Trusting Tomlin: Why I’m Not Worried About Preseason Snaps

Every summer in the NFL, the same argument pops up like clockwork. Fans want to see the starters in preseason action, even if it is just for a series or two. They want reassurance. They want proof that the offense is sharp, the defense is flying around, and that this year, finally, will be different (unless you’re the reigning Super Bowl Champion). For Steelers, Mike Tomlin does what Mike Tomlin does. He limits the exposure, sits his top guys for most of August, and treats the preseason for what it is: a warmup lap, not the main event.

This preseason has been no different, maybe even more to the extreme, and of course, the criticism has followed. It’s not just about August, though. It’s about January. Tomlin’s teams, for all their consistency, haven’t performed well in the playoffs in recent years. In fact, “horrible” might be the more appropriate word. Frustration has built because the standard in Pittsburgh isn’t just getting to the postseason, it’s making a run once you’re there. Fans look at the flat endings of the last almost decade and connect dots where they don’t really belong. If the Steelers stumble in January, it must be because they weren’t sharp enough in August, right? Wrong.

The truth is that preseason football has almost zero impact on what happens months down the line. Playing your starting quarterback for two extra drives in August doesn’t magically turn him into Tom Brady in January. Letting your star pass rusher tee off on a backup left tackle in a meaningless exhibition game doesn’t guarantee a fourth-quarter sack in the playoffs. The connection just isn’t there. The preseason is about preparation, evaluation, and survival. The last thing Tomlin wants is to lose one of his key pieces before the real fight even begins.

And this year, Tomlin has even more reason to play it safe. This is not a team built on raw youth and blind hope. The Steelers brought in legitimate reinforcements, established veterans who know what it takes to win. We’re talking about Pro Bowlers, All-Pros, and even Super Bowl champions. These guys don’t need to prove they can handle the speed of the game. They’ve already done it, year after year, on the biggest stages. What they need is time to learn the system, mesh with teammates, and stay healthy. Preseason snaps aren’t going to make or break that process.

That’s also why joint practices are such a valuable tool. The Steelers held one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this preseason, a session closed to the public but far more meaningful than an exhibition game. In joint practices, teams can dig deeper into their playbooks, testing concepts they’d never risk putting on tape in August games. Coaches work together to create specific game-like situations, two-minute drills, red-zone battles, third-and-long pressure looks, that may not organically arise in a preseason matchup. The starters get real, competitive reps against another team’s top players without the randomness of preseason chaos. In many ways, those controlled environments provide more useful preparation than an actual preseason game ever could.

Let’s not forget Tomlin’s track record. Since taking over in 2007, he has never had a losing season. Not once. That’s 17 years of staying above water in a league designed to pull you under. I know you’re tired of hearing about the streak, but as much as you want to downplay it, it’s impressive… not the goal, but still impressive. Franchises go through head coaches, rebuilds, injuries, and identity crises in that same span, but Tomlin has kept Pittsburgh relevant. Say what you want about his postseason shortcomings, but don’t question his ability to get a team ready for the season. The evidence speaks for itself.

The Steelers open the regular season in just a few weeks, and no matter how much or how little the starters played in August, I believe they’ll be ready to go. That’s what Tomlin does, he gets his team to the starting line ready to go. If you want to criticize him, save it for January. That’s when the Steelers need to prove they can take the next step. That’s when Tomlin’s postseason record will be judged again.

For now, stressing over preseason snap counts is wasted energy. Nobody raises a banner for winning in August. Nobody remembers which quarterback threw a touchdown in a meaningless exhibition game. What matters is staying healthy, building cohesion, and being ready to roll when the real bullets fly in September.

So yes, Steelers Nation has every right to demand more when the playoffs arrive. The recent track record isn’t good enough, and Tomlin himself would admit as much. But if you’re worried about him sitting the starters in preseason? Relax. Trust Tomlin to do what he’s always done, get his team ready for the marathon of the regular season. Hold him accountable when January comes. That’s where the real story gets written.

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