Although things may seem positive for the Pittsburgh Steelers on the surface, a closer look reveals a grim reality. Head coach Mike Tomlin has his team at a 4-2 record and on top of the AFC North division standings, but things could sink fast. The next four weeks of the season could prove to be the most challenging part of the schedule.
They need to address their own issues quickly, or last week’s nightmare against Cincinnati will persist.
Tomlin has long been criticized for his predictable approach to the game of football. For one reason or another, it seems like opposing teams almost know what Pittsburgh's defense is drawing up, which is a direct indictment of Tomlin. His failure to adjust to the modern game has allowed solid quarterbacks to routinely dissect his team when the games matter most.
Pittsburgh Steelers next four weeks of the season will test Mike Tomlin and his team
Week 8: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Green Bay Packers
The matchup between Aaron Rodgers and his longtime team will grab most of the headlines. Pittsburgh must overcome several issues in this game, or it could lead to disaster. The offensive line must take care of the Packers' pass rush, and the Steelers’ secondary must handle a bounty of riches of Green Bay receivers. Many factors are working against the home team.
Much like the rest of this list, the Steelers must overcome playing a reliable starting quarterback.
Pittsburgh has failed to handle a victory over any other signal caller other than backups this season. It has put a damper on their schedule, but they must overcome this against Jordan Love. If they can pressure Love and win the turnover battle, they have a shot, but it won't be easy.
Week 9: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts
No one expected the Indianapolis Colts to be off to as hot a start as they have. Daniel Jones looks like a solid starting quarterback, and the rest of the team around him has played complementary football thus far this season. The Steelers might've assumed this would be a win before the schedule started, but it appears this battle could be something Pittsburgh loses.
Jones might not be a fantastic starter, but he has shown signs of improvement with the Colts. Mix Jones performing well against the Steelers last season, with Indianapolis destroying Tomlin's defense last year, and it's a recipe for disaster. AFC matchups will only grow more important as the season progresses, making this a potentially tough loss to accept.
READ MORE: Steelers fans were just forced to relive Mike Tomlin’s recurring nightmare
Week 10: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Los Angeles Chargers
Going across the country is something Tomlin-led teams have not shown as their strongest trait. They have struggled on the West Coast, and those difficulties could persist. The Los Angeles Chargers are battling to stay in the heart of the playoff picture despite injuries hampering them.
Luckily for the Chargers, and bad news for the Steelers, some of those injured players will return.
If the Steelers can find a way to beat Jones and Justin Herbert in back-to-back weeks, that would help Tomlin's team boost their playoff chances. Herbert has diced up Pittsburgh's defenses in the past when he remained healthy. The Chargers' signal caller has carried his team through massive amounts of injuries, and a win over the Steelers could get them back into contention.
Week 11: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Flacco just embarrassed them this past week, and Tomlin would love to get some revenge next time around. Flacco exposed the ongoing issue of the Steelers' problems against even average starting quarterbacks. Their defensive game plans are weak, and opposing quarterbacks at Flacco’s level or higher know how to exploit them consistently.
Flacco effectively minimized the pass rush last week, and Pittsburgh must overcome that challenge in its next four games. The Steelers cannot afford to lose twice to their AFC North rival this season, making this an important matchup. Tomlin and company have a chance to redeem their shocking loss in Week 7, but it won't be easy if Flacco plays like he did last time.