Steelers disrespected in ESPN power rankings, Mike Tomlin named under most pressure
According to ESPN's latest power rankings, the Steelers are right in the middle of the pack — listed as the No. 16 team. ESPN's Brooke Pryor also selected HC Mike Tomlin as the person under the most pressure heading into 2025 — which can be read below:
"For the second season in a row, Tomlin was the driving force in bringing in a veteran quarterback to lead the franchise," Pryor wrote. "This time, he courted Aaron Rodgers. Tomlin is putting his trust in Rodgers and the rest of his offense that they can expedite the gelling process and produce early in 2025. Realistically, Tomlin, under contract through the 2027 season, isn't going anywhere no matter the outcome of this season. But the fan base will undoubtedly grow restless if another season passes without a playoff win."
Everything Pryor wrote about Tomlin is right on the money — but the Steelers' overall placement as the 16th-best team makes little sense. With Pro Bowl-level talent galore on the defensive side of the ball and a completely retooled offense, Pittsburgh deserves a top-10 placement at least.
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