They say winning cures all, but losing brings the critics out of the woodwork, and the Pittsburgh Steelers haven't won nearly enough when it matters to avoid scrutiny.
For the eighth consecutive season, the Steelers entered the offseason without a playoff win to their name.
Head coach Mike Tomlin's non-losing-season streak has continued, the price of which is quarterback purgatory and a steadily declining level of trust from a devoted fanbase.
Much of the consternation surrounding Pittsburgh has centered around the quarterback position. Playoff wins are expected when Ben Roethlisberger is under center; they're more easily appreciated when Kenny Pickett or Russell Wilson is piloting the ship.
Tomlin's supporters suggest he can't be expected to do much without a real quarterback; his critics will blame him for not finding one.
Others, meanwhile, are willing to spread the blame across the entire roster.
On Roethlisberger's podcast, "Footbahlin," Steelers legend Mel Blount ripped the franchise over its playoff struggles, pointing the finger at several different positions.
"I am kind of like a Hawk," Blount said. "The needs are so great when I look at the Steelers. I think the Steelers right now could use help at every position. This offensive line, secondary, wide receivers, quarterback, obviously.
"Our defense is good, but it's not where it should be. If you take TJ [Watt] off of that defense, you don't have a whole lot."
This is a fairly contrarian take. For so many, Pittsburgh's lack of success has come down to the quarterback position alone, perhaps with some blame for the offensive coaching staff and a poor receiving corps to boot.
But Blount appears to be low on the offensive line, which stayed afloat while enduring a wrath of injuries – arguably too harsh of a criticism.
If nothing else, Pittsburgh has made attempts to improve, particularly at receiver, where Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf will enter the room as its primary target.
With the 21st pick and a likely Aaron Rodgers signing around the corner, there's room for the Steelers to have a strong offseason.
Related: Steelers Add Defensive Secondary Help in NFL Mock Draft
"I just think it's like a race, man," Blount said. "Once you get behind, it's very hard to catch up… The fan base, at some point, just winning seasons isn't good enough. When you have had the best and you know what the best look like, feel like, and taste like, you don't want to just, year after year, get subpar stuff.
That's the dilemma with Mike Tomlin. He's a great coach and has had a great career, but a great saying is, 'What have you done for me lately?'"
Tomlin has helped keep Pittsburgh above water. How long that's enough to satiate such an esteemed organization will be put to the test if next year's quarterback exceeds expectations and diverts the blame to something, or someone, else.
Related: Steelers' Harrison Stokes Fire of Ravens Rivalry
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal