PRO BOWL VOTE PROVES TOMLIN’S VALUE TO STEELERS

[mesaSteeler]

PRO BOWL VOTE PROVES TOMLIN’S VALUE TO STEELERS
Posted by Mike Florio on December 16, 2008, 5:42 p.m.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

Steeler Nation currently is up in arms regarding the fact that only three members of the team — James Harrison, James Farrior, and Troy Polamalu — won a spot on the the AFC Pro Bowl roster, with only two of them (Harrison and Polamalu) named as starters.

But let’s be objective. Look at the full roster, and ask yourself if the Steelers’ starters at the other positions are better than the guys who made it.

Running back Willie Parker has been too banged up, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has spent too much time running for his life. The offensive line has more holes than Andy Reid’s donut stash. Receiver Hines Ward doesn’t have the numbers, and receiver Santonio Holmes hasn’t exactly put together a breakout year in that supposedly critical third season for a wideout.

On defense, the cornerbacks are good but not close to the three who made it (Asomugha, Finnegan, Revis), and the defensive line has no dominant presence that can overcome the stats-suppressing 3-4 system.

The only guy with a real beef is linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who should have made it over Suggs. Even then, however, it’s a close call.

In our view, the entire exercise draws into clear focus the value of second-year coach Mike Tomlin to the Steelers. With a lineup not stocked with the best players in the league, Tomlin has led his team capably through one of the toughest schedules in NFL history.

The fact that the Steelers stand on the brink of swiping the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs from the Titans underscores the brilliance of Tomlin’s work.

And so the real snub that should send Steelers fans en masse toward 280 Park Avenue with pitchforks and torches would be a Coach of the Year designation that goes to anyone other than Tomlin.

For more on the Steelers’ incredible season and Tomlin’s responsibility for it, we give you a little PFTV.

[VTsteel]

Damn Straight! Tomlin IS the coach of the year.

[austinfrench76]

Ike could have made it. I would of had no problem with him making it.

[MACH1]

SWEEEEED

[Stu Pidasso]

EVeryone always forget HEEEEEEATH!

[Dino 6 Rings]

Hampton has had a pretty nice year clogging the middle and being the anchor of the defense...

Otherwise, good...lets be nice and "snubbed" and take that Chip right into a sweet playoff run...

right after we punch the Titans in the Teeth and stomp on their throats.

[BlastFurnace]

Repeat after me "The Level of Expectation DOES...NOT...CHANGE"

That slogan will become as famous as "Let's Go" from the Cowher era.

Did Chuck have a slogan? I know he mentioned "Getting on with Life's work" to those he thought needed to retire. I don't recall any others.

[The Duke]

Originally Posted by MACH1

SWEEEEED

I wonder how many times STEELAMANIA voted for him

[tyler289]

Looking at the numbers, it was hard to make an argument for a guy like Ike, Clark, etc.

Which is a testament to Tomlin and Labeau.

[mesaSteeler]

Originally Posted by BlastFurnace

Repeat after me "The Level of Expectation DOES...NOT...CHANGE"

That slogan will become as famous as "Let's Go" from the Cowher era.

Did Chuck have a slogan? I know he mentioned "Getting on with Life's work" to those he thought needed to retire. I don't recall any others.

A life of frustration is inevitable for any coach whose main enjoyment is winning.
Chuck Noll

Before you can win a game, you have to not lose it.
Chuck Noll

It's not pleasant when you lose your whole football team.
Chuck Noll

The key to a winning season is focusing on one opponent at a time. Winning one week at a time. Never look back and never look ahead.
Chuck Noll

The thrill isn't in the winning, it's in the doing.
Chuck Noll