The Steelers had five players named to the AFC's Pro Bowl roster. Three on the defense (T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick), and two on offense (Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro.) There are only a few teams that had more players named to the Pro Bowl this year.
This has led some to say that the job that Mike Tomlin's done is being overrated.
I disagree. I think Tomlin's been masterful this year. I don't think the number of Pro Bowl players matters as much as the break down.
Maurkice Pouncey is the 36th ranked center according to PFF. That's too low, but it does illustrate that he's not been Pro Bowl caliber this season. I can live with DeCastro even though the Steelers offensive line has been the single most disappointing unit on the team.
Last year, the Steelers had SIX offensive players named to the Pro Bowl roster and Ben Roethlisberger wasn't one of them.
That's a HUGE change from one year to another. The Steelers offense isn't just devoid of talent, they are being led by a QB out of Samford.
I don't care that they have five Pro Bowler's. The offense is a train wreck, and it's not the coaches fault. Ben Roethlisberger is done for the year. JuJu and Conner have been injured and/or inconsistent. They've had nine players play on offense that had previously been cut.
Five Pro Bowl players or not, there's not enough talent on the offense. Period.
The defense has been wonderful. I think it's the best in football. Is Mike Tomlin not the man charged with coming up with defensive game plans?
If the Steelers make the playoffs, it's because the defense will have dragged them there. The offense is along for the ride.