The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-1 after two weeks, and it has the fanbase in an early-season frenzy, and not the good kind. The standard had been raised in 2025 after several high-profile offseason additions, but early indications are that of another disappointing season.
After narrowly escaping MetLife Stadium with a victory against the Jets, the Steelers fell to the Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium in the home opener. Their opponents are 0-2 against other competition, by a combined score of 47-23; in other words, the Steelers’ opponents to this point have not been very good.
Along with victory or defeat in the NFL come takes of all kinds. Whether they’re well-thought-out or outlandish, everyone has them, and the internet is their ideal landing place. Here I’ll share my hottest and coldest takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers through two games.
Cold
Mike Tomlin’s Seat
It’s a little-known fact that the coldest point in the United States resides right in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. No, it’s not at the top of the West End Bridge, or at the bottom of the Ohio. The coldest point in America is the seat in which Mike Tomlin sits, right in the South Side of Pittsburgh.
Tomlin’s frozen throne shields off all accountability; it deflects naysayers and breeds stubbornness. Despite its arctic aura, it’s the most comfortable seat in professional sports. Mike Tomlin is in his 19th season as Head Coach of the black and gold, making him the longest-tenured coach in all four major professional sports.
Despite heavy criticism from those within the city and a six-game playoff losing streak, Mike Tomlin feels no heat. No signs of panic or consequence from owner Art Rooney II, no sense of urgency, and no signs of change in any way.
Many believe Tomlin is a top-tier Head Coach in the NFL. Many of those believers are outside of Pittsburgh and the Steelers’ fanbase. The media and league-wide anointment of Mike Tomlin has gaslighted Rooney into a corner. Tomlin, a monument of mediocrity, is virtually unfireable.
Having only three head coaches since 1969 is an accomplishment the organization is proud of, and that stability is worth noting, but stability and success are not the same. Art Rooney II desperately needs to heat the seat of Mike Tomlin to induce real change, or force it by emptying the seat.
Cool
The Run Game Will be Fine
The recent revitalizing of the offensive line and running back room has shown a clear emphasis on having a more effective running game. Arthur Smith was brought in as offensive coordinator in 2024 to champion that effort.
One week into the 2025 season, the sky was falling on the run game, with no lanes opening to escape it. In week two, it was a bit different.
Pro Football Focus graded the Steelers’ run game significantly higher, despite the continued lackluster blocking. The reason? Jaylen Warren.
Warren’s snap count share went from 45% in week one to 54% in week two and should continue to increase over Kenneth Gainwell throughout the season. Warren is the more effective runner, proven by his 69.1 rushing grade, compared to Gainwell’s 56.2. Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson has been a non-factor to this point, but should see increased carries as the season progresses.
The offensive line will continue to gel, and the defense will (has to) improve at stopping the run, creating more consistent opportunities for a sustained offensive rushing attack.
Average
It’s Only Week 2
The most sensible, level-headed take on this team is that, in a 17-game season, they have lost only one game. Aaron Rodgers, the 21-year veteran, reiterated this immediately following the game.
Obviously, there is a lot to figure out. They are far from the Super Bowl contending team envisioned when the roster was aggressively constructed in the offseason. The run defense must get better, and in turn get T.J. Watt freed up to wreak the havoc we’re used to seeing. The offensive line will come together and this star studded cast will be in position for a playoff berth come December.
A lot can be learned from an unexpected defeat, but accountability and adjustments need to be made by all parties: players and coaches alike.
Warm
D.K. Metcalf is a Bad Fit
The first of several prized offseason acquisitions is yet to get it going in his new home. D.K. Metcalf was brought in to be the unquestioned WR1, but has failed to do so thus far in his young Steelers’ career.
Before Aaron Rodgers had even signed a contract, he and Metcalf had started working together. They met in the offseason to run some routes against air and get to know each other. This was paramount; Rodgers is a severely detail-oriented player, and Metcalf, well, isn’t.
I had reservations early about their rapport, being that Metcalf isn’t a polished route runner, but essentially excels due to his elite physical ability. So far, Rodgers and Metcalf have appeared not to be on the same page.
The stat sheet has been kind to Metcalf. In week one, he finished with 4 catches for 83 yards, which is respectable, but 67 of those were YAC. In week 2, the 3 catches for 20 yards were less impressive, although he did find the end zone.
A true WR1 should be fed the ball and be given an opportunity to maximize his talents. The lack of vertical routes run and targets per game (6.5) is hindering the success of the offense as a whole. For a successful Steelers season, Metcalf needs to be treated as the WR1 he was brought in to be.
Hot
Mike Tomlin Belongs in College
The notion is far from inconceivable; it’s come up before, although it was answered with hostility, if the greatest coach of all time can venture to the college ranks, why can’t Tomlin?
Now, the difference is that Belichick simply wasn’t sought after any longer in the NFL. Mike Tomlin wouldn’t have that problem. Teams would be beating down his door (and have already knocked on the Steelers’) to acquire him. My argument is simply that he would have much more success in college football.
Recruiting
Droves of players have voiced their respect for Tomlin and expressed a desire to play for him, as recently as last week, when Jabrill Peppers stated that he chose to sign with the Steelers due to Tomlin, despite other offers. Tomlin’s renowned relationship with players would certainly serve him in recruiting young talent. After all, Tomlin has been the Steelers’ Head Coach since before any of them knew what a football was.
He’s gone as far as to change the recruiting game in the NFL, having a rule passed that allows a video call with pending unrestricted free agents, rather than only being able to contact their agents. A rule that heavily favors Tomlin’s persuasive abilities.
Schematics
A questionable topic, no doubt, being that it’s largely recognized as one of his professional shortcomings, it would be a strength for him at the college level. Having players for only a few years, the schemes are far simpler. Much more emphasis is directed towards creating mismatches, which plays into his strength of recruiting and simply having the best athletes, which leads me to the final reason Tomlin is built for college football.
Superior Athletes
In college, the threshold from the best players on the field and the worst is night and day – far different from the NFL. Tomlin has shown that he believes having better players is enough; it’s enough not to dominate, but to win.
None more proven than this season. The simplistic, go beat the man in front of you approach is at an all-time high in Pittsburgh. They aggressively acquired as much talent as a Steelers team has had in a decade, but made very little (or no) changes schematically. Having a collection of great players is only part of the equation in the NFL, but it’s enough to win in college.
Coaches in college football shuffle year to year, each pursuing the more prestigious position, yet the powerhouses largely remain the same. The top schools bring in the top talent, year after year, sustaining victory, no matter who the coach, due to having the superior athletes.
Mike Tomlin’s philosophy of the “best man wins” is a perfect fit for the college game, and there is a booster with a big enough blank check.
