Why did the Steelers cut down on OTAs this year?
The NFL released the OTA schedules for all 32 teams this week, and the list reflected a growing trend. More and more, teams are opting not to utilize the maximum number of spring practices available to them. Perhaps the most shocking is that Mike Tomlin’s Steelers have joined in that trend.
While more than half of the league now foregoes at least a small portion of its OTA allotment, the Steelers have long maximized their practice opportunities. Notwithstanding the one “practice” Tomlin sets aside for team-building activities.
One wonders why the Steelers changed their philosophy this year, on the books for only six out of the maximum 10 available practices. It doesn’t seem to be in keeping with what we know of Tomlin, and why now, after almost two decades? Presumably, he must not feel they are gleaning too much from those final three or four practices.
Still, it’s hard to reconcile the idea of a Mike Tomlin team turning down practices. Perhaps it’s part of a broader movement, which may be on the horizon. Some believe the league will eliminate spring practices altogether and extend training camp instead. Would the Steelers be in favor of that approach? I’m not sure many players would be happy about being away from their families even longer.
Odds are that no team has ever won or lost a Super Bowl based on the seventh through 10th OTA practices. Still, in theory, they serve as a tool to evaluate young and otherwise newly acquired talent. If anything, perhaps this reflects a trend of veteran players participating less. Ergo, there is less time required to evaluate the less familiar players since they will be playing more. And the Steelers may not even have a starting quarterback on their roster for OTAs, anyway.
Of course, just because the Steelers are opting to forego a week of OTAs this year doesn’t mean they will next year, although I imagine the pattern will continue. My guess is this is a recommendation from the new strength and conditioning team, which implemented changes last year. They devised a new conditioning test, for example, and reorganized when training camp practices take place. As far as fans go, the only real difference will be one less week of meaningless interviews.
The Steelers’ 2024 season has come to its predictably inauspicious end, with yet another one-and-done postseason for HC Mike Tomlin. The offense faltered, and the defense matched it blow for blow, leading to a 21-0 first-half deficit.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback question. There are other major decisions to make, as well, such as what to do with George Pickens. Do you sign him to an extension, try to trade him, or let him play out his rookie contract?
The Steelers started the 2024 season 10-3, with Mike Tomlin in the Coach of the Year conversation. Wash, rinse, and repeat, and we have another late-season collapse. This may be the worst yet, a four-game losing streak presaging a one-and-done playoff “run”. Welcome to Steelers football.
