The Steeler’s Early Season Struggles

Going into the 2018-2019 season, the Steelers were predicted to make a run for a SuperBowl, as their roster is packed with playmakers, pro bowlers, and future hall of famers. Two weeks into the season, however, it appears they won’t live up to the high expectations set by analysts. Team infighting, players not attending practices and games, and other complications have deteriorated the team’s morale, leaving Head Coach Mike Tomlin to put the pieces together.

The player causing the most strife for the team right now is Le’veon Bell, and his reasons are considered selfish by some. He refused to show up to training camp and has not participated in the first 2 games of the season. According to his manager, Le’veon feels that the Steelers organization is underpaying him, and in order to get what he wants, he must sit out. Steelers employees and fans weren’t alarmed when Le’veon didn’t show up for the preseason, as he didn’t last year either. But this year, Le’veon took his efforts a step further by not showing up to regular season practices and games. The locker room is torn on this decision, as some feel that Le’veon selfishly abandoned the team, while others believe his actions are just. Le’veon is a huge part of the Steelers offense, as he had 1,300 yards last season, and 9 touchdowns. The Steelers organization even went out of their way to fire the offensive coordinator from the 2017.2018 season, Todd Haley, to try to appease Le’veon and keep him playing. This attempt has clearly failed, and the Steeler’s running game has been dealt a painful blow

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Injuries have also limited the Steeler’s ability to defend, even against average teams. After losing Ryan Shazier last year due to a spinal contusion, the Steeler’s linebackers have never been able to maintain a high level of play. At the cornerback position, Joe Haden has been injury prone ever since joining the team last year. His presence is felt as the next in line to take his spot is a rookie from Virginia Tech, Terell Edmunds. Although still talented, Haden’s shoes are too big for a rookie to fill, causing gaping holes in the Steeler’s secondary that quarterbacks have continuously exploited.

Weak leadership from head coach Mike Tomlin has allowed these problems to continue affecting the team’s play, and keep the players divided. The lack of transparency on both Le’veon Bell’s part and the Steelers organization has prevented the issue from being resolved, and Mike Tomlin has said little to imply that Le’veon was coming back soon. Tomlin’s inability to keep the team on the same page and control their public outbursts has made their franchise look disorderly. For the Steelers to reclaim their position as a dominant team, steps have to be taken to bring the team together. Mike Tomlin must take control of the situation and be open with the press to shed the veil of mystery surrounding the team. Le’veon Bell’s return is crucial for the Steeler’s success, so a new contract must be made to bring him back to the field. As the season goes by, will the Steelers be able to keep up, or will they fall short of their expectation yet again?