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The Steelers have to make drastic adjustments.
That must be self-evident within the wake of their meltdown towards the little-brother-no-longer Cleveland Browns. One of many NFL’s proudest and most profitable franchises must take a tough look within the mirror, settle for that an period that spanned practically twenty years and added two extra Lombardi Trophies to the workforce’s case is over.
The earlier the Steelers rip off the bandage, the earlier they’ll get together with the method of rebuilding, reloading, or no matter you’d prefer to name it.
They gained’t be doing that this offseason, although. I can say that with confidence, as a result of the franchise’s conservative manner of doing enterprise, lengthy its calling card and a trait that drew raves from analysts and jealous sighs from different fan bases, has curdled.
The Steelers are not sensible and conservative on the subject of huge strikes. They’re stale and complacent, unwilling to reckon with actuality.
I totally anticipate that when Artwork Rooney II offers his annual end-of-season tackle, he’ll focus largely on the positives; his workforce went 12-4, they gained the AFC North, and had thrilling contributions from younger gamers like Chase Claypool and Alex Highsmith.
I then anticipate Rooney to place just about nobody on discover, and categorical little or no real displeasure on the manner this yr ended, which occurs to be the identical manner the three previous to it ended; with no playoff wins, and egg on the workforce’s face.
If there was an trustworthy accounting of this workforce, it might look one thing like this: The quarterback is getting older, nicely previous his prime, and incapable of main the workforce to a Tremendous Bowl, and never wherever close to well worth the $41 million he counts towards the cap in 2021. The pinnacle coach has presided over all of those collapses, and was responsible of in-game cowardice of the very best order towards the Browns, kneecapping any probabilities of a miracle comeback with not one, however two indefensible selections to punt.
There are not any in-demand assistant coaches, no younger up-and-comers, or individuals with contemporary concepts. Wage cap hell, the likes of which the workforce has by no means seen earlier than, looms across the nook. Bud Dupree, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Cam Sutton, Mike Hilton, and different precious items will seemingly be gone.
The offensive line is a large number, and must get youthful and higher at a number of positions. Maurkice Pouncey, who has skated by on repute for at the least two full seasons, wants an inheritor obvious.
I might go on and on, however the best solution to summarize their present scenario is to level out that when Mike Tomlin acknowledged that it was his intention to compete for a championship subsequent yr, one thing he does at each season-ending press convention, it has by no means sounded extra far-fetched and absurd than it did this time round.
Desire a guidelines of what must be finished? A guidelines of what a workforce keen to acknowledge actuality would do? You’re in luck.
If the Steelers actually needed to take management of their future, they’d ditch the concept a 3-13 or 4-12 season is beneath them, and strip every little thing all the way down to the studs.
Ben Roethlisberger? Have a dialog, and counsel he retire. If that suggestion is rebuffed, minimize him. Use the $19 million financial savings to maintain one or two extra gamers that seem like items of a profitable group sooner or later.
Hearth Randy Fichtner and Shaun Sarrett, on the very least. Give the keys to the offense to Mason Rudolph and see what he’s obtained. If he performs nicely, congratulations – you’ve discovered your franchise quarterback. If not, the workforce will seemingly sink to the underside of the league, and the highest of the draft.
If that occurs, bid farewell to Tomlin, Kevin Colbert, and everybody else of significance. Get a wholesale infusion of recent blood at each stage of the entrance workplace. Attempt to draft a quarterback of the long run, and begin to aggressively rebuild round him. There’s no assure it can work, nevertheless it’s higher than sitting round ready for one thing – one other Tremendous Bowl run – that may by no means come as issues are presently constructed.
Doing this requires acknowledging that the present period has ended, that the workforce has wrung every little thing it might out of Roethlisberger and firm. Any additional makes an attempt to hold on, even for yet one more yr, will forestall what must be finished.
I doubt Rooney sees it that manner. I totally anticipate a “keep the course” kind of message from the proprietor. No matter adjustments the workforce does make will likely be minor. They’ll proceed to disclaim actuality, and undergo for it.
A gentle, grounded method was the Steelers’ greatest power, however until main adjustments come, and shortly, a dogged refusal to maneuver on will likely be their downfall, and can usher in an period of futility that may make this season appear to be a nice reminiscence.
It’s your transfer, Artwork. Will you make one?
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