Former NFL Executive Praises Steelers’ Offseason Approach
Former NFL Executive Doug Whaley joined 93.7 The Fan Morning Show and praised the Steelers roster building as they seek their quarterback.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving to phase two of the offseason workouts without a solidified answer at quarterback. This has drawn criticism from many media members and fans. However, on Wednesday, former NFL Executive Doug Whaley shared a different point of view.
Whaley joined his weekly morning segment on the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show. When discussing the Steelers’ approach, he pointed out that it’s different when you have a quarterback.
“When you have a quarterback, you need [them] to play between 85 to 95 percent of his capabilities to have a chance to win,” Whaley began as he discussed roster building with quarterbacks. “When you don’t … you need 21 others playing at 90 percent to have a chance to win.”
This has reflected the Steelers’ approach since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Despite subpar quarterback play, Pittsburgh has turned over its position rooms multiple times to be competitive.
Whaley praised this approach by Omar Khan and the Steelers, “I applaud the process. I applaud the plan–and the thought behind it of, ‘Let’s be competitive until we find [our quarterback.]”
Whaley understands the Steelers’ approach as he worked in their front office for 10 years. It is the reality of how they operate.
In a world where fans and media give hot takes insisting the only way to build talent, find quarterbacks, or “build for a future” is by intentionally tanking, this refreshes. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a self-respecting organization. No self-respecting organization goes into a season to intentionally “tank.”
Instead, the Steelers build through the draft, supplement in free agency, and employ coaches to get the most out of their roster. This formula has resulted in six Super Bowl titles in eight trips.
While it is frustrating they have not won a playoff game in nearly a decade, “tanking” is not the answer. Ask any player or coach if they want to cut their careers short to “tank” and you will be told a simple answer: No.