Pittsburgh — A few minutes after the Pittsburgh Steelers were humiliated by a hurt and subpar Indianapolis Colts squad on Saturday, Mike Tomlin appeared to be a defeated man, or at the very least, a coach who couldn’t come up with a convincing defence for what he had just witnessed.
Usually witty in his responses, Tomlin battled through the questions after his team surrendered thirty unanswered points in a crucial AFC playoff game against a club missing its starting right tackle, top quarterback, top two running backs, and top receiver.
After losing to 2-10 Arizona, 2-10 New England, and then Indianapolis in a span of 14 days, it seemed as though Tomlin’s confidence was damaged. Instead of finishing 7-7 and perhaps having his first losing season ever, he might have been 10-4 and challenging for a division title.
Tomlin said on Monday, “One week you’re squashing grapes, and the next you’re drinking wine.” Clearly, we have been crushing a lot of grapes lately. A little wine would be nice.
He seemed to be picking up on the increasing noise from the outside world on the likelihood that his 17-year tenure with the Steelers would come to an end.
The joke is on you, though, if you think so.
On Monday, Tomlin stepped up to the platform at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex a different man, or rather, the same self-assured man he always has been. In any case, a self-described assured coach.
In the face of one of the lowest moments since taking over as head coach of the Steelers in 2007, he put on a brave front. He nearly retaliated when it was implied that his faith as a football coach had been called into question.
“I don’t ever lack confidence,” Tomlin remarked.I guess what gives me confidence is that I’ve played football for the bulk of my fifty-one years of existence, guy. However, I might not be able to impart that to others. However, if you expressly asked me
Tomlin has stated on several occasions that there is a reason to his actions and behaviour. Thus, one approach to subtly and forcefully communicate with his players is for him to stand at the platform and declare that he is confident in his ability to get this squad back on track.
It could be required since his most recent résumé isn’t up to par. Tomlin has performed well. Among active coaches, his 170 victories place him third. He has two Super Bowl appearances, ten playoff appearances, and a Lombardi Trophy under his belt. During his first 16 years, he had a winning percentage of.635 which was eighth all-time.
