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Mike Tomlin is a very good coach. He could even be on a way to the Hall of Fame.
He is 121-62-1 in his Pittsburgh Steelers career. He played in the playoffs eight times in his first 11 seasons, with a Super Bowl Championship and another AFC title. He has completed 11 full seasons and has never had a losing season, which is remarkable. His .660 career win percentage is 15th all-time among the qualified coaches. Of the 14 coaches ahead of him, 10 belong to the Hall of Fame if we consider Bill Belichick as a lock.
In the end, the Steelers coach knows what he is doing. He has 59 games over .500. The Steelers looked bad at the start of the season. It looked like a dramatic new year. One wondered if Tomlin's message might have become obsolete.
They are not so bad anymore. The Steelers won a huge 23-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, their fourth straight win after a 1-2-1 start. They are in first place in AFC North and are winning victories on the road against the Bengals and Ravens of Cincinnati.
Many of them rush to bet on Tomlin, either for bad defeats of the regular season or for the bizarre loss of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the playoffs. It's only fair to give Tomlin the credit for taking the Steelers out of their early-season crisis and making them look like a Super Bowl contender again.
Let's not forget that Tomlin did it without being without question his most talented player. Running back Le'Veon Bell should not have been a big surprise for the Steelers, but it was and it seemed to discourage them from starting the season. Then they adapted. That's what good coaches do. And although I do not agree with everything Tomlin says about it – saying that he wants "volunteers, not hostages" ignites the situation, when it's just that Bell makes a business decision after that the Steelers did the same – we should probably give Tomlin the advantage of doubting that he will handle this whole scenario, no matter the outcome.
The transformation of the Steelers this season includes some strata. The offense struggled to find an identity without Bell, which was quite obvious when they lost to the Ravens at the first meeting. Then the Steelers found balance with James Conner, who is enjoying a fantastic season. This has helped make the passing game more efficient. In terms of defense, there has been a great improvement and coaching has been a key.
"They did a good job mixing their stuff," said Baker Mayfield, the Browns quarterback, after last week's meeting, according to 247Sports. "They did a good job organizing the good blitzes, integrating our protections and releasing different types. So, they bring in a guy and give the impression that they bring in someone else. It's just a good coaching and a good execution on their part. "
Everything is clicking now. The victory over the Ravens was tight at the end, but a quick start from Pittsburgh was delayed. This win eliminates the worry of the Ravens sweeping the series of the season and seize the breakage of equality. The Ravens are now three games back in the Steelers defeat column.
This would be justified because Tomlin would have lost some shade after being heavily torn apart after the defeat of the Jaguars and again during the slow start of Pittsburgh. He probably knows better. If the Steelers do not win everything, the criticism will start again. Damn, it would start again with another loss or two before the playoffs. But Tomlin has shown in the last four games that he is still a very good coach. Not that he needs to continue to prove the point.
Here are the winners and losers of the 9th week of the NFL season:
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "WINNERS"data-reactid =" 43 ">WINNERS
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Defense of the Minnesota Vikings: One of the most curious aspects of this season has been the decline of the Vikings' defense. The defense was not bad, but it was not excellent either. "Data-reactid =" 44 ">Defense of the Minnesota Vikings: One of the most curious aspects of this season has been the decline of the Vikings' defense. The defense was not bad, but it was not excellent either.
It looked good Sunday. Minnesota harassed Matthew Stafford, holding a talented Lions offensive out of the end zone. Stafford was fired 10 times and his pass did not exceed 18 yards. The Lions did not have a race of more than 8 meters.
It's the Vikings' defense we saw last season. Minnesota had an uneven start to the season, and easy fodder accused Kirk Cousins, even though he was really good. The real problem was that the defense was right in the middle of the road despite star players all over the unit. Injuries contributed to this, as did Everson Griffen's absence for mental health issues.
Maybe last season's Vikings defense, when they led the league in yards and points allowed, is making a comeback. At 5-3-1 early in the week, they can still run.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The chances of the Atlanta Falcons in series: It's hard to get out of a 1 to 4 hole, no matter how talented your squad is. Falcons have talent. But they seemed cooked after a very bad start, especially with the accumulation of injuries. "Data-reactid =" 52 ">The chances of the Atlanta Falcons in series: It's hard to get out of a 1 to 4 hole, no matter how talented your squad is. Falcons have talent. But they seemed cooked after a very bad start, especially with the accumulation of their injuries.
Suddenly, this talented training plays much better. The Falcons destroyed the Washington Redskins on Sunday, 38-14. Even if you think Washington, which was 5-2 on Sunday, is not as good as its record, the Redskins are not a bad team. The Falcons were so much better.
The Falcons are now 4-4 years old and people are beginning to believe it. The calendar is still very difficult and they will probably have to win at least one upset victory in the second half of the season to make up for this terrible start. You do not have much margin of error when you spend 1-4.
But at least the Falcons look like a very good team. Maybe it's not too late to qualify for the playoffs.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The mood of Philip Rivers: There were times on Sunday when Rivers was reported to be tearing his hair away while he was angry at the Los Angeles Chargers who were continually kicking. His anger was justified. "Data-reactid =" 60 ">The mood of Philip Rivers: There were times on Sunday when Rivers was reported to be tearing his hair away while he was angry at the Los Angeles Chargers who were continually kicking. His anger was justified.
What about unreliable chargers and kickers? Caleb Sturgis returned from injury for the Seahawks game and quickly missed three kicks: two extra points and one placement. He is the first scorer since 1979 to miss an extra point and a placement in three consecutive games, according to SI.com. After the first extra point, Rivers seemed to be screaming at Sturgis on the pitch, but it was hard to tell who he was screaming at. On the other missed shots, the cameras found Rivers and his dissatisfaction was obvious.
It almost cost a part to the shippers. The Seattle Seahawks rallied and had the chance to tie in the end with a touchdown and a two-point conversion. But in the last game, Russell Wilson's pass was canceled and the Chargers won a big 25-17 victory. If they had lost, Rivers might have (naturally) been knocked down.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The southern race of the NFC: The headlines on Sunday will focus on the Saints of New Orleans. Well Named. By eliminating the Los Angeles Rams 8-0, the Saints made a huge statement. They could also occupy the driver's seat in the NFC. "Data-reactid =" 67 ">The southern race of the NFC: The headlines on Sunday will focus on the Saints of New Orleans. Well Named. By eliminating the Los Angeles Rams 8-0, the Saints made a huge statement. They could also be in the driver's seat in the NFC.
But do not forget the Carolina Panthers, who continue to win.
Carolina was great in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had a scare in the second half, but held out for a 42-28 win. They are 6-2, just behind the Saints 7-1 SFC South. Cam Newton has another great season. Christian McCaffrey can make the difference between the defenders. Newton's actors are doing well and the defense has playmakers.
On a whim of the calendar, the Panthers face the Saints in the 15th week and two weeks later to end the regular season. It will be an appointment because if the saints will praise the NFL, it is better not to forget the Panthers.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "losers"data-reactid =" 75 ">losers
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Marcus Peters: When the Rams had their frenzy of off-season spending, Marcus Peters played an important role. The former Pro Bowl cornerback with the Kansas City Chiefs was supposed to be a star with the Rams. "Data-reactid =" 76 ">Marcus Peters: When the Rams had their frenzy of off-season spending, Marcus Peters played an important role. The former Pro Bowl cornerback with the Kansas City Chiefs was supposed to be a star with the Rams.
It has been a responsibility instead.
Peters was often chosen Sunday and he has not been good for a while. Michael Thomas posted the best career total of 211 yards, mainly against Peters, including a 72-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Some injuries early in the season, including an ankle injury, affect his game. Whatever the reason, he is a shell of what he was with the leaders.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "" He just beat me, "Peters said touch, via Lindsey Thiry from ESPN. "I looked back and tried to play the ball. (Stuff) happens like that in football. "" Data-reactid = "79"> "He just beat me," Peters said of the touchdown, via Lindsey Thiry from ESPN. "I looked back and tried to play the ball. (Stuff) happens like that in football. "
Peters confessed that he was playing poker in recent weeks. He was offended by a question though he was in good health though.
"(The ankle injury) was early in the year, it was like seven weeks ago, I'm healthy now … if I was not in good health , the coach would not have me there, "Peters said. "I had two bad weeks. I admit that and I start. I know that I am a top (critic) in this league and that I do not play like that, do you feel me? I put that on me.
The Rams must hope that all that is wrong with Peters will correct itself, because the teams will continue to test it until he repairs it.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Joseph Vance and his question of endless job security: With 43 seconds to go against the Texans of Houston, Case Keenum beat Emmanuel Sanders for a fourth conversion. The Denver Broncos had the ball with a timeout at Houston's 37-yard line. It's not a lot of time, but enough to deepen in the Houston area for a closer goal. The Broncos ended up playing only two other games for 4 yards, settling for a long late-goal play in the middle of the final match of their scrum match. The Broncos lost a job on the game and Brandon McManus missed a 51-yard field goal. The Broncos have lost. "Data-reactid =" 87 ">Joseph Vance and his question of endless job security: With 43 seconds to go against the Texans of Houston, Case Keenum beat Emmanuel Sanders for a fourth conversion. The Denver Broncos had the ball with a timeout at Houston's 37-yard line. It's not a lot of time, but enough to deepen in the Houston area for a closer goal. The Broncos ended up playing only two other games for 4 yards, settling for a long late-goal play in the middle of the final match of their scrum match. The Broncos lost a job on the game and Brandon McManus missed a 51-yard field goal. The Broncos have lost.
It's bad clock management. It's just another mark against Joseph, who seems to swim constantly upstream.
It was not even the only time Joseph had cost points to the Broncos. At the end of the first period, the Broncos attempted a 62-yard placement. The Texans had 18 seconds to do on the Broncos. They gained 20 yards in two games, scored a goal to end the half-time, Texans coach Bill O. Brien might have said something nasty that could have referred to Joseph , and giving three points became a big problem in a two-point loss.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "" Half, it's totally about me . tries to be greedy, earns three points and it cost us three, "said Joseph, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. "I understand." "Data-reactid =" 90 ">" Half, it belongs to me totally. I try to be greedy, get three more points and it cost us three, "said Joseph. according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. "I understand that."
Joseph has been a contempt target in Denver for a while and his job security is a constant question. This will only get worse after Sunday.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Fans of Buffalo Bills: Buffalo deserves better than watching this offense. "Data-reactid =" 96 ">Fans of Buffalo Bills: Buffalo deserves better than watching this offense.
The Bears defense scored 14 points, including one touched by a predictable pick by Nathan Peterman. The Bills offense scored just nine points. The Bears won 41-9, and it may have taken 20 quarters or more for this Bills offense to reach 41 points.
Even LeSean McCoy, the only star of a horrible unit, has only 14 keys. He was 29 meters tall. He mostly shared his time with Chris Ivory, for whatever reason.
The injuries did not help, but Josh Allen was not going to save all that. In the last six games, the Bills have not scored more than 13 points. They scored 46 points in six games. This includes games of 0, 5, 6 and 9 points.
This is not fair. The Bills have finally resumed the playoffs of last season for the first time since 1999, which their fans deserved. Even though it was clear that they would step back this season, it's a historic step backwards. And, the worst news is that it may take two good reasons to reconstitute a competent offense. It's so bad.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Gregg Williams: Williams surely thought that he had a chance to finish Cleveland 's acting coach well and get the full – time coaching position for 2019. Or, Williams would simply take the position that he was in a position to win. one of the many positions available to him. "Data-reactid =" 105 ">Gregg Williams: Williams probably thought he had a chance to finish Cleveland's interim coach and get the full-time coaching position for 2019. Or Williams would probably take one of the many positions available to him.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The case of Williams did not improve Sunday. His defense was burned by the Chiefs in a 37-21 loss. This is an NFL theme this season: the Chiefs look like the "Greatest Show on Turf" these days, the Browns will likely want to hire an offensive coach creative to help Baker Mayfield. Rapoport, Ian Rapoport, NFL Network that candidates include the Oklahoma coach, Lincoln Riley, and the Patriots offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels (I do not understand why anyone would consider McDaniels after what he did to the Colts, but it does not matter.). "Data-reactid =" 106 "> Williams' case His defense was burned by the Chiefs in a 37-21 loss. It's an NFL theme this season: the Chiefs look like" the greatest field show in modern times to publish a very good album because the Browns probably want to hire a creative offensive coach to help Baker Mayfield. Rapoport, Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley and Patriots offensives coordinator Josh McDaniels (I do not understand why anyone would consider McDaniels after what he did to the Colts, but that does not matter).
Mayfield had the kind of day Sunday that should remind Brown of their priority. He was 29 out of 42 for 297 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He was very good, but not as good as Patrick Mahomes, his old Big 12 foil. Mayfield also does not have the help that Mahomes offers, and that includes coaching.
The Browns will have many aggressive minds who want to work with Mayfield. Williams will need a point-blank finish to retain them and Sunday was not a good start.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "More from Yahoo Sports:
• Steve Smith Sr. gave Baltimore the Pan Theaters' playbook when he signed with Ravens
• Why Michigan could stop Alabama-Clemson III
• Bizarro NFL: Patrick Mahomes is called for a rare penalty on a peak
• John Harbaugh would have felt the heat of the Ravens' brass
"data-reactid =" 113 ">More from Yahoo Sports:
• Steve Smith Sr. gave Baltimore the Pan Theaters' playbook when he signed with Ravens
• Why Michigan could stop Alabama-Clemson III
• Bizarro NFL: Patrick Mahomes is called for a rare penalty on a peak
• John Harbaugh would have felt the heat of the Ravens' brass
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<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Send him an e-mail at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
Follow @YahooSchwab"data-reactid =" 115 ">Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Send him an e-mail at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
Follow @YahooSchwab
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Subscribe to the Yahoo Sports NFL podcast
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