Here's an excerpt from my latest TribLive.com column. To read the whole thing, click HERE.
"During the Steelersā 21-play drive, Diontae Johnson punctuated catching an 8-yard pass to convert a third-and-6 by getting in an opponentās face. Johnson was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, so the Steelers had to gain those 15 yards again.Ā
A bit later, Marcus Allen barged into Carolinaās huddle and caused a ruckus. He, too, got flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. It was fourth-and-27, but that penalty gave Carolina a first down. The Panthers ended up getting a field goal they wouldnāt haveĀ
Those penalties are inexcusable. Allenās a scrub. He should be cut. He wonāt be. But a marginal player like Allen canāt have such profoundly negative impact.Ā
Heck, Johnson went right back on the field.Ā
The actions of Johnson and especially Allen are inexcusable. But Tomlin accepts them. So do the teamās leaders. Nobody cares.Ā
Thatās not how winning teams conduct business.Ā
Itās not the main reason the Steelers arenāt a winning team. It ranks below lack of talent, poor coaching, etc. But itās a reason.Ā
Tomlin will spew some empty platitude to excuse what Johnson and Allen did. āWe prefer to look through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror, blah, blah, blah.ā Thatās assuming the media bothers to ask. (After the game, Tomlin said he didnāt see what caused Allenās penalty. Why is the head coach not paying attention?)"