Mike Tomlin Is Making Moves, But All the Wrong Ones

Why This Man, Kirby Wilson, SHOULD Be A Change
Mike Tomlin  Makes

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, sees a team that is 2-5 and in need of an overhaul.  Unlike the 2010 Tomlin that declared that changes would be made and the Steelers would "unleash hell" in the month of December...and nothing happened, the head coach is making moves for a team that is searching for an answer.  The only problem is that Tomlin is making the wrong moves.

The Steelers released punter Zoltan Mesko yesterday and demoted Jarvis Jones to 2nd string behind Jason Worilds.  I have been a harsh critic of Zoltan Mesko and his erratic, downright pitiful, and as Tomlin called it "Junior Varsity" punting this season.  This move is long overdue, but will it make a difference in the team winning and losing?  No.  Jarvis Jones hasn't been the impact player that people expected and although has shown flashes of the SEC player that dominated competition at Georgia, the bright spots have been outweighed by the missed tackles and blown assignments.  So, with Jones out, re-enter Jason Worilds as the OLB that will line up across from Lamarr Woodley.  Jason Worilds knows his assignments, but thats about the only difference between the two OLBs at this point.  Will benching Jarvis Jones make a big difference in the team winning and losing?  Probably not.

Tomlin had to make moves to appease the media and fan base, but if you know this team and you know the people in the organization you know that these moves were simply not enough.  If Mike Tomlin truly wants to make changes he will make moves that will send a message, not just moves that make tiny ripples in the overall ocean that is the Pittsburgh Steelers team.  One move I would make is to start playing Shamarko Thomas at safety more and more for Ryan Clark.  Someone tell me what Ryan Clark brings to this team that is helping them win?  Exactly, he has been more of a detriment than an asset.  Signing Max Starks again would at least add quality depth at a position that has been horrendous for the Steelers.  The biggest move that I want Tomlin to make is to tell Todd Haley that his services are no longer needed anymore.  Think back to the Baltimore Ravens last season.  Cam Cameron gets canned mid season and the offense thrives because of it.  I don't think Todd Haley is the main problem with the Steelers' offense, but it might just be time to eliminate one of the problems and let someone like RB Coach Kirby Wilson call the plays for the duration of the season.  Could it get worse than what it already is?  I don't think so.

I realize Tomlin is between a rock and a hard place, but changes need to be made...not so much for this season, but the future.  If you constantly threat to make changes and nothing ever changes, then the players know you are doing nothing but blowing smoke you know where, and that does no one any good.