The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 season results seem precisely the same as they were after 2023. In both years, the team went 10-7 and lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. However, to witness the two seasons felt very different. The 2024 season started with such promise; they were 10-3 heading into their Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The whole world knew the compressed schedule at Christmas time would be demanding, but few expected them to lose their last five games of the season.
It has led more fans than ever to question Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his abilities to lead the team. They wonder if his message has gotten stale. Those fans are no longer placated by his quippy sayings and 18 straight non-losing seasons. They want playoff wins.
When asked before the playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens why he felt so confident they could win, Tomlin said it was because he worked with that group of players daily. He said it didn't matter that they lost the last four games of the regular season. Tomlin added that the string of playoff losses isn't a "collective story," saying instead that it is his story. He told the media that many players on the team don't "tote those bags" and that he is happy to tote them for them.
Cameron Heyward has been with the Steelers and Tomlin since they drafted him in 2011. He has been a leader on that team for well over a decade, and Tomlin trusts Heyward to help guide his teammates. Currently in Orlando, Florida, for the Pro Bowl Games, Heyward spoke with SiriusXM NFL Radio and was asked how this team gets back on track. He was also asked about his 14 years of hearing Tomlin's speeches, including the one about his guys not carrying the luggage.
"I think Mike T. can say his guys don't have to carry the luggage, but we do," said Heyward. "I think every year we're striving to win a Super Bowl, and when we fall short, we all have to own it, and we all have to be better because of it. I don't think we had enough cohesion on defense to be sound. That starts with players executing at a high rate. I think we have the guys in the room, but going forward, we have to clean up a lot of things. I think the playoff game, especially versus Baltimore, you gotta have your execution at a high level, and we did not."
Pittsburgh had the highest-paid defense in the NFL in 2024, but much of the money went to two players: TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Some believe they need to scrap players who just can't uphold the standard.
Several players indicated that the defense struggled with communication, especially during the losses. However, DeShon Elliott defended the defense and said they were communicating well.
Steelers Have Looming Quarterback Decision
Heyward was also asked about the team's quarterback predicament. They brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on one-year contracts for the 2024 season. Now, they have to decide once again which way to go.
It felt like Wilson was the odds-on favorite when they were winning games. However, after the dust of the losses settled, most insiders think the team is leaning toward the younger and more athletic Fields.
Heyward echoed the sentiments of owner Art Rooney II by saying he would love to be able to keep both of them, but he recognizes that isn't realistic. Rooney added that they would like to have their quarterback room more streamlined to make it more efficient for Arthur Smith.
