"Defensive Minded Head Coach"

Does it make sense to characterize Tomlin (or any head coach for that matter) who has been head coach for so many years to saddle them with what they learned many years as an assistant or coordinator. Can't they "learn" about the other aspects of the game. Sure, some head coaches clearly are adept in one aspect of the game or the other (e.g., Andy Reid), but do we know Tomlin has more influence or background in one aspect over another?

 

We know he was a wide receiver and his first employer made him switch to coaching defense to learn both sides of the ball.

 

The trend, post-Belichick dynasty.... is trending for head coaches with offensive backgrounds, former OCs, etc. All 4 head coaches in the conference championship games had backgrounds in offense. Cowherd has been over this quite a bit on his show. This is why I'd trade Tomlin in a heartbeat for Shanahan or Pederson.

It's starting to become the road map for success in the NFL. Hire an offensive minded HC... and get the best DC available.

 

I'd argue Tomlin isn't particularly adept at either. He started as WR coach, then DB coach, and was DC for one year prior to being our HC. We have struggled immensely throughout his career at the one position he coached the most (Defensive Backs - Corner) although we've been blessed with two stud Safeties in Troy and Minkah.

Its my understanding/opinion that he offers very little conceptually to neither the offense nor the defense. He's a players coach (player/relationship minded coach).

 

It's really the scheme of the NFL right now. Rule changes have empowered offense. Once you get deeper in the playoffs, while not automatic....even the best defenses have not been able to stop high powered O's. Now I'm sure someone will bring up examples, and im.not saying good Ds are extinct, but in spite of all the field problems and perhaps over inflated stats due to a poor schedule, Philly was burned in the SB. Again a small sample, but if you get into the play offs, get past the first round, a superior O showing is practically needed.

 

The Eagles got burned because they had 0 sacks and 0 forced turnovers. In today's NFL the best defenses are the ones that hold teams to field goals and get turnovers/sacks. Offenses are so good that often times the only way to stop drives is to get a sack or turnover on that drive.

The Chiefs had 6 potential scoring drives and the Eagles had 6... Chiefs 4TD's, a made FG, and a missed FG | Eagles 4TD's and 2 made FG's
- So neither team here actually did a great job defensively since they both allowed 75% TD's on scoring drives and both only forced 2 punts.

The difference in the game is that the Chiefs got the lone turnover of the game and turned it directly into a TD. If either team had held to 50% TD's or managed to force a couple more punts, then defense absolutely would've won the game... just not in the traditional "hold them under 20 points" way.

 

2022 SB teams O vs D and where Steelers were

Offense points scored - regular season
Chiefs: #1 - 496
Philly: #2 - 477
Steelers: #26 - 308

Defense points allowed - regular season
Philly: #8 - 344
Steelers: #10 - 346
Chiefs: #16 - 369

 

You people do know the more You score....the more the other team score in most instances.
Just use the Steelers as an example .
Look at the years We scored our most points....We also gave up a lot of points.

 

True, but teams ahead by a few scores often give up garbage yards and TDs toward end of games to burn time, which makes their defense look worst on points allowed. If the Steelers can score often next season, they are if a good place if the defense stays solid.

Chiefs 496 - 369 = +127

Philly 477 - 344 = +133

Steelers 308 - 346 = -38

 

steelers offense 88 million

steelers defense 132 million

you have to have a good defense but you have to have fire power on offense.

 

I agree but I think that’s fine. The problem is he never hires good assistants. Like you can be a good leader and not be a master of your craft. But you need to bring in people to assist you that are a master. IMO. Right now it’s worst of both worlds.