Mike Tomlin vs. Sean McVay
Two coaches who served under Jon Gruden go head to head. One whose roots began in the NFL as a defensive coordinator while the other an offensive coordinator.
Both were young hires taking on big tasks. Mike Tomlin was given the keys to a team two years removed from a Super Bowl victory and an expectation to maintain a successful franchise.
Sean McVay was given the keys to a talented but young Rams team that had suffered under the works of Jeff Fisher. Both coaches saw a Super Bowl berth within their first few years; Tomlin seizing a dramatic victory.
Yes, I know… some Steelers fans dislike Tomlin for justified reasons. His terrible clock management, sickening track record with challenges, and the perception of underachieving in the age of the “Killer B’s.”
Many doubt his ability to gameplan and out-coach another team. While I personally believe he is a better leader than a game planner, he has had his positive strategy moments. Last year he put together a fantastic defensive gameplan to disguise coverages and hold the Patriots to 10 points.
He will need to have a strong game plan this week against the offensive guru of the NFC. If we have a “good Tomlin” week, it could be a really good matchup: Steelers Defense vs. Rams Offense.
Whichever coach wins that battle will ultimately win the game.
The Rams come into Heinz Field Sunday for a cool, crisp day in the Steel City. Tune in to Stillcurtain.com for the latest news, analysis, and more.
Here we go, Steelers!