Steelers Biggest Questions Heading Into The Offseason

Coaching To Your Fears

Oct 5, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in the fourth quarter of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

“We will not live in our fears.”

It’s a statement that Mike Tomlin has uttered numerous times when it comes to questions regarding game planning, star players, and discipline.

The games this year when the Steelers have not lived in their fears have been crystal clear… obviously.  Last Sunday’s playoff loss to the Ravens?  Do I really need to say it?

The Steelers went back to their old “living in their fears” game plan – the sideways passing of the offense, the blitzing schemes (or better put “lack thereof”) of the defense.  The Ravens played to win.  The Steelers played not to lose.  And, that is when they always lose.  Think differently? Then you need to re-watch the entire 2014 season.

How do the coaches stop coaching to their fears?  The answers are unclear.

My first guess would be that they need to trust the personnel they have, groom them, and game plan to their strengths rather than forcing square pegs into round holes.  Maybe it just needs to be as simple and sensible as that.

If they don’t at least do this, the team will more than likely end up above 8-8, but will struggle to win those big playoff games.

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