In Week 10 of the NFL season, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin accepted full responsibility for a risky fourth-down fake punt attempt that backfired against the Washington Commanders.
Tomlin’s decision came after a season filled with successful special teams plays, but the gamble didn’t pay off. Despite this setback, Pittsburgh pulled off a thrilling 28-27 win, thanks to a late connection between Russell Wilson and Mike Williams.
The Steelers’ special teams coordinator Danny Smith had dialed up a fake punt that, on paper, looked poised to work. Gunner James Pierre was wide open and had the opportunity to extend Pittsburgh’s drive deep in their territory. However, Pierre couldn’t secure the catch, leading to an incomplete pass that handed Washington great field position.
Washington capitalized quickly, turning the short field into a touchdown and seizing the lead. The botched play seemed to swing the momentum entirely in favor of the Commanders, with many fearing it could cost the Steelers in the long run.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin takes accountability for risky Special Teams decision
After the game, Tomlin didn’t shy away from taking accountability. In the postgame press conference, he addressed the fake punt decision head-on, demonstrating the leadership Steelers fans have come to expect from their longtime coach.
“The fake punt—that is me. I own that. I’ll do it again,” Tomlin stated unapologetically. “From a tactical standpoint, I was really aggressive today, and it didn’t always serve us well.”
Tomlin’s willingness to shoulder the blame was a testament to his confidence in his players and belief in his coaching philosophy.
Though the failed fake punt gave the Commanders momentum, the Steelers rallied. With under three minutes left, Wilson found Mike Williams on a 32-yard touchdown pass, sealing the game and highlighting the strength of Pittsburgh’s new offensive weapon.
Tomlin’s calculated aggressiveness has been a defining trait of his coaching style, and despite the misfire, it set the tone for the Steelers throughout the game. His fearless approach has helped Pittsburgh push boundaries this season, reinforcing a culture of resilience that his players continue to embody.
Relying on the defense and leadership from veterans like Wilson, Tomlin guided his team to its seventh win, reinforcing the belief that bold decisions—though sometimes costly—can lead to rewarding outcomes.