No reason to rehash the mess. We all see it. We all know it. Behavior on this team has been pathetic. Discipline has been lost. Accountability is nonexistent.
I've said many times, I think Mike Tomlin is probably a good guy and is a decent football coach. Like any coach, he is good at some things and terrible at some things. Clock management, accountability and discipline are not his strong points. Rather than complain about it, let's look at what he can do to fix it.
I have one very strong suggestion that I wish I had access to share with Mike Tomlin. This is something that can be fixed if the people involved should choose to fix it. And I think they have the resources on this team to make it happen. We have all offseason to fix it, here is my suggestion (not that anyone cares).
We have a resource on this team that perhaps no other team in the NFL has and it is tailor made to help Tomlin with his weakest area of management. Alejandro Villanueva.
Tomlin, Ben and Villanueva should spend some quality time together very soon. Maybe even include Art II in this meeting so that a directive comes from ownership. Why those folks? Hear me out.
Tomlin as coach has to be in charge. Ben as franchise QB is the default leader of the team - just has to be that way. Villanueva? Why Villanueva?
Alejandro Villanueva spent 4 years getting the best leadership education available at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Then he went on to serve as an Army Officer leading young men. He was a leader in the 75th Infantry Regiment - the Rangers - a group where leaders shine or they do not last. He served as a leader of men in combat. Not just any men but Rangers. Many of us on here are veterans. Some even veterans with service in such units and under officers who are academy grads. You know the quality of leadership and the personal character traits common among such leaders.
Tomlin and Ben can, and should, learn from the education, training and experience of Alejandro Villanueva. Learn leadership principles. Commit to implementing those principles. I strongly suggest the team make Villanueva one of the team captains for next season. Empower him to position of authority of his teammates and invite him to take a leadership role. Ben has to step up also. He has to become a vocal and accountable team leader and one that is active in holding teammates accountable. His career is coming to an end. What does he want for his final years? These 3 can make a difference.
Can they reach everyone? No. When you identify a guy who doesn't want to be a part of the team then you move them in any way possible. Cancers in the locker room cannot be permitted to continue. I realize pro athletes are different from young soldiers but people are still people. I use my personal military experience as a building block for my life, for my business all the time. What I learned from true leaders is not the Army that people think of on television with constant yelling and screaming. I was fortunate to serve under leaders who got more out of me than I thought I was capable of by motivating or inspiring me to want it for myself. I don't see that taking place with this current Steelers roster.
This is bigger than AB. This is bigger than L. Bell. This is a failure by a lot of people simply because of a void of leadership. Keep AB/trade AB? Not going to matter until you identify, develop and employ some leadership in that locker room.
Some leaders are born. Some leaders are made. We have one on this team and it's time this team benefits from what he has already proven to be.
Crazy idea? Maybe. It would require placing egos aside for the greater good. Possible? I certainly hope so.
I've said many times, I think Mike Tomlin is probably a good guy and is a decent football coach. Like any coach, he is good at some things and terrible at some things. Clock management, accountability and discipline are not his strong points. Rather than complain about it, let's look at what he can do to fix it.
I have one very strong suggestion that I wish I had access to share with Mike Tomlin. This is something that can be fixed if the people involved should choose to fix it. And I think they have the resources on this team to make it happen. We have all offseason to fix it, here is my suggestion (not that anyone cares).
We have a resource on this team that perhaps no other team in the NFL has and it is tailor made to help Tomlin with his weakest area of management. Alejandro Villanueva.
Tomlin, Ben and Villanueva should spend some quality time together very soon. Maybe even include Art II in this meeting so that a directive comes from ownership. Why those folks? Hear me out.
Tomlin as coach has to be in charge. Ben as franchise QB is the default leader of the team - just has to be that way. Villanueva? Why Villanueva?
Alejandro Villanueva spent 4 years getting the best leadership education available at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Then he went on to serve as an Army Officer leading young men. He was a leader in the 75th Infantry Regiment - the Rangers - a group where leaders shine or they do not last. He served as a leader of men in combat. Not just any men but Rangers. Many of us on here are veterans. Some even veterans with service in such units and under officers who are academy grads. You know the quality of leadership and the personal character traits common among such leaders.
Tomlin and Ben can, and should, learn from the education, training and experience of Alejandro Villanueva. Learn leadership principles. Commit to implementing those principles. I strongly suggest the team make Villanueva one of the team captains for next season. Empower him to position of authority of his teammates and invite him to take a leadership role. Ben has to step up also. He has to become a vocal and accountable team leader and one that is active in holding teammates accountable. His career is coming to an end. What does he want for his final years? These 3 can make a difference.
Can they reach everyone? No. When you identify a guy who doesn't want to be a part of the team then you move them in any way possible. Cancers in the locker room cannot be permitted to continue. I realize pro athletes are different from young soldiers but people are still people. I use my personal military experience as a building block for my life, for my business all the time. What I learned from true leaders is not the Army that people think of on television with constant yelling and screaming. I was fortunate to serve under leaders who got more out of me than I thought I was capable of by motivating or inspiring me to want it for myself. I don't see that taking place with this current Steelers roster.
This is bigger than AB. This is bigger than L. Bell. This is a failure by a lot of people simply because of a void of leadership. Keep AB/trade AB? Not going to matter until you identify, develop and employ some leadership in that locker room.
Some leaders are born. Some leaders are made. We have one on this team and it's time this team benefits from what he has already proven to be.
Crazy idea? Maybe. It would require placing egos aside for the greater good. Possible? I certainly hope so.
