‘Lingering Influence Of Mike Tomlin’: Florio Compares McCarthy’s Steelers To Gruden’s Buccaneers

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio compared Mike McCarthy's Pittsburgh Steelers to Jon Gruden's early-2000s Tampa Bay Buccaneers following Pittsburgh's victory over the Cleveland Browns. Entering their Week 9 bye at 6-2, the Steelers have won four straight games. Florio argued that McCarthy is capitalizing on an upgraded offense while benefiting from the defensive culture built by Mike Tomlin over 19 seasons.

Steelers Depot notes that former quarterback Charlie Batch made a similar comparison after McCarthy's hiring. The analysis highlights that McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers have revitalized the offense, while defensive coordinator Patrick Graham leads an established unit built largely during Tomlin's long tenure.