Steelers' Mike Tomlin Set To Have His First Losing Season In 2024 'Based On Who’s Playing Quarterback'

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t had a losing season since Mike Tomlin took over as head coach in 2007. That narrative has kept the media and some fans happy during his current playoff win drought. When your team is tied for the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history, just having a winning record isn't enough however, and the cracks are starting to show. 

Let’s put that drought in some perspective. The last time the Steelers won a playoff game was the 2016 season. That year, Barack Obama was still in office as the President of the United States. COVID-19 hadn’t happened yet, and the Killer Bs were still a thing in Pittsburgh. This no-losing season argument is wearing thin. Everyone, including President Art Rooney II, says something has to change. 

This has created serious controversy surrounding Tomlin and how long he can keep his job without a playoff win. Now, Mark Schlereth, a former NFL guard turned analyst, thinks fans will have to wait at least one more year. He doesn't think Tomlin will win a playoff game once again in 2024. 

Schlereth has been critical of the Steelers' decision to sign quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields since they were just hot rumors back in March. On The Stinkin’ Truth Podcast, he upped the ante, saying he thinks those quarterbacks will cost Tomlin a winning 2024 season. 

“So I’ll tell you, just based on who’s playing quarterback, Mike Tomlin is going to have his first losing season this year, based on the two guys that play quarterback for him. You know who is number one in the league as far as time spent from snap to throw? Justin Fields was number one, and Russell Wilson was number two. Justin Fields at 3.23 seconds from snap to throw, Russell Wilson at 3.03."

According to Schlereth, this is why Wilson and Fields are two of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league: They hold the ball too long. Wilson, who was with the Denver Broncos in 2023, scored 26 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. Schlereth isn't impressed by that and even called it "garbage."    

It isn't like the Steelers aren't attempting to make changes to improve. They traded former first-round selection Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles after only two seasons when he couldn't perform at a high enough level. Pittsburgh actually swept their whole quarterback room clean and brought in all new faces. The former Super Bowl winner, Wilson is at the head of the pack, and is supposed to be the answer to their woes. 

Tomlin has said that Wilson will be given the "pole position," which most assume means he will be considered the starter going into camp. But Fields isn't here to be a backup; he is also looking to redeem himself and show that the Chicago Bears were the issue, not him. 

Steelers' Next Starting Quarterback Could Be Justin Fields

There are many analysts who feel that it would be a mistake to discount Fields' abilities on the field. Fields is known for his incredible speed and athletic talents. Unfortunately, Chicago was just unable to put together a scheme that got the best out of the young quarterback. 

David Carr, a former NFL quarterback himself, believes that new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith could be the coach who gets the magic out of Fields. There is no doubt that he is mobile and quick, but Carr wonders if he is in a winning headspace. Is he ready to lead a team again?