The Pittsburgh Steelers' loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 was a predictable one in many ways, at least based on the team's recent history. Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers were 0-6 against AFC North opponents when on the road on Thursday nights. It's a relatively small sample size, but the 33-31 defeat only added to their struggles in that specific setting.
There are plenty of directions the blame can (and should) be thrown for the loss, but the coaching staff is squarely in the crosshairs for good reason. Continually failing to find a way to overcome tough situations falls at the coach's feet, not the players.
If you don't believe that, consider how much time has passed since Tomlin took over for the Steelers' previous head coach, Bill Cowher. This is his 19th season patrolling the sidelines in Pittsburgh, and games like this week's have been a common sight throughout his tenure. Players have come and gone, but many of the issues have stayed the same. His defense, in particular, has suffered do to his unwillingness to evolve.
Pittsburgh Steelers' limited ceiling is a reflection of Mike Tomlin's lack of growth
Ever since his early playoff success, Tomlin has struggled to bring his team back to the very top of the NFL hierarchy. It has been nearly a decade since his last playoff victory, and his defense has been shredded in nearly every attempt to end that losing streak.
The reason why was made painfully clear following their loss to the Bengals, as their top receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, essentially said that Pittsburgh's defense did nothing they weren't expecting them to do going into the game.
Chase finished with a Bengals record 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown, so I think it's safe to say he wasn't lying about knowing what was coming from the defense. Similar things have been said for years about their defensive strategies, and the blame for that falls squarely on Tomlin.
It's easy to point the finger at defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, and rightfully so. He is certainly not blameless for the defense's struggles. But we all know that this is Tomlin's defense at the end of the day, and something must change if he is ever going to make another deep playoff run in Pittsburgh.
For too long now, the long-time coach has relied heavily on the talent of his defense opposed to growing as a defensive mind. They have had the highest-paid defense for several years now, but it hasn't mattered when facing top-tier opponents. Given all the high-end talent they possess, I refuse to believe this fall-off is all due to regression from players like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward.
There are more than enough players on this defense to work with for a premium defensive coach, and their lack of success proves that Tomlin must learn to adapt before he is completely left behind. In all honesty, that time may have already passed.