A supermassive star like Betelgeuse exists only because of a delicate balance of opposing forces. The energy produced by the fusion of elements in its core has to be strong enough to defeat the pull of gravity on its outer layers of superheated gas. Once the star runs out of helium to make carbon, it forges heavier and heavier elements, up until it gets to iron. Iron takes more energy to create than it gives off, and about one second after a star’s core fuses that heavy element, it shrinks to a radius of around six miles and the outer layers come crashing down. Then, and I apologize if I am being too technical here – KABOOM – supernova.

The Steelers, as with life, the universe, and everything, owes its existence to massive stars and their supernova explosions. After all, that’s what sends iron molecules across galaxies, and iron ore is the crucial component needed to make steel. The team also shares another trait with those stars. There is a clear indication of when it is about to implode.

Much as the presence of iron marks impending doom for a star, for a Mike Tomlin led team, finger-pointing and locker room strife signifies the end is near and a collapse is inevitable. Without the internal forces of team chemistry, brotherhood, and playing for each other, the outside pressures can rush in and destroy a locker room and season.

Mike Tomlin has his strengths and weaknesses just like any other coach. He does not excel in play concepts or game plan design for each individual opponent and the unique challenge they all pose. No matter who they play, it’s the same plays and formations, over and over again, on both sides of the ball. He rolls the same ball out on the field no matter what the situation. If Tomlin were entered into a multi-sport competition, he’d show up with a football for every event – pickleball, badminton, bowling…it’s just his way of doing things.

Tomlin’s approach is one that is largely out of date in this current NFL, one of low risk ball control offense and relying on defense to win games late with splash plays. His success has been built on motivation, team camaraderie, and a buy-in to the “us against the world” mentality to win games. Players love to play for him, and the culture that Mike Tomlin has continued and grown in his tenure has been successful in keeping the team relevant and in the conversation year after year. That’s fine…if “relevant” is now the standard for an organization that once measured success by potentially needing a bigger trophy case after each season.

After the three game late season losing streak…this current one…not the other four times in the last six seasons under Tomlin…the “us against the world” has turned instead to “it’s his fault” finger pointing and complaints of certain individuals not doing their job. That’s not good for a team that relies on a sense of brotherhood and an all-for-one-one-for-all mentality to have success. It’s bled out onto the field, with players visibly upset and gesturing in exasperation at each other even as the play is unfolding in real time. It’s difficult enough to cover an elite wide receiver under the best of circumstances without all the in-game shoulder shrugging and hands on head body language.

Without the advantages of Tomlin’s ability to rally the troops into one unified force, what is left? He made the promise of changes to come after the loss against KC, but don’t be shocked if the offense yet again consists of Najee up the middle on first down, play-action roll out on second and long, and then a desperation deep ball nine route on third down for every possession in the first quarter.

To be fair, three game loss streaks are not all created equal. I would say that last year’s occurrence was far worse by losing to the Cardinals, Patriots, and Colts. It’s not so much that they lost these games to the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs, but the manner in which they lost. Mistakes, miscues, and missed opportunities abounded in each game, and while the contests appeared close at times, they lost each one going away. At this time of year, if the players are still making the same mistakes that were happening in the preseason, that goes on coaching.

I would be shocked if there are any major changes that show up next week, just like I would be shocked if there are major changes in the coaching staff this offseason even if it ends in another blowout wildcard round loss. I’ve never been in the “Fire Tomlin” camp, but I’m not in the “Tomlin Lifetime Appointment” camp either. I think he’s a good man and a good coach, but I can’t help but daydream what the team might be with a Ben Johnson offensive type mind leading the way.

This roster is still in the process of being constructed, and there are more holes than next year’s draft can fill. The quarterback situation has left more questions than answers as we sit now with one game left in the regular season. A playoff win almost seems required right now for both the fan base and the organization. Going to Houston would appear to be the best bet to get that done, but that means beating the Bengals to not risk dropping to the seventh spot.

Can Tomlin surprise us all and come out with a fresh game plan like they did last year against Cincinnati to drop the three game skid? I hope so. This is a better team, despite all the flaws, than what was on the field for 2023. The core is there, and there’s no reason they can’t come together and be that band of brothers that is the hallmark of a good Mike Tomlin team. Finishing this year with a fourth straight loss and another first round exit would be as devastating as a supernova explosion. Is there iron in the core, or is it already made of hardened Pittsburgh steel? We will find out in these next two weeks.