Pittsburgh Steelers fans were screaming for Mike Tomlin to be fired this offseason. So when he willingly resigned this offseason after 19 years in charge, a lot of fans were willing to let him go. But on Sunday, they got a warning that the grass might not be any greener on the other side.
The Steelers were thoroughly handled by the New England Patriots on Sunday, suffering a 20-3 loss in a game that never really looked in doubt for the Patriots. It's the first loss of the Mike McCarthy era, and one that might raise alarm bells for some fans. And there are fair reasons why it should and shouldn't.
Final. @PALottery pic.twitter.com/tlxaJSKGEJ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 20, 2026
Why is Pittsburgh's loss to the Patriots not concerning?
Let's be real. It'll take time for Mike McCarthy to build the talent, personnel, and culture he wants. That
doesn't happen overnight. Everyone knows Aaron Rodgers won't be what he was at the peak of his career with McCarthy at his current age, and the Patriots were Super Bowl runners-up last year. This loss was somewhat expected and shouldn't be seen as a big deal.
Why Pittsburgh's loss to the Patriots could be a bigger deal than you may think
The Pittsburgh Steelers were willing to part ways with Tomlin not because he could win several games a year and get to the playoffs. They did it because he wasn't winning enough and having postseason success. And how well they do in the playoffs, or if they make it, is still in the future; it's clear now that this team doesn't look that much different than last year's. In fact, they don't look like they can compete with high-caliber NFL teams.
Absolutely ridiculous.....#NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/Bp6XIVC7Nr
— The Standard (@TheStandard412) September 20, 2026
They were outgained by over 100 yards offensively, despite winning the time of possession battle by over five minutes. They went 2-for-12 on third down. At times, Rodgers looked like his cleats should already be hanging up. And the one time they got into the red zone, they failed to score. Something has to change, and that's why Tomlin left. But it doesn't look like it's changing yet.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Steelers get wake-up call with first brutal loss of Mike McCarthy era
