Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 28-14 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Playoffs’ wild-card round, concerns have arisen regarding the future of head coach Mike Tomlin. Though there has been discussion over whether the Steelers and Tomlin ought to separate following another early playoff defeat, ESPN’s Damien Woody shared his perspective, referencing a saying from the veteran head coach.
The defeat against the Ravens represents Pittsburgh’s sixth consecutive playoff loss, matching the longest postseason losing streak held by the Miami Dolphins. Woody appeared on ESPN’s “Get Up” and referenced Tomlin’s saying, “the standard is the standard,” while questioning whether the playoff disappointment fits into that standard.
“I believe the moment has come, I believe it’s time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to take a new approach. I don’t say this casually because I have great admiration for Mike Tomlin and what he represents,” Woody expressed. “I admire the mindset he offers, but Mike Tomlin is truly a master of words.” One of the things he frequently states is, ‘The standard is the standard.’ So, what is the Standard in Pittsburgh at this moment? Currently, the standard involves discussing Mike Tomlin, the sole Super Bowl-winning coach to suffer 6 consecutive playoff losses, all one and done. “Is that what defines the Pittsburgh Steelers’ standard?”
He would also mention that it cannot be attributed to the quarterback’s performance or problems with the offensive system, but that “there is a larger issue” with the team under Tomlin.
Although some believe that the Steelers parting ways with Tomlin might be a serious error, Woody thinks it might be time to acknowledge that his time has come to an end.
“I’m not interested in hearing about Quarterbacks or offensive systems,” Woody stated. “There’s a more significant issue within the Steelers organization at this moment; there’s a more significant issue.” I might have a fondness for Mike Tomlin, but I can also recognize that sometimes situations reach their conclusion. “We witnessed it with Andy Reid in Philadelphia.”
Reflecting on Tomlin’s remark, he is recognized for stating that “the standard is the standard,” which he claims he originated while discussing it on the “L3eadership” podcast.
“I created it; I can genuinely claim that I invented that one,” Tomlin stated. “I really dislike finding solace in what is seen as the challenges posed by football or life, and I often find it easy to focus on the reasons for my lack of success.” I always want to emphasize to our team that every individual has potential. We have a task at hand, a goal to accomplish, and no matter the situation, it’s our duty to seek and achieve those goals. Therefore, no matter who is accessible to us, no matter the situation, game conditions, location, and so on. “The degree of anticipation remains unchanged.”
The Steelers would have a strong season finishing 10-7, placing them second in the AFC North before being knocked out by their rivals in the wild-card round. It is yet to be determined if Pittsburgh and Tomlin will part ways, given his considerable achievements.
