Things are unraveling right now for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that was on display Sunday during an embarrassing 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, for as bad as things have been as of late, the Steelers are still 6-6, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the best record in the division. With two matchups against the Ravens still on the schedule, Pittsburgh has a clear path to an AFC North crown and the postseason.
While that’s true, the Steelers also have a clear path to an all-time low of the Mike Tomlin era. The head coach, who’s currently in his 19th season, has famously never had a losing season. However, sitting at 500, with five games left, Pittsburgh has a schedule of opponents that could give Tomlin his first losing season.
Steelers’ remaining schedule puts Mike Tomlin at risk of his first losing season
Pittsburgh will finish the season with games against the Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and then Baltimore again. The Ravens are 6-6 and loaded with talent, even if their record doesn’t reflect it. The Dolphins are currently 5-7, but have won three straight games, and Detroit is 7-5 with a volcanic offense. Even the Browns, who are 3-9, could present a challenge, considering they’re a divisional opponent with an elite defense.
The Steelers are only three losses away from a losing season, and it’s fair to say three losses could easily be found in those five games. If Pittsburgh actually loses the games, Tomlin will officially have a losing season. Regardless of how overstated that fact may be, or how it’s sometimes used to defend his lack of postseason success in recent years, it is an impressive feat.
Failing to continue that feat could result in Tomlin being placed under a microscope. People are already asking if he has lost his touch, and if it’s time for the Steelers to move on, so a losing season would only exacerbate those discussions. Additionally, the head coach will no longer have his No. 1 defense. People will rightfully ask whether this team’s underwhelming performance is a sign that it’s time for an amicable end to an amazing era.
Of course, the games still have to be played. Tomlin and the Steelers could pull things together and go on a run to end the year strong, but the alternative is also a realistic option.