Heading into the 2024 season, the expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers were underwhelming, as most fans and analysts did not consider them to be major contenders in the NFL. In fact, many predicted the Steelers would finish in third or fourth place in their division and barely scrape their way to 8 or 9 wins.
Now, as the NFL heads into Week 13, the Steelers’ impressive 8-3 record has them sitting in first place atop their division and third overall in the AFC.
Mike Tomlin's aggressive approach in 2024 has aided the Steelers
Well, even dating back to the 2023 season, Tomlin’s decisions have been a little more aggressive than usual. The mid-season termination of offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, was the first time the Steelers have fired a coach before the offseason in over 80 years.
As Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan strive to be on the same page regarding players and coaches, Tomlin later stated that the decision to fire Canada was “mine and mine alone”.
During the offseason, the Steelers then took a similar approach regarding their entire quarterback room as they have underperformed in recent years. Over a month span, the Steelers departed ways with all three of their quarterbacks and replaced them with an entirely new group in Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen.
Since then, the Steelers’ offense and passing game have taken considerable strides all while maintaining a physical and resilient identity.
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The latest and possibly most controversial decision Mike Tomlin has recently made came in Week 7. Before the Steelers' Sunday night matchup against the New York Jets, Tomlin decided to make a switch at quarterback due to Russel Wilson coming off an injury.
Although backup quarterback Justin Fields was playing well and helped lead the Steelers to a convincing 4-2 record. Tomlin felt Wilson would take the Steelers to the next level as he stated “I’m not trying to win games. I’m trying to win a world title”.
Since then, Russel Wilson has gone 4-1 as the starting quarterback which includes back-to-back wins against two playoff contenders in the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens.
With six games remaining, the Steelers’ final stretch to the playoffs is looking to be the toughest part of their schedule. If the Steelers can continue to win and finish at the top of their division, it should considerably boost Tomlin's chances of being awarded Coach of the Year honors.
If Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have indicated anything through their play and approach to the 2024 season, it is that they will be running toward to fight and hoping to 'unleash hell in December'.