Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers have been the prime instance of consistency throughout his tenure as head coach. Sadly, as of late, they’ve been persistently mediocre. Talking on CBS Sports activities HQ on Friday, Tyler Sullivan tried to foretell the Steelers’ file in 2025. Steelers followers will likely be blissful to listen to that he predicts Pittsburgh to interrupt free from the cycle of mediocrity. Nonetheless, they received’t be blissful to listen to that his prediction entails simply six wins this season.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers, by far, are the hardest group to gauge once we do that train,” Sullivan stated. “As a result of we don’t know a very powerful place… For me, I’m treating it like they’re not having Aaron Rodgers, as a result of proper now they don’t. Proper now, it’s Mason Rudolph as their quarterback, projected to be the starter in Week 1. And to me, that ends in the primary under-.500 season for Mike Tomlin. Which is loopy to consider, however I feel it is a 6-11 soccer group with Mason Rudolph as their quarterback.”
Sullivan does make it clear that he’s judging the group with Mason Rudolph projected to start out. If Aaron Rodgers was to signal, there’s a chance he doesn’t give them simply six wins. And for what it’s price, it nonetheless does really feel possible that Rodgers will signal. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly predicted that on Friday.
Nonetheless, it’s now midway via Might, and Rodgers hasn’t put pen to paper but. It’s exhausting responsible Sullivan right here for being pessimistic in regards to the probabilities of that taking place. And if Rodgers doesn’t signal, Mason Rudolph isn’t going to have the best state of affairs.
The offensive line has numerous potential, however it’s additionally unproven. Kaleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren ought to every get a wholesome variety of carries, so Rudolph would not less than have a strong dashing assault, one which will definitely be prioritized beneath Arthur Smith. Nonetheless, there are large query marks at receiver. Outdoors of DK Metcalf, who has no chemistry but with Rudolph, Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson are at the moment the next-best choices. That’s not a really perfect state of affairs with a quarterback like Rudolph, who’s by no means confirmed himself as a starter in his profession.
Sullivan wasn’t the one one making predictions, although. He was joined by Bryant McFadden, who was a bit extra optimistic concerning the Steelers’ potential file in 2025.
“By way of common season success, that’s by no means been a difficulty for Mike Tomlin, regardless who’s been at quarterback,” McFadden stated. “… However I’ve Pittsburgh going 9-8. One other profitable season for Mike Tomlin.”
McFadden brings a less complicated, extra simple strategy right here, not committing to a aspect concerning Rodgers’ looming determination. Nonetheless, his 9-8 prediction isn’t precisely what Steelers followers wish to hear. Taking a look at Pittsburgh’s 2025 slate, although, it’s an inexpensive chance. The Steelers have a comparatively straightforward slate to start out the yr. After that, they’ll have one of many league’s hardest schedules to complete issues out.
All issues thought-about, most Steelers followers would in all probability select Sullivan’s prediction, if that they had a selection. Going 9-8 isn’t getting the Steelers anyplace, in all probability not even the playoffs. At 6-11, they wouldn’t have one of the best draft choose, however it could be a lot larger than something prior to now couple of a long time.
