned in the context of legendary players finishing their careers and hypothetical game scenarios.
  • Justin Herbert - Mentioned as a player trying to prove himself.
  • Brett Favre - Mentioned in comparison to Aaron Rodgers.
  • Jordan Love - Mentioned as a quarterback who followed a legend.
  • Jeff Garcia - Mentioned as a quarterback who followed Steve Young.
  • Steve Young - Mentioned as a legendary quarterback.
  • Joe M. - Mentioned as a quarterback who followed Steve Young.
  • Dan Marino - Mentioned in the context of throwing ability in later years.
  • Red Manning - Mentioned in the context of throwing ability.
  • Josh Allen - Mentioned as a prime-career quarterback.
  • Patrick Mahomes - Mentioned as a prime-career quarterback and as a player who followed legends.
  • Lamar Jackson - Mentioned as a prime-career quarterback.
  • Joe Burrow - Mentioned as a prime-career quarterback.
  • Justin Herbert - Mentioned as a prime-career quarterback.
  • Michael Jordan - Mentioned in the context of historical player performance and rules.
  • Jerry Jones - Mentioned in relation to the Giants' ownership structure.
  • Joe Shane - Mentioned as the current GM of the Giants and in relation to John Harbaugh.
  • John Harbaugh - Mentioned as a potential coach for the Giants and in relation to Chris Mara.
  • Chris Mara - Mentioned as a personnel executive for the Giants and in relation to John Harbaugh.
  • Greg Roman - Mentioned as living in a winnebago with Jim Harbaugh.
  • Jim Harbaugh - Mentioned as coaching for the Chargers and living in a winnebago.
  • Steve Batti - Mentioned as firing John Harbaugh.
  • Reggie McKenzie - Mentioned in relation to John Gruden.
  • Mike Mayock - Mentioned as a personnel man hired by John Gruden.
  • Matt LaFleur - Mentioned in relation to contract negotiations and player endorsements.
  • Mike McCreary - Mentioned as a player who signed an extension due to Matt LaFleur.
  • Ludacris - Mentioned as a guest on the "Atlanta Is" podcast.
  • Will Packer - Mentioned as a guest on the "Atlanta Is" podcast.
  • Pastor Jamal Bryant - Mentioned as a guest on the "Atlanta Is" podcast.
  • DJ Drama - Mentioned as a guest on the "Atlanta Is" podcast.
  • Cam Jordan - Host of "Off the Edge with Cam Jordan" podcast.
  • Danny Shapiro - Host of the "Family Secrets" podcast.
  • John O.J. - Mentioned in relation to a disappearance case.
  • Aron Rodger - Mentioned as a player who played through injury.
  • T.J. Watt - Mentioned as a player on the Steelers.
  • Jaylen Ramsey - Mentioned as a player acquired by the Steelers.
  • D.K. Metcalf - Mentioned for a drop and his hands.
  • Terrell Owens - Mentioned in comparison to D.K. Metcalf.
  • Chris Carter - Mentioned in comparison to D.K. Metcalf.
  • Marvin Harrison - Mentioned in comparison to D.K. Metcalf.
  • Zay Flowers - Mentioned in relation to the Ravens' defense.
  • C.J. Stroud - Mentioned for his performance in a game.
  • Nico Collins - Mentioned as an offensive player for the Texans.
  • Steve Busciatti - Mentioned in relation to running an operation.
  • Dak Prescott - Mentioned for throwing five touchdowns in a game.
  • Tom Brady - Mentioned for his broadcasting career and contract.
  • Julian Edelman - Mentioned in relation to Tom Brady's off-camera persona.
  • Rob Gronkowski - Mentioned in relation to Tom Brady's off-camera persona.
  • Joe Jennings - Mentioned in relation to Tom Brady's broadcasting.
  • John Madden - Mentioned as a historical broadcasting figure.
  • John Gruden - Mentioned as a historical broadcasting figure.
  • Walter Payton - Mentioned in a hypothetical game scenario.
  • Joe Montana - Mentioned in a hypothetical game scenario and as a historical quarterback.
  • C.J. Stroud - Mentioned for his performance in a game, including fumbles and an interception.
  • Brad Johnson - Mentioned as a type of quarterback the Texans might need.
  • Trent Dilfer - Mentioned as a type of quarterback the Texans might need.
  • Mac Jones - Mentioned as a type of quarterback the Texans might need.
  • Christian Kirk - Mentioned for his performance in a game.
  • Christian Gonzalez - Mentioned as a player who might be out for a game.
  • Drake Maye - Mentioned in relation to a matchup with the Chargers.
  • Kevin Garnett - Used as a comparison for a difficult catch.
  • Demeco Ryans - Mentioned as a coach for the Texans.
  • DeMeco Ryans - Mentioned as a coach for the Texans.
  • Willie Mays - Mentioned in the context of legendary players finishing their careers.
  • Emmitt Smith - Mentioned in the context of legendary players finishing their careers.
  • Peyton Manning - Mentioned in the context of legendary players finishing their careers and hypothetical game scenarios.
  • Justin Herbert - Mentioned as a player trying to prove himself.
  • Brett Favre - Mentioned in comparison to Aaron Rodgers.
  • Jordan Love - Mentioned as a quarterback who followed a legend.
  • Jeff Garcia - Mentioned as a quarterback who followed Steve Young.
  • Steve Young - Mentioned as a legendary quarterback.
  • Joe M. - Mentioned as a quarterback who followed Steve Young.
  • Dan Marino - Mentioned in the context of throwing ability in later years.
  • Red Manning - Mentioned in the context of throwing ability.

---
Handpicked links, AI-assisted summaries. Human judgment, machine efficiency.
This content is a personally curated review and synopsis derived from the original podcast episode.