Mike Tomlin was ripped to shreds as his Pittsburgh Steelers lost their AFC divisional playoff game at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
The Steelers fell behind early 21-0, and every time they came close to getting back in the game, they allowed a big play to the Jags. Then the tipping point for many came when Tomlin opted to go for an onside kick down 42-35 with 2:18 left. A poor kick attempt plus a penalty essentially allowed the Jaguars to start with the ball in field goal range. They ended up kicking a field goal to give themselves an insurmountable two-possession lead.
Here was a sample of the reaction on Twitter after the poor onside kick attempt sealed Pittsburgh’s fate:
Mike Tomlin’s approval rating this season. pic.twitter.com/phaXsXeNhH
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) January 14, 2018
Mike Tomlin just lit himself on fire on national TV.
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) January 14, 2018
What demon from hell whispered in Tomlin's ear that it was a good idea to on-side kick in that situation?!?!?! #Steelers
— John Campea (@johncampea) January 14, 2018
And that's why you kick it deep. Starting to believe the Tomlin naysayers. This game shouldn't be this close, based on the #Steelers not ready to play, bad defense, and awful coaching.
— Chris Carlin (@ChrisCarlin) January 14, 2018
the extent to which Mike Tomlin was outcoached by Doug Marrone today should make every Steelers fan very upset if not wondering if changes need to be made
— Chris Brockman (@chrisbrockman) January 14, 2018
Shame the Steelers never fire coaches because Mike Tomlin stinks
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) January 14, 2018
Why would you onside kick there? Pooch it at worst. Or bang it deep. Terrible decision. #Steelers
— David Todd (@DavidMTodd) January 14, 2018
Even this drive is being mismanaged. Tomlin out doing Andy Reid for game worst situation coach
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) January 14, 2018
With two timeouts and the two-minute warning, the thinking is if Pittsburgh could force a 3-and-out, they would have gotten the ball back with time to drive for a tying touchdown. Instead, they hung their hats on an onside kick attempt that didn’t pay off.
From 13-3 in the regular season to elimination in their first playoff game. What a disappointment for the Steelers. And some more crying from Tomlin may be coming.
After the game, this was Tomlin’s explanation.
