Audible - NFLPA Grades
Mike Tomlin scored high. Art Rooney scored low. The Steelers come out not looking great. What do we make of it all?
We were going to continue our state of the team this week and look at the defense. However, the NFPA player grades came out on Wednesday - so I am calling an audible. These grades have become a thing in the past two years as the NFL has turned into more of a year round news machine.
Current players grade coaches, owners, facilities, how teams treat families, food, travel, and whole bunch of other things. Each category gets its’ own grade. We go back to high school where As and Bs are acceptable — anything less doesn’t look very good. And in this instance, Cs do not get degrees.
So how does this all shake out for Pittsburgh? Well, two areas stand out. And really, I guess it is three areas. First, in the overall rankings Pittsburgh is 28th out of the 32 teams. The two other areas that stand out are maybe the most important in the sport: owner and head coach.
Let’s start with the good news: head coach. Mike Tomlin received an “A” grade. Top 5 in the league. This isn’t surprising considering players from around the league rave about Tomlin. He is a players coach. He is a leader of men. Despite fans frustration with 9-8 seasons, no recent playoff wins, and embarrassing losses Tomlin can relate to and connect with players in a way not many coaches can. I am as frustrated as anyone with the lack of recent success, but it cannot be denied Mike Tomlin is a huge positive for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, the bad news: the owner. Art Rooney II sits at the top of chain in Pittsburgh. He followed his late father Dan, and his late grandfather Art, who is better known by yinzers as The Chief. The Rooney family, it has always seemed, has a great reputation. But Rooney’s score of “F” here is obviously concerning. Only one owner scored lower and that was Clark Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs. But when you are winning Super Bowls and Patrick Mahomes is your quarterback many things can be forgiven.
What results in such a low grade? Reports say a lack of willingness to invest facilities and no family room or daycare during games. Part of me is surprised, part of me is not. The part of me that isn’t surprised thinks about how the Steelers share facilities with the University of Pittsburgh. NFL players can’t be thrilled about that. I also think about the locker room. It is not flashy, there are no plush leather chairs. Many people would tell you this is who the Steelers are - tough, work hard, put your head down type team. But this is 2024 — Pittsburgh needs to upgrade this stuff. Jack Lambert and Joe Greene aren’t walking through that door. No matter what we think, players have different expectations.
The part of me that is surprised thinks about how many players say the Steelers are just like a family. It is always said the Rooneys are so family orientated. So the low score for treatment of families? It is a surprise. You might say to yourself “a daycare? A family room? Is that really needed?” Anyone who has a toddler and has tried to take them, you know, anywhere in public knows a play area will save your life. So think if it was your spouse’s job — somewhere to take your hooligan kids is a major help.
So what does all of this mean? On the football field, chances are it means little. But for this fanbase? It is just another thing to add to the list. No playoff wins, bad staff hires, no franchise quarterback, no creativity, and now? One of the lowest graded teams by players in the league. Win games and ultimately none of it will matter — see the Chiefs and Clark Hunt. But without winning? Everything is under a microscope. From how you play to how you treat those who play for you and their perception of your organization. Start winning games and everyone will forget. For now, though, it is March. We already miss football. We need something to talk about. In the case of the Pittsburgh Steelers the talk is more negative than positive. I will sum it up this way: The NFL has changed, and in more ways than one, it feels like the Steelers are being left behind.
Thanks for reading. I’ll see yinz in the next one.
NN
Great article my man!!