PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan)- The decision didn't ultimately decide the game. The Steelers survived a final throw to the endzone afterward and are 8-0 for the first time in franchise history.
But it very well could have decided things.
The situation? 4th quarter. About 40 seconds left. The Steelers faced a 4th and 1 from the Dallas 15 yard line leading by 5 at 24-19.
They decided to go for it and run an outside handoff to James Conner who was stopped short of the line to gain, forcing a turnover on downs and giving Dallas the ball back for one last drive.
What would you have done? The Fan Morning Show debated it this morning.
"I understand Mike Tomlin's reluctance (to kick a field goal). But, see, if he's living in his fear about having [Tyrone] Crawford block another placement, my fear was that they had no chance of picking up a first down, especially the way they did it.
I'd put a fullback, I'd put [Henry] Mondeaux into the game. I know he has to play defensive snaps now, but I would use him as a fullback. I would have kicked the field goal.
Colin Dunlap says there is a solid argument to not kick the field goal.
"It's like 51 to 49 percent for me. I probably would have kicked. But I can really understand the notion of trying to go for it. I think it might have been the right decision, just the wrong play. The one play you don't run is a stretch play to the short side of the field over the left side."
Chris Mack chimed in with his opinion of the scenario.
"I can't argue with the logic of, 'Hey, let's go out there, let's cram it down their throat, let's finish it off right now.' What I can't get behind, and look I love Mike Tomlin. They're 8-0, there are so many things to talk about.
But if you're going to tell me you don't live in your fears, then don't worry about the kick getting blocked. Don't worry a big kick return on special teams. Take the field goal and go up by 8.
Colin then followed that up by pointing out how much of a problem it is that the Steelers had to think about it so much.
"I don't think Mike Tomlin thought it was an automatic to go up by 8. If that is the case, there needs to be a deep dive into why it's not automatic and someone needs to be terminated. Whether it's Danny Smith (special teams coordinator), whether it's Kameron Canaday. You've only got 16 cracks at this, man.
If you're forcing your head coach to have that fear, someone's got to go. The guy who can't block somebody or the guy who can't draw up a plan to get people blocked."
