Imagine this: A head coach, fresh off a heated exchange with reporters, bluntly admits they're getting on his nerves. But here's where it gets controversial—what if the media's probing questions are actually spot-on, highlighting cracks in a team's strategy that could make or break their season? Stay tuned, because diving into this Steelers saga might just change how you view football coaching and press dynamics forever.
Tim Benz here, weighing in on Mike Tomlin's recent outburst during his Monday press conference. He flat-out told the media we were annoying him. Sound familiar? It's like clockwork in Pittsburgh—every week feels like déjà vu.
I can't say for sure if my queries added fuel to that fire, but if they did, it'd hardly be a first. No worries, though; I'm thick-skinned.
' You guys were annoying me today' - Mike Tomlin pic.twitter.com/ucKkvhLwdw (https://t.co/ucKkvhLwdw)
— Cassidy Wood (@CassidyWoodTV) October 13, 2025 (https://twitter.com/CassidyWoodTV/status/1977777520129740828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
That being said, Tomlin didn't seem fazed at all when I brought up the Steelers' passing attack. Specifically, I asked if it was living up to expectations after the big splash signing of Aaron Rodgers this offseason. And get this—he responded with some real wisdom.
“I had a broad idea of how it might unfold, but not so pinpointed that I can directly compare it to where we are now,” Tomlin explained. “Rigidity in planning often means you're not flexible enough to adjust to reality. Many of our initial thoughts have proven out, yet you truly only grasp what you have once you're in the thick of it.”
He went on to talk about getting to know Rodgers personally, which has shaped his outlook.
“Spending time with him daily—the way he operates, his background, what comes naturally to him, and how he builds bonds with teammates—all that factors in and can shift the blueprint,” Tomlin added. “I'm not locked into any one vision. We're headed in the right general path I envisioned, and it's fair to assume that trend will carry on as we progress.”
When he touched on being adaptable, I pressed further: What does that entail when DK Metcalf is defended tightly and Calvin Austin remains sidelined due to injury? In simpler terms, for those new to football, this is about deciding where to throw the ball when your star receiver isn't open—do you stick to the plan or improvise?
“To open up others,” Tomlin answered.
Huh. Maybe that follow-up was the one that irked him. And this is the part most people miss—coaches like Tomlin often have to balance between sticking to a strategy and reacting in the moment, which can feel frustrating to outsiders.
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Fair play to Tomlin—we in the Pittsburgh press corps are equally fed up with revisiting the topic of a reliable second wide receiver. But let's break it down: When you dominate a full game against a cellar-dwelling team like Cleveland, and your wideouts besides DK Metcalf rack up just one reception for 12 yards (shoutout to Roman Wilson for that), it's hard not to question it. For beginners, wide receivers are the players who catch passes, and a 'No. 2' means your backup star—crucial in spreading the field and keeping defenses guessing.
The Steelers brass? They're adamant the current roster is solid. Tomlin, Rodgers, GM Omar Khan, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and various players have all chimed in since training camp, claiming no issues with depth.
But here's where it gets controversial—could this confidence be misplaced? What if Metcalf suffers an injury, echoing George Pickens' setback last season? Or as they face tougher opponents starting Thursday against the Bengals, then Green Bay, Indy, and the Chargers (who boast a 12-4-1 record combined)? These aren't pushovers; they'll test the offense's limits.
To score points, the Steelers need more than just Metcalf as Rodgers' deep-ball target (that's throwing passes outside the numbers, for the uninitiated). And let's not forget the original query: When they courted Rodgers, surely they didn't plan for him to throw an NFL-low average of 5.4 air yards per attempt by week five. Is it due to limited options when Metcalf's blanketed? Trust issues in pass protection (keeping Rodgers safe from hits)? Or over-relying on big linemen like Darnell Washington and Spencer Anderson in blocking formations?
Probably a mix of all that, to be honest. And this is the part most people miss—these aren't always knocks on Austin's skills as a true backup or Wilson's struggles in his second year, or even doubting if Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek can rise above special teams duty (like returning kicks).
Sometimes, it's constructive: How can this offense reach its full potential? How does it hold up against elite defenses without Metcalf? And crucially, with a 4-1 record and division rivals struggling, why not scout free agents or trade for more receiving talent now, rather than clinging to draft picks for a QB in a weaker class, potentially dropping later than hoped?
If probing these angles bugs you, Coach, my bad. But I'd bet trying to win games with passes averaging a mere 5.4 yards would grate on anyone.
What do you think? Is the media overstepping by questioning the Steelers' passing game, or is this scrutiny essential for accountability? Do you agree with Tomlin's emphasis on adaptability, or should coaches have firmer plans? Share your hot takes in the comments—let's debate!
LISTEN: Tim Benz and Joe Rutter discuss what Mike Tomlin had to say during his Monday press conference (https://triblive.com/sports/tim-benz-if-mike-tomlin-is-annoyed-by-media-questions-heres-one-wed-gladly-stop-asking/) .
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X (https://twitter.com/TimBenzPGH) . All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
