Outside Forces
The landscape in sports today have dynamics that differ from years past because social media has become an option. It is a players platform and very public accessible, which opens the player up to scrutiny and criticism. Self promotions, off field business ventures and “social contacts” are the means for communicating a players “brand” to attract the most attention.
Well, the attention that those players received were more than predictable. Include the multi-media outlets that employ ex-players that are deemed “expert analyst,” now you have the makings of 24-7, 365 days of millions of opinions. Depending on which analysts you believe or local sportscasters that influences your opinion, many viewpoints are in-line with their analysis.
But the daily visceral heaped upon this team throughout the season cannot be overstated. Sometimes people forget, coaches and players are human with families that absorb all of that negativity.
First, it was the Le’Veon Bell saga between him and management that divided the media’s opinion. Some took sides with Le’Veon while others sided with management in the first open display of divisions that would help shape the average fans position on the matter. Then it was the coaching being attacked by former players and coaches specifically towards Mike Tomlin. Terry Bradshaw, Tony Dungy and others were taking their shots at the head coach as a matter of commentary or in some cases, just for spite.
The slow start to the season exacerbated things exponentially until the team hit their stride with a winning streak, then the howling from the wolves calmed down. The Bell saga loomed over the first part of the season until it became evident that he would not be returning to the team at all this year.