It’s no mystery that the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their biggest test to date. This Saturday, they take on the Baltimore Ravens. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has been vocal about the team’s need to improve physicality following a disappointing performance against the Buffalo Bills, where the Steelers’ defense surrendered 249 rushing yards. Now, with the team sitting at 6-6, Tomlin recognizes the need for the team to “regroup, replan and repurpose.”
Tomlin acknowledged the recent struggles, stating, “As we stand here today, based on the last performance, not so good.” This candid assessment highlights the urgency for the Steelers to enhance their physical play, particularly in the context of their division rivals. The Steelers sense the noose tightening. They’ve got a real taste for blood, hellbent on revenge at the case of their regular season opening loss to these very same Ravens.
In analyzing the team’s defensive woes, Tomlin pointed out, “We’ve certainly had some attrition in that area.” It might more easily be attributed to injuries that have derailed key players like Dean Lowry, Isaiah Loudermilk and Derrick Harmon. Harmon’s already slated to miss a second straight game with a knee injury, making the team’s lack of depth all the more troubling. Tomlin elaborated on the importance of having physical players on hand, especially in the physical AFC North division.
Dean Lowry, Loudermilk — and now, Derrick Harmon has been out a few stretches. Part of what’s special about that depth with young people like Yahya and Esezi Otomewo and others, man is the breadth. Tomlin said, “You can’t run out of bigs. If you get tired of bigs in AFC North ball, you’re sand running.”
The Steelers’ offseason plan was about being more physically imposing, especially in their own division. This year has brought ups and downs in their “stop the run” defense, an area that Tomlin mentioned continues to be a roller coaster. The defensive execution has been a focal point for players like T.J. Watt, who remarked on the team’s challenges: “It was an ass kicking in all areas.” Watt’s observation speaks to the holistic reality of the problems that they encounter.
Tomlin’s full attention today is on a re-shaping his roster. He recalls having to make hard choices even from the Ravens’ visitors locker room after their final game. The signings of players such as Harrison further demonstrate our desire to play a more physical brand of Hockey. We signed him as an inside LB thumper. He had missed seven games this season due to a bone bruise in his right knee. Now, he is poised to deliver a big boon.
Tomlin remains optimistic despite the hurdles, stating, “Certainly, at different times in this journey I felt really good about it. … When you’re sitting at 6-6, for us it is about absorbing that and understanding that and plotting a course to move forward.” His stubborn unwillingness offers the kind of hope for four-peat that we’ve all been yearning for. They are barreling toward the home stretch of this season with gusto.
Watt also made it clear that if they want to be successful against the Ravens, consistency will be key. “The team that can manage those things and summon up the good in a more consistent way is the team that’s going to have a chance to control this game this weekend,” he noted.
As kickoff approaches, one thing is certain — fans and analysts alike will be watching the Steelers with a hawk eye. They long to believe the team can meet the moment and manifest some newfound physicality. The result versus their arch nemesis might be the most important one of this season. It would potentially set the course for the future of the entire franchise.
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