In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

Recently there's a lot of "fire Tomlin" hyperbole, because we lost an (admittedly ugly) game.

I find this hard to understand--possibly we're just spoiled as Steelers fans, having such infrequent coaching changes, but it seems like people often overlook Tomlin's accomplishments, and dwell on the occasional imperfection. Here are a few points in defense of Mike Tomlin:

1. The Steelers, in Cowher's last year, were a train wreck. For as talented a team as we were in the previous years, to finish 8-8 was unacceptable. The defense was strong, with occasional weaknesses in the passing game--the real problem was that Roethlisberger had been in the motorcycle accident and was terrible. That, combined with a poor offensive line, led to a horrifically inconsistant offense(go look up the stats from the Raiders game that year) that often ended up scoring for both teams.

2. Tomlin inherited this talented, disorganized team. As far as I can tell/remember (someone let me know if I'm missing someone), the Steelers didn't gain a single new starter between Cowher's departure and Tomlin's ascension. In fact, players such as Alan Faneca, Marvel Smith, Casey Hampton, and James Farrior all got older. Yet the Steelers finished 10-6 last year despite Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Marvel Smith, Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Deshea Townsend, and Troy Polamalu all missing time.

3. The secondary (Tomlin's specialty) has improved markedly since Tomlin was hired--both Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor had career years last year, and Bryant McFadden is playing well so far. The only guy who's been a disappointment is Anthony Smith, and it seems Tomlin is pretty much done with him.

4. Here are some of Tomlin's personnel decisions (sometimes distinguishable from the FO):
~Giving James Harrison a starting role
~Using Najeh Davenport
~Drafting Woodley and Timmons, as well as William Gay
~Acquiring Keyaron Fox and Donovon Woods--looks like a good idea so far.
~on the negative side, he also recommended Mahan.


The jury is still out on Tomlin, but he's made enough good decisions that he deserves a little more patience than it seems like he's gotten.

Re: In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

I agree...I think this was a great hire.

Re: In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

Patience? HA! Patience is only a virtue outside of Steeler Nation.

Why should you or anyone else be surprised that Mike Tomlin has coached just his 20th game in the NFL, having won 12 of those games, and there are already calls for him to be fired? You did get one thing right though - Steelers fans most definitely are spoiled. Rotten. Where else would their "perfection or the pine" (or out the door) mentality come from?

Re: In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

I haven't seen much fire Tomlin stuff being posted. But if it has.....for the love of God give the man a chance people. Not like Bill didnt have a bad game or 2.

Re: In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

Cowher followed up his surprising 11-5 season in 1992 with a disappointing 9-7 record in 1993, with devastating blowout losses to Denver and St. Louis among those losses. Let's not forget the Metcalf game that year either.

I wonder if Steeler fans were losing their patience with Cowher then. Mike Tomlin deserves the same amount of patience. But it won't be given to him. Check out this genius thread from the Scout.com Steeler Board after the Philly loss.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=68&f=1897&t=3045126

Re: In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

I haven't seen much on firing Tomlin, now possibly firing Arians at the end of the season if he continues pummeling the crap out of Big Ben that is another story.

Re: In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

I normally don't give a crap about what people say on other boards, but I had to check it out...got through 1 page and I was ready to slit my wrists. Nothing more than validation of my earlier post.

Re: In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

It's always the same: The players win and the coaches lose. It's ridiculous, but what can you do about it? Fans are fans and knee-jerk reactions are part of human nature...

Re: In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

You kidding? A very sizable chunk of the fans were calling for Cowher's head around 1998 or so and it didn't stop until he finally won the SB in '05. The Rooneys have patience, the fans in general are another matter.

Re: In Defense of Mike Tomlin
 

1 year is way to soon to judge a rookie....coach or player.( notice i said rookie.....mahan and hartwig were not rookies)