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Just weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers were on a solid trajectory with a 7-4 record, eyeing a favorable schedule for the rest of the season.
Fast forward to the present, and the team stands at a disappointing 7-7, their postseason aspirations hanging by a thread.
Amidst this decline, speculations about the future of Head Coach Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh have emerged, casting a shadow over the franchise.
Rich Eisen reveals T.J. Watt comments on locker room issues
In the wake of the Steelers' recent struggles, voices within the team have begun to speak out about internal issues.
Notably, Minkah Fitzpatrick publicly criticized the locker room for lackluster commitment.
Rich Eisen, on his show, shared insights from star player TJ Watt, revealing concerns about some players' receptiveness to coaching.
Watt expressed his disbelief that some players do not respond positively to Tomlin's inspiring messages.
"TJ Watt said it was 'wild.' He used that phrase, it's wild to him that some of the players upon hearing that [message] don't respond in a way on a field or on a practice field. He used that word, he [said it was] wild that some of them don't want to practice is what he said. Or want to practice in a way that everyone is supposed to practice."
Reflecting on the past week, TJ Watt observed a positive response from the team following constructive criticism.
"He [Watt] said that this past week, everyone did do that. And then you saw the result. Now you can sit there and say that Tomlin has gotta change his way. TJ Watt also said that the younger generation takes criticism personally. He didn't call it a problem, I just inferred it was. And then you see guys on the field like George Pickens turning down on a running play,"Eisen said
However, the overall sentiment remains concerning, with Watt highlighting that the younger generation tends to take criticism personally.
Rumors surround Mike Tomlin's future
While Tomlin's contract extends through the end of the 2024 season, recent events have fueled rumors of a potential departure after the 2023 season.
Eisen, a staunch defender of Tomlin in the past, has acknowledged the changing tides and the possibility of a separation between the coach and the team.
The Steelers' recent actions on the field align with critiques from leaders within the organization.
With minimal effort shown and a lack of commitment, issues have arisen, particularly among key players like George Pickens and Diontae Johnson. The challenge lies in bridging the gap between criticism and the personal reactions of the younger players.
The unfortunate reality in Pittsburgh is the apparent disregard for Tomlin's coaching message.
As the team faces the possibility of Tomlin's first sub-.500 season, former players have echoed criticisms, signaling a troubling disconnect within the organization.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate the final stretch of the season, uncertainties loom over the future of the franchise.
The locker room drama, coupled with questions about Tomlin's coaching influence, has created an air of unpredictability.
The coming weeks will determine not only the team's playoff fate but also the direction the franchise takes in the aftermath of a turbulent season.