After a dismal two-game stretch in which the Pittsburgh Steelers lost consecutive games to the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills, Mike Tomlin’s squad was able to bounce back with a vengeance, getting a much-needed and crucial win over the division rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 13.
Although the Steelers are now sitting atop the AFC North division standings once again after getting the best of the Ravens, Sunday’s game didn’t come without some controversy, involving wide receiver Roman Wilson, who was benched.
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Reveals Reason for Roman Wilson Benching
GettyHead coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers
After recording the team’s seventh win of the season and thrusting the team back into first place in the AFC North, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin explained why he chose to give the nod to Scotty Miller over Wilson.
According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, Tomlin claims Miller got the edge over Wilson because he can be an option as a backup punt returner.
It was a good day for the Steelers’ passing game, with superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers spreading the football around, connecting with eight receivers, including veteran newcomer Adam Thielen, who caught one pass for four yards in his debut for Pittsburgh.
However, Miller was not among the receivers who caught a pass on Sunday. DK Metcalf led the way, catching seven passes for 148 receiving yards, while running back Jaylen Warren caught the team’s only passing touchdown while hauling in three catches for 49 receiving yards.
As for Wilson’s season, the 24-year-old hasn’t made much of an impact, as he’s caught only 12 passes for 122 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Big Ben Roethlisberger Calling for Mike Tomlin to be Fired?
GettyHead coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks to Ben Roethlisberger
At this point in the season, the Steelers’ best chance of keeping their playoff streak alive is winning the AFC North division title, which got a considerable boost with the Week 13 win over the Ravens.
However, even if the Steelers make the NFL playoffs, Tomlin could be in danger of losing his job, unless they have a long run in the postseason.
In fact, even Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger, who won a Super Bowl title under Tomlin, thinks it might be time to shake things up, as he said on his Footbahlin podcast.
“Maybe it’s a clean-house time. Maybe it’s time,” Roethlisberger said. “I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin, but maybe it’s best for him, too.”
“Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best. Whether that’s in the pros, maybe go be Penn State’s head coach. You know what he would do in Penn State? He would probably go win national championships, because he’s a great recruiter.”
Obviously, the end result of the 2025 campaign will weigh heavily on the storied franchise’s decision on Tomlin’s future. It could go either way at this point. Still, things seem to be trending in the direction of the team potentially making a change, especially considering there will likely be a new quarterback under center for the 2026 NFL season, with Rodgers likely to retire.
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