Something is off about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, the offense if stalling after the loss of big names like Mike Wallace, but the normally consistent and talented defense has yet to look the part. The Steelers gave up 55 points to the New England Patriots causing uproar from head coach Mike Tomlin. After the head coach reportedly threatened numerous jobs after the home loss, players are coming to the defense of their coordinators.
Tomlin to be embarrassed after the loss to the Patriots. The 55 points was the most the team had given up in franchise history. It led the head coach to bench starters and re-evaluate the coaching staff.
"You re-evaluate everything," Tomlin said, via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "You have to after a performance like that and we will. It doesn't necessarily mean we will change or change for the sake of changing, but we will look at every aspect of what we are doing and who we are doing it with because we can't have performances like that."
According to several players, one thing that does not need evaluating is long-time defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. As of now, the coach's unit is a mix of aging veterans and inexperienced rookies. That has led to some uncharacteristic mistakes.
"Somebody has to take the blame," linebacker LaMarr Woodley said. "That's just the way it is when you're having a bad season. Last season I was the one to take the blame. It comes with the territory. Now people want to blame the defensive coordinator."
The veteran pass rusher believes it is simply unfair that LeBeau is taking the heat for team struggles. The guy did not forget how to coach overnight. He is simply working with what he has. After losing James Harrison and benching rookie Jarvis Jones, LeBeau is trying to make adjustments. Safety Ryan Clark says the coach's resume should really speak for itself when it comes to job security.
"We know what kind of man he is," Clark said. "We know want kind of work he puts into us not just as football players but as men. We don't have to defend him. His resume speaks for itself."
Tomlin could and should be in panic mode. After a down 2012, the head coach needs to string together some wins or else his job will be the one in question.
"I'm not ready to characterize the season," Tomlin said. "But [Sunday night], obviously we were out of place [and] they executed well. That combination was lethal."
