‘I’m not in the mood to sell optimism’ – Mike Tomlin and Steelers face crossroads on doorstep of historic failure
It’s Groundhog Day in Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers were once again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs without much of a fight, losing 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night. Tomlin has coached in 19 postseason games, with an 8-11 recordGetty That makes Tomlin 0-6 in his last six trips to the postseason. It is the second longest losing streak in the playoffs, only behind Marvin Lewis, who lost seven straight. One more loss and Tomlin will join Lewis. Before 2016, when the losing streak started, Tomlin was 8-5 in the postseason, with two Super Bowl appearances and one title. It has been a long decade in Pittsburgh since then, but Tomlin isn’t deterred. However, he is keeping it real. While speaking to the media at his exit press conference on Tuesday afternoon, he didn’t mince his words when asked if the steam is ‘stuck’ in a malaise. “‘Stuck’ is a helpless feeling. I don’t feel helpless,” Tomlin said. “I don’t know if I want to sell you an overly optimistic (tone) either. Tomlin has been the head coach of the Steelers since 2007Getty “We certainly feel capable, but I’m not in the mood to sell optimism. “That wouldn’t be appropriate.” It seems unfair to question a man that has gone 18 years without a losing season in Pittsburgh, but that’s what happens when you go almost an entire decade without a playoff victory. And it’s not just about the losses, it’s about how they look. In their last six postseason games, they have led for a total of four minutes and 56 seconds. Six games, 360 minutes, and they have led less than five minutes total in those games. In those six games, they have fallen behind by 10, 21, 28, 28, 21 and 21. It is hard to take a lead when the deficit balloons as quickly as they have. That is why Tomlin is being asked if his team is at a crossroads. That is why his job security has been questioned. “I certainly understand the frustrations, and more important than that, I share it,” Tomlin said. “That’s how I’m wired. I’m not a big-time comfort seeker … nor am I a comfort provider.” When asked if there was a possibility he himself could be trade elsewhere, Tomlin gave a quick response. “I have no message. Save your time.” It will be long offseason in Pittsburgh as questions about the head coach linger, a search for a franchise quarterback continues, and concerns over a once might defense come to the forefront. Happy Groundhog Day Pittsburgh. Follow talkSPORT NFL on Facebook Follow our talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook for the latest breaking NFL news, exclusive video interviews, and the biggest talking points from around the league. Our dedicated NFL YouTube channel ‘End Zone’ will also keep you across the very latest NFL news with exclusive access and our weekly ‘Rundown’ review show.
It’s Groundhog Day in Pittsburgh.
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers were once again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs without much of a fight, losing 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night.
That makes Tomlin 0-6 in his last six trips to the postseason.
It is the second longest losing streak in the playoffs, only behind Marvin Lewis, who lost seven straight.
One more loss and Tomlin will join Lewis.
Before 2016, when the losing streak started, Tomlin was 8-5 in the postseason, with two Super Bowl appearances and one title.
It has been a long decade in Pittsburgh since then, but Tomlin isn’t deterred.
However, he is keeping it real.
While speaking to the media at his exit press conference on Tuesday afternoon, he didn’t mince his words when asked if the steam is ‘stuck’ in a malaise.
“‘Stuck’ is a helpless feeling. I don’t feel helpless,” Tomlin said.
“I don’t know if I want to sell you an overly optimistic (tone) either.
“We certainly feel capable, but I’m not in the mood to sell optimism.
“That wouldn’t be appropriate.”
It seems unfair to question a man that has gone 18 years without a losing season in Pittsburgh, but that’s what happens when you go almost an entire decade without a playoff victory.
And it’s not just about the losses, it’s about how they look.
In their last six postseason games, they have led for a total of four minutes and 56 seconds.
Six games, 360 minutes, and they have led less than five minutes total in those games.
In those six games, they have fallen behind by 10, 21, 28, 28, 21 and 21.
It is hard to take a lead when the deficit balloons as quickly as they have.
That is why Tomlin is being asked if his team is at a crossroads.
That is why his job security has been questioned.
“I certainly understand the frustrations, and more important than that, I share it,” Tomlin said.
“That’s how I’m wired. I’m not a big-time comfort seeker … nor am I a comfort provider.”
When asked if there was a possibility he himself could be trade elsewhere, Tomlin gave a quick response.
“I have no message. Save your time.”
It will be long offseason in Pittsburgh as questions about the head coach linger, a search for a franchise quarterback continues, and concerns over a once might defense come to the forefront.
Happy Groundhog Day Pittsburgh.
Follow talkSPORT NFL on Facebook
Follow our talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook for the latest breaking NFL news, exclusive video interviews, and the biggest talking points from around the league.
Our dedicated NFL YouTube channel ‘End Zone’ will also keep you across the very latest NFL news with exclusive access and our weekly ‘Rundown’ review show.
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