Mike Tomlin Called Out Steelers for Playing 'JV Football' in Loss to Cardinals

The Steelers coach zinged his team for not playing to the NFL standard.

The Steelers played about as well as the weather on Sunday, as they laid an egg in a 24–10 defeat to the Cardinals, a contest that was delayed twice due to heavy rains and lightning. 

However, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t looking for any excuses after the Week 13 game. Speaking to reporters, Tomlin called out his team for playing at a “JV football” level against Arizona, per beat writer Alan Saunders on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Mike Tomlin at the podium:

"Horrible day at the office. We didn't do much right in that game, to be quite honest with you. We've got to own that ... starting first and foremost with me. ... JV football in a lot of ways."

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) December 3, 2023

Tomlin said it was a “horrible day at the office,” adding that the onus is on him to own the defeat to the Cardinals. It certainly didn’t help Pittsburgh that starting quarterback Kenny Pickett was forced to exit the game with an ankle injury, forcing backup Mitchell Trubisky into action. 

The Steelers only had one turnover in the game. But it was a costly one, as a Trubisky fumble set up an easy touchdown drive for the Cardinals in the third quarter. Pittsburgh may not have made many physical errors on the field, but they made plenty of mental ones with nine penalties costing them 77 yards. Those are the kinds of moments that made Tomlin think he was watching a JV football squad. 

Pittsburgh had better clean up its act soon, as they are tied with the Colts and Texans in the AFC standings, and have the Broncos and Bills breathing down their necks for a playoff spot. 

A Week 14 date against the Patriots awaits.