Steelers players reportedly butting heads with Coach Tomlin over recent practice habits
Mike Tomlin does things his way. And throughout his 18-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, that has worked pretty well. But with more questions than answers for the team as of late, it seems his own players are having double takes on some of his decisions… Steelers players unhappy with padded practices I don't think […]
Mike Tomlin does things his way.
And throughout his 18-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, that has worked pretty well.
But with more questions than answers for the team as of late, it seems his own players are having double takes on some of his decisions…
Steelers players unhappy with padded practices
I don't think that's it. They actually practiced in pads one day last week. I know some players weren't thrilled about that I don't think many other teams are doing that in Week 18. I just think they need better game plans, better buy-in from players. I get the sense now that a lot of players are frustrated and not believing in the game plans.
– Ray Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
The Steelers and Mike Tomlin specifically, believe in playing a physical brand of football. They want to inflict their will on opponents, wearing on the completion as the game goes on.
In order to do that, you have to have physicality in practice. Not just in training camp or when the weather is nice. But in the middle of a playoff run when the temperature outside is miserable. Bill Belichick did it forever during his dynastic run with the New England Patriots, and for all the problems that have arisen over the last four games, being soft isn't one of them for the Steelers.
But when you aren't winning, and more specifically lose four in a row, everything and everyone comes into question. Mike Tomlin is noted for being one of the top coaches that players would want to play for. He is known as the ultimate leader of men, and few if any have ever been able to better relate to 53 men in a locker room.
But when you drop a month's worth of games, players could care less about your speeches and metaphors. All they want to do is make their money and remain healthy, and that typically coincides with winning football.
But to quote former Las Vegas Raiders owner Al Davis, "Just win baby." If Pittsburgh knocks off the Baltimore Ravens as heavy underdogs, on the road and win their first playoff game in nearly a decade, all of the noise and chatter goes away.
If they lose, expect the volume to only be turned up.
