The Pittsburgh Steelers have set themselves up to make the playoffs, despite dealing with major injuries throughout the season.
It’s time to give head coach Mike Tomlin his flowers, again. The Pittsburgh Steelers have pulled off a 10-win season, despite major injuries to the defense and one of the most inconsistent offenses in the league. Pittsburgh is riding a three-game win streak with victories against the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, and Baltimore Ravens. Tomlin sounded off on the Steelers’ ride, mentioning Pittsburgh’s ability to plug and play.
“Of the couch,” said Tomlin, per Mike DeFabo at The Athletic.
Injuries to Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cole Holcomb, and Kwon Alexander left the Steelers thin on the defensive end. Tomlin and the staff went back to the drawing board and decided to bring in guys like Eric Rowe and Myles Jack who were free agents. Both players seemed to be free acquisitions for the team since they weren’t very sought after by other organizations. Jack was in the midst of retiring after being cut by the Philadelphia Eagles and Rowe spent time on league practice squads before being called up.
Rowe led the team in tackles in their recent win against the Ravens, totaling 12 for the matchup. The safety also had a crucial forced fumble that helped the Steelers get back within rhythm, pushing them toward a comfortable lead. Jack had three tackles on the night, which certainly doesn’t jump off the stat sheet, but he was always in position to stop the big plays that could have turned the game in the Ravens’ favor. This may show the preparation from Rowe and Jack, but it also exemplifies Tomlin’s best skill of setting his team in place of victory in clutch time.