The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fan base are still wondering how this team was able to lose a second game in a row to a two-win team.
With the postseason still very much in play due to parity across the league, Pittsburgh still has hope for the 2023 campaign. But, to what extent?
The writing is on the wall. Nothing over the next four weeks is going to change the fact that this team will look much different in 2024.
Speaking of that matter, let’s look at five players and coaches who should not (and likely won’t) be back next season.
1. Grady Brown, Secondary Coach
On the season, the Steelers’ pass defense currently ranks 21st in yards per game allowed (226.9 YPG). The cornerback room is mostly mediocre, if not just flat-out bad, other than rookie Joey Porter Jr.
One of the biggest whiffs on this season was waiting so long to give Porter a full-time starting role, and much of that is on the shoulders of Mike Tomlin, but Grady Brown also has some pull there, as he sees these guys up close every single day.
Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half when it comes to metrics like net air yards allowed per attempt and passing first downs allowed, but are toward the top in overall completions allowed. That tells me this is an undisciplined group that has a hard time disallowing a big play.
The coaching staff could see some serious changes, overall, and Brown should be part of those who are let go.