The Pittsburgh Steelers rank 27th in total offense and 28th in total defense through the first 14 weeks of the NFL season. Despite being near the bottom of the league in both offense and defense, the Steelers find
themselves with a 7-6 overall record and with a slim lead in the AFC North after their victory in Baltimore this past weekend.
After an embarrassing home loss to Buffalo in week 13, Pittsburgh seemed to be at a crossroads, as chants of “Fire Tomlin” echoed through the stadium. Likewise, Renegade was met with boos for what I would imagine was the first time.
During his Tuesday press conference, Tomlin was asked whether he felt he was on the hot seat, and he had an interesting response.
“I’ve been on the hot seat for 19 years,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin’s comments about proving something to the fans weekly are notable. Just last week, when Tomlin was questioned about the chants calling for his firing, he took the side of the fans.
“Man, I share their frustrations tonight,” Tomlin said. “We didn’t do enough. That’s just the reality of it.”
The Steelers’ head coach is aware of fans’ feelings, and a win in Baltimore is certainly a great way to get back in their good graces.
If I had to guess, Tomlin’s comment about being on the hot seat for 19 years feels like more of a cliché than anything. Most likely, he is alluding to the idea that anything can happen and change in the NFL on any given week.
Regardless of any chants or hot-seat talk, Tomlin has his team sitting atop the AFC North.
Do you think Mike Tomlin is actually on the hot seat? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments below!
