Fans are outraged over the idea that Mike Tomlin gave up on the Steelers during the Week 17 contest against the Chiefs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers—like usual—started off extremely slow and gave the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs offense a 13-0 lead. Fans have often criticized Tomlin’s leadership for these slow starts to games, but his ability to rally the team in the second half has typically silenced the doubters.
However, Tomlin showcased a far different side of himself in the fourth quarter of the Week 17 contest: his urgency to throw in the towel.
With less than six minutes remaining—and down 19 points with all three timeouts—the Steelers could have scored a touchdown, forced a punt, scored another touchdown, and then used their last three timeouts to get the ball back with a little under two minutes remaining.
However, Tomlin signaled a white flag when he decided to punt the ball away on a potentially huge 4th-and-2.
Fans are understandably angered over Tomlin’s Week 17 decisions, and the Steelers head coach deserves all the criticism he is receiving. With that in mind, here are the most passionate fan reactions to Tomlin’s Week 17 coaching.
I STRONGLY believe the Pittsburgh Steelers SHOULD HAVE FIRED Mike Tomlin years ago.
— Steve (@Steve3209839331) December 26, 2024
MIKE TOMLIN IS A COWARD. How many times did we see him punt on a 4th and 4 or 4th and 3 situation down by 2 scores. Then blames the team’s effort and never himself. Not to mention relying on HIS defense that fails! Always preaching not living in his fears but LIVES IN HIS FEARS.
— STEELCITY (@STEELCITYOFGOLD) December 26, 2024
That’s it. I’m done defending Mike Tomlin. I’ve defended the guy for years saying “he gets wins,” “look at his record,” and “the players like him.” Well, I’m done. You’re down 19 points with 5 minutes left and you need 2 yards to get a first down and you punt it. Coward move.
— Steve Girman (@Stev2859) December 25, 2024
Tomlin quit on the team!
— Mike Hammer (@MikeHammer1987) December 26, 2024
Can’t believe I just witnessed the team quit in the 4th quarter and put up no fight. Since the Steelers are in the giving spirit, they should refund every fan who went to the game their money. Mike Tomlin is a very good coach who has overstayed his welcome. #Steelers #NFL
— Mike Johnson (@412MikeJohnson) December 25, 2024
Should probably fire Mike Tomlin https://t.co/m09cpLz3Sd
— Raj (@RajPC1) December 26, 2024
