The Pittsburgh Steelers have already secured a postseason spot for January, but reports suggest the locker room is starting to unravel as the regular season wraps up.
The Steelers have now lost three straight games by double digits. On Christmas Day, they were thoroughly beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs in a 29-10 loss at Acrisure Stadium, bringing Pittsburgh’s record to 10-6.
Their Week 18 game won’t be easy, as they face a Cincinnati Bengals team that could be fighting for the No. 7 seed in the AFC. Pittsburgh desperately needs a win, with drama beginning to take hold in the locker room.
Cam Heyward expressed frustration after the loss USATSI 22299724 168400517 lowres Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks the field with defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) before the game against the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Defensive lineman Cam Heyward said after the Chiefs loss that the Steelers were “screwed” when 10 players executed a play, but one did not, according to video from Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
The Steelers are facing internal issues Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks off the field after the win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Kyle Brandt of NFL Network believes the Steelers are struggling with personnel, particularly on defense, as several defensive players spoke out on Wednesday about teammates failing to do their jobs properly.
“There are all sorts of theories circulating, from locker room tensions to the possibility that certain defensive players don’t want to be on the field with someone else,” Brandt said. “These conspiracy theories are starting to add up when you piece together the quotes.”
The Steelers’ locker room situation is beginning to resemble the issues that surfaced last year with the Philadelphia Eagles, involving Jalen Hurts, Nick Sirianni, and A.J. Brown.
That situation didn’t end well for the Eagles, who were eliminated in the wild card round.
It’s up to Mike Tomlin to ensure the Steelers avoid a similar fate.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin nfl fans Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks onto the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images For more football news, visit our site.
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