Drake Maye tops 200 yards but can't find the end zone

Pittsburgh Steelers fans had been clamoring for the ousting of long-time coach Mike Tomlin this offseason. When he opted to resign, many fans were prepared to bid him farewell. However, on Sunday, they received a stark reminder that the grass might not be greener elsewhere. The Steelers were soundly defeated by the New England Patriots, suffering a decisive 20-3 loss in a game that appeared to be a formality for the Patriots.

This marks the first loss under the leadership of Mike McCarthy, a fact that could send alarm bells ringing among certain fans. There are valid reasons why this loss should and should not be a cause for concern.

The notion that this defeat should prompt an immediate departure from McCarthy's tenure at the helm seems premature. Establishing a new roster, personnel, and team culture takes time, and it's unrealistic to expect immediate results. Furthermore, considering Aaron Rodgers' age and the Patriots' recent performance, this outcome was somewhat to be expected.

The Steelers' fanbase was already anticipating a dismissal of Tomlin due to his inability to secure consistent wins and postseason success. The current form of the team does not suggest imminent improvement, as they appear to be on par with last year's squad, lacking the capability to contend against elite NFL teams.

The Steelers were outgained by more than 100 yards in the offensive department, while also struggling on third downs (2-for-12). Aaron Rodgers' performance appeared subdued, raising doubts about his future in the role. The team's inability to capitalize in the red zone further compounded their struggles. While change is clearly necessary, as evident by Tomlin's departure, the current trajectory does not yet indicate transformative progress.