This discussion does not revolve around Pro Bowlers. The Pro Bowl is a realm of politics and does not always accurately reflect a franchise’s true talent level. Rather, the focus here is on unfiltered observation. It is evident that the Pittsburgh Steelers possessed the weakest roster among the playoff contenders, and in some instances, significantly so.
Let’s delve into a breakdown of the situation:
Vikings: While their quarterback situation may raise some questions, the presence of Justin Jefferson and a multitude of talented pieces across their roster cannot be denied. On the other hand, the Steelers’ standout offensive player is George Pickens, whose commitment and consistency fluctuate, leaving much to be desired in terms of reliability.
Tomlin has previously shown a level of tolerance towards such behavioral inconsistencies in his receivers, implying a systemic issue within the team. However, it should not fall solely on Tomlin to ensure professionalism from his players. Professionalism should be an inherent expectation for any player at this level.
Rams: The emergence of wide receiver Puka Nacua as a potential generational talent places the Rams’ roster well above that of the Steelers’.
Commanders: Quarterback Jayden Daniels is a notable asset for the team, leaving little room for further discussion.
Lions: The mere mention of the Lions in comparison speaks volumes.
Kansas City, Buccaneers, Packers, Eagles: The talent differentials between these teams and the Steelers are stark, emphasizing the significant shortcomings within the Pittsburgh roster.
Chargers: While the Chargers present a more closely matched scenario, the undeniable potential of Justin Herbert and the underrated prowess of Derwin James make them a formidable opponent.
The defensive struggles of the Steelers are glaringly evident, with notable concerns surrounding the performance of star player T.J. Watt towards the latter part of the season, where his impact waned considerably.
Texans: The presence of standout wide receiver Nico Collins and other top-tier pass catchers sets the Texans apart, along with the superior performance of running back Joe Mixon in comparison to the Steelers’ Najee Harris.
Ravens, Broncos, Bills: The comparative analysis leaves little room for debate on the glaring disparities in talent across these teams when stacked against the Steelers.
The composition of Pittsburgh’s roster ultimately falls under Tomlin’s input, not final authority. Though his influence is undeniable, the ultimate decision-making power lies elsewhere.
Tomlin’s invocation of “the standard is the standard” harkens back to a bygone era where iconic figures like Jerome Bettis, Ben Roethlisberger, and Troy Polamalu graced the team. The current roster pales in comparison, lacking the star power and impact of its predecessors.
Critics may be quick to assign blame to Tomlin, but a critical examination of the roster reveals a deeper issue at play. The question remains: Is the current Steelers roster truly up to par with the standards set by its historic predecessors?
In conclusion, the focus should shift towards addressing the glaring deficiencies
