Tomlin Era - Early Success = Old Questions

As fun as it has been to watch the first two games this year, it has been equally interesting to watch the developments off the field as the new Tomlin Era Steelers team approaches its third game...

The early success (face it, any time you start off 2-0 with a 60-10 scoring ratio, it is a successful start), has talk show hosts and beat reporters in a frenzy. Are the Steelers that good or have their first two opponents been that bad?

Today, I see shots being taken at former Coach Bill Cowher's over-dominating tactics vs. his conservative restraint. According to Ed Bouchette in today's P-G, Defensive Coordinator - the Wizard - Dick LeBeau has been unleashed to do what he wants with the D.

"Players and coaches, on and off the record, say LeBeau has the freedom to call
what he wants, when he wants under Tomlin, a freedom he did not previously have under Cowher."

Personally, I haven't noticed much of a change in the Steeler D's approach... I have always expected to see them play aggressively, with Polamalu playing everywhere at the same time, and defensive ends dropping into coverage as Farrior or Foote roll into a blitz.

Whatever they are doing, they are doing it right. And, whomever you want to give the credit to - be it Tomlin, LeBeau or the players - please go ahead and do so... The true differences between Cowher and Tomlin will play out over time. I think this team was prime for the kind of level-headed change Tomlin seems to be bringing... the core of the team is still the guys who reached the pinnacle. They expect to be there (deep into the playoffs) if they execute the game plan prepared by the coaches week in and week out. I guess I expect the same!