Steelers’ Ryan Clark Is Frustrated That The NFL Screwed Pittsburgh: 'What Dude From Cleveland All Of The Sudden Got A Job'

This scheduling quirk caught the attention of former Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who appeared on ESPN's Get Up on Thursday. During the show, Clark expressed his frustration with the NFL's scheduling decisions, criticizing them for the seemingly unfair and challenging late-season lineup assigned to the Steelers. 

“Who made this schedule? What dude from Cleveland all of the sudden got a job in the league office? To think that you have to play the Ravens twice, the Bengals, the Cleveland Browns and then the Eagles and the Chiefs. A team that won the Super Bowl two years in a row. A team that was in the Super Bowl a year before. You have to play those teams to finish the season. The end of the season is where we have seen the Steelers find ways to compete. It’s the beginning of the season when they suck.”

Clark's comments highlighted the perceived unfairness in the Steelers' schedule, sparking wider debate about the fairness and implications of the NFL's scheduling process. While it's true that the NFL is inherently competitive and any given schedule presents its challenges, the specific arrangement of the Steelers' games has caused discomfort among fans. 

Clark humorously elaborated on the schedule, using his platform to voice concerns that resonate with the Steelers community. His jests brought attention to the strenuous nature of the Steelers' late-season matchups, underlining the significant hurdles they face as they navigate a particularly tough stretch in their quest for a playoff spot.

“Coach [Mike] Tomlin has a saying, ‘I try to make things as uncomfortable as possible.’ Guess what my dawg? You ain't got to try hard this year because the NFL did it for you.”

The NFL clearly did the Steelers no favors. They have to play the Baltimore Ravens and then turn around and play the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs on a short week on Christmas Day. 

On top of that, the AFC North is known as the current most ambitious division in football. The Steelers will play all of their division games at the end of the season. It's going to be a gauntlet and the Steelers will certainly be up to the task with Mike Tomlin at the helm.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Will Have His Winning Streak Tested In 2024

Tomlin has achieved a remarkable feat by never recording a losing season in his 17 years as head coach of the Steelers. However, 2024 poses a formidable challenge, as the Steelers' schedule allows virtually no room for error. Additionally, this season carries significant pressure, with the team not having secured a playoff win since the 2016 season. Fans are growing restless, yearning for more than just regular season victories.

The urgency is palpable—the Steelers must now end their playoff drought under the weight of one of the most challenging schedules in the league. This year will test their resilience and ability to overcome adversity, making it a critical juncture in Tomlin's tenure and a decisive moment for the team's legacy.