The Kazmer Report

OK. So maybe my last post was a little premature.
The Steelers actually have a fleetingly legitimate shot to make the playoffs.  Yes, the offensive line is horrible, the secondary is appalling and the defense is lethargic, but somehow Pittsburgh is turning the end of the season around. I was very critical of the coaching staff during the last few weeks. But if they can go 9-7 and make the playoffs, there might be something concrete about Mike Tomlin’s resolve. Read the Daily American debate in Tuesday’s newspaper to learn why the Steelers deserve to make the postseason.

—Rick Kazmer

rickk@dailyamerican.com

There is no single explanation for why the Steelers have collapsed so dramatically. All phases of the game of football are being played poorly by Pittsburgh. They have lost to three of the league’s worst teams in the last four weeks. I started by blaming the failure on the aging defensive players, however, the offense is struggling just as bad. So, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is a likely scapegoat. But that doesn’t explain the horrible play on special teams. The blame has to be placed at the top, with head coach Mike Tomlin. He seems to have lost the team. In some franchises he might be on the hot seat after a fall from dominance such as the Steelers have displayed. Tomlin must cut the offensive coordinator, special teams coach and sign some quality, young free agents this offseason if the team is to have a chance next year.

-Rick Kazmer
rickk@dailyamerican.com