The NFL playoffs kickoff this weekend and for the first time since 1999, there isn’t a team from Pennsylvania in the dance. But it’s not the Eagles that matter around here right? It’s the Steelers. The six-time Super Bowl champion Steelers. Trust me, if you aren’t a fan of them, their fans WILL remind you daily how many titles they have. The most respected franchise in all of sports with the best ownership. The “real” America’s team and not those crummy Dallas Cowboys.
The Steelers fans are, in my opinion, the most passionate fans in football and do have the best following. With that being said, they are also the most spoiled fans in all of football.
Now before you rip my head off, it isn’t the worst thing in the world. The word fan is short for fanatic in a sports sense and with the emotions that Steelers fans have, they are the true definition to this term. Some however, take it a step too far.
After a first round loss to the Denver Broncos and Tim Tebow, that was the final straw for Steelers fans. Something had to be done and the sacrificial lamb was Bruce Arians. Arians who “retired” as he left, just so happened to take the offensive coordinator and interim head coach position with the Indianapolis Colts this year. All that did for Arians is make him a hot commodity with the Chicago Bears for their head coach vacancy as he helped lead the Colts to the playoffs.
So this year at 8-8 and no playoffs, the Steelers fans really want a change. Let’s take a look at some of the suggestions that I’ve personally heard in conversation.
- Fire Todd Haley – Fans hating an offensive coordinator for a team? I’ve never heard of such a thing. I hope the sarcasm was noted there. Close to 85 percent of fans (by my own calculation) don’t like their team’s offensive coordinator. But sure, Haley can go after one season. That’s not too extreme. Although the next guy who takes the job will probably be hated by you too. Just a heads up.
- Dick LeBeau has lost his touch – Oh has he now? While the Steelers didn’t pass the eye test with the top defense and couldn’t get turnovers to save their tail (or season), they were still numerically No. 1 in team defense. The problem with the unit isn’t LeBeau, but it’s that the team needs to get younger on defense. Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor and James Harrison are all starters over the age of 30. Aside from Clark and Taylor, despite Keisel having an outstanding season, the majority of them have seen their better days go by. They’ll still be productive, just not on an every game basis like they used to. It’s not that LeBeau has lost his touch or grew too old for the game, it’s that the Steelers need youth, speed and time to get those players adjusted to LeBeau’s scheme.
- Fire Mike Tomlin – Yeah because this is the solution. I know there are some who can’t stand Tomlin and think he’s a very overrated coach (I’m looking at you Jon Pennline), but the fact of the matter is that Tomlin has done a pretty good job in Pittsburgh. I mean going to two Super Bowls and winning one constitutes as a good start to a career in my book at least. Everyone has an off year. It’s going to happen. Firing Tomlin should be taken as seriously as anything Matt from Shaler has to say.
- Get a new quarterback – Now if you want new backup quarterbacks then this is sensible. But unfortunately the majority of people that I’ve spoke to at least are referring to getting No. 7 out of there. You don’t know how hard it is not to laugh in someone’s face when they say this. Before getting hurt, Ben Roethlisberger had a great season. He was putting up MVP-like numbers before that hit he suffered against the Kansas City Chiefs. When returning from injury, he didn’t look like the same Ben. He instead, looked like the “same” Ben as he would hold onto the ball for a long period of time. Isn’t that what makes him special though? It is in my eyes. Sure he threw two late interceptions in consecutive games that led to losses, but did it ever come to mind that he was still injured trying to make the throws? But sure, get rid of the franchise player and most important player on the Steelers. Makes perfect sense.
So as you can see, everyone has a solution to what the Steelers need to fix after going 8-8. Look at that record one more time. Ask Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins or Oakland Raiders fans how much they would love to have that record. What about the 5-11, 6-10 and 7-9 seasons over a four-year span the Steelers suffered in the 1980’s? Could you imagine with social media what the reaction would be to that? That my friends is a time to panic. Not 8-8.
The fact is, you could be from Buffalo where they have won exactly nothing. What about Cleveland? The Browns have done nothing since coming back (although they have a solid core now), LeBron James bolted and the Indians have been in rebuilding mode forever it seems. Yes consistent success brings higher expectations, but they also need to be realistic ones.
A team can’t make the playoffs every year. It happens to just about all the other 31 cities. But that’s why your team is the best right? They always make them. Let this be a reality check and a realization how lucky Steelers fans are. Some teams are still waiting on that first Super Bowl win and appearance even.
But in a way, it’s a good problem to have. At least you’re able to say “fire this guy or that guy” because you care. It could always be “Oh, is there a game today” like many franchises instead.
Photo Credits: DIYLOL
