Julian Edelman lashes out at Steelers’ Mike Tomlin for using the same age-old defensive plan
Julian Edelman feels the Steelers need to do something new with their defense because Mike Tomlin has run the same game plan for more than a decade now.
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Julian Edelman and Mike Tomlin (Image via IMAGO/X)
If the NFL handed out a trophy for never recording a losing season as a head coach, then Mike Tomlin would be at the top of the pile. Regardless of the impressive feat from the veteran coach, lately, he has been criticized for failing to make it past the wild card round with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the last four occasions.
Tomlin received criticism from former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, who faced off against the Steelers several times during his playing days. Edelman retired in 2020, one year after winning his third Super Bowl.
It has almost been four years since the 38-year-old retired but he observed that Tomlin is still running the same system in the defense that he used to run back in his days. Edelman sat down with former Patriots coach [defensive coordinator] Matt Patricia for a segment of his podcast, Games with Names, and lashed out.
They still do what they did. They still do the same God da** sh** [as] when I was playing [Mike] Tomlin’s defense. I’m like, ‘We still have linebackers covering the three slots?’ Every time we play Steelers, I have at least nine catches. You would think that they would change it but no, they do what they do.
Julian Edelman said.
Holy Sh*t: Julian Edelman goes OFF on #Steelers HC Mike Tomlin for never changing his defensive game plan:
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 30, 2025
"They still do the same God damn sh*t [as] when I was playing [Mike] Tomlin's defense. I'm like, 'We still have linebackers covering the three slot?’ Every time we play… pic.twitter.com/w2oIhTK8SJ
The Steelers finished 10-7 and second in their division behind the Baltimore Ravens in 2024. Tomlin’s team played the Ravens in the Wild Card round and lost 28-14. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry combined to put up 260+ rushing yards and four overall touchdowns.
Mike Tomlin set to remain as the Steelers head coach in 2025
Following the disappointing loss, there were speculations that Tomlin might leave Pittsburgh, and his destination was already set. In early January, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that the Chicago Bears wanted to interview Tomlin for their vacant head coach position. However, the Steelers did not allow it
The Bears recently called the Steelers to see if they would be allowed to talk to and potentially try to trade for longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, only to have Pittsburgh rebuff their inquiry.
Adam Schefter wrote on X
Schefter’s words were backed by Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Despite a widespread public outcry and another embarrassing early exit from the postseason, the Steelers are not planning to make any move involving coach Mike Tomlin, according to team sources.
Gerry Dulac wrote
Dulac further added that the Steelers brass may look to make changes in the coordinator’s positions but the defense will be managed by Tomlin. His job may be safe for one more year but the Steelers owners (the Rooney family) might run out of patience soon if they witness further disappointment.
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Ishan Misra
(3095 Articles Published)