Steelers' 21-18 Loss to Patriots Points to Mike Tomlin's Shortcomings, Questions Franchise's Future

Chris Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast. The Pittsburgh Steelers' 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots is bigger than just another upset. It's historic, and a bad sign for Mike Tomlin. Tomlin's shortcomings have not gotten in the way of the Steelers before, but now they've led to the worst back-to-back losses in decades, and a playoff appearance is now in doubt. Cam Heyward spoke after the game about how the team has to execute better, and why their coaches' preparation has them ready for what the Patriots would try to do. So if the Steelers were prepared and still failed, what does that mean for Tomlin and the coaches? What can they do? Chris Carter examines what Tomlin's strengths have been, and his weaknesses when it comes to maturing an offense into form. And that leads to how Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II will make the decision on if he should fire Tomlin? Or keep trying to make the right moves to build around his coaching strengths? CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected] Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques. Theme music is 'Soul Kick' by Ceddy P, and 'Too Easy' by Nerdboy. Both from their label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here. This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Underdog Fantasy This episode is sponsored by Underdog Fantasy! Sign up HERE with the promo code LOCKEDON to get your first deposit DOUBLED up to $100. Must be 18+ (19+ in Alabama and Nebraska, 21+ in Massachusetts and Arizona) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www dot ncpgambling.org; In Arizona call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; in New York, Call 1-877-8-HOPENY; in Tennessee, call 1-800-889-9789 eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices