Steelers' consistent coaching problems could be the downfall of the team

Despite it being a winnable matchup on paper, the Steelers turned up empty last Sunday against the Colts. On paper, Pittsburgh matched up well here, but in practice, they struggled, specifically early in the game. As things got more desperate the offense and defense opened up which allowed a comeback to almost materialize.

While there were other factors at play, coaching has to take the front seat this week as one of the core reasons for their loss. The defense, one of the best in the league, couldn’t stop a nosebleed at first. The offense was even worse, as their script was once again so reserved and easily countered by the Colts that they couldn't move the ball. I had visions back to the worst of 2023 early in the game, as it was that bad.

While the Steelers have a lot of new looks this year, they still have a frustrating holdover that is becoming a staple of Mike Tomlin’s tenure: this team can’t adjust on the fly. Even when plans are falling flat, this team will try to run through the brick wall instead of around it.

We consistently see the best team try and adjust in the game, but for Pittsburgh, we are lucky if we get some minor adjustments at halftime. This team isn't even reactionary, they are stubborn and convince themselves what they are doing will turn around.

To be fair, this season we have at least seen some willingness to adjust at halftime. In years past that wasn’t always the case. But it doesn’t change the stubborn nature of this team. No matter how ill-prepared this team comes out on Sunday, the team would rather stay the course instead of trying to change things mid-game.

Will coaching keep the Steelers back?

The Steelers have gotten off to a hot start this year, but if the team continues with this lackluster coaching, it will cost them more games. The game plan is predicated on beating teams on defense and the offense grinding things out. When you have a slow start and you don’t adjust until you are down massively, it kills that momentum.

While I am generally against the game plan as a whole (I don't see this style competing with the top teams), it can win you games. However, those games need to either have the Steelers take an early lead that they can sit on or keep the game close enough that they don't have to shift their mantra around.

When things get out of hand like they did last week though, you need to be able to call some new things on the fly to get back into the game. This team did adjust, but it was far too late.

The Steelers schedule only gets tougher from here. While the AFC North has struggled as a whole, those games will never be easy. The NFC East has a trio of good teams, one of them being the Cowboys this Sunday night. Having a bad initial game plan happens, but you need to be willing to adjust on the fly if that game plan is failing. Other NFL teams won't let you get away with not doing so.

If not, don’t expect this Steelers team to remain among the top names in the NFL. A team as delicate as Pittsburgh is right now needs a coach willing to adjust on the fly. This goes for both the coordinators and the head coach. If not, this team can spiral quickly, and the loss to the Colts will only be the beginning of that downfall.