The Pittsburgh Steelers heard a lot of talk this past week. Following their loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, the Steelers fell to 6-6 on the year, and into a tie for first place in the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens, setting up for a huge Week 14 matchup. Due to their collapse after starting the year 4-1, there was plenty of talk about the future of head coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin has received plenty of ire from the Steelers fanbase. While the Steelers never had a losing season under Tomlin, they haven't won a playoff game since 2016. In recent years, they snuck into the playoffs, but had quick exits. Even with the consistency, Steelers fans have gotten tired. Also, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Tomlin has an option for the 2026 and 2027 seasons that must be decided upon by a March 1 deadline.
Let's just say that on Sunday, Steelers players let it be known they will continue to stick by Tomlin.
On Sunday, the Steelers defeated the Ravens 27-22 to improve to 7-6 on the year and regain first place in the division. The Steelers had a big game from Aaron Rodgers, who completed 23-of-34 pass attempts for 284 yards and a touchdown, while also recording a rushing touchdown for good measure.
After the game, Rodgers and other Steelers players showed their support of Tomlin as questions about his future dominated the news week.
Steelers comes to defense of Mike Tomlin as questions about future dominate news week
During his postgame press conference, Rodgers was asked about what the victory over the Ravens means after the negative talk surrounding it. The team and Tomlin. Rodgers quickly responded, with a smile, that reporters can finally be quiet.
“Means maybe you guys will shut the hell up for a week," said Rodgers.
Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin also had Tomlin's back. While hearing the criticism of his head coach, Austin said he doesn't care because he will continue to support Tomlin.
“The whole world could be chanting ‘Fire Coach T.’ We’re going to be with Coach T. At the end of the day, all that matters is us players are behind him," said Austin, h/t Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
Steelers fans will certainly take any win they can get, especially against one of their fiercest rivals. But the fanbase will undoubtedly want a bit more consistency from the team. The Steelers still have four games to go this season, and they are as follows:
- Week 15: vs. Miami Dolphins
- Week 16: at Detroit Lions
- Week 17: at Cleveland Browns
- Week 18: at Baltimore Ravens
This is far from an easy schedule for the Steelers. But let's be real here, no one really gave the Steelers a chance to beat the Ravens entering Sunday. The critics of Tomlin will be silenced if he can lead them back to the playoffs and stack some wins.