Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell publicly criticized head coach Mike McCarthy over questionable play calling following the team’s narrow 26-19 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Schedule • All NFL Schedule • Monday Night Football • Thursday Night Football • Sunday Night Football. Teams All NFL AFC EAST Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins New England Patriots New York Jets AFC WEST Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers AFC NORTH Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers AFC SOUTH Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans NFC EAST Dallas Cowboys New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Commanders NFC. WEST Arizona Cardinals Los Angeles Rams San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks NFC NORTH Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings NFC SOUTH Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tools • Mock Draft Simulator • NFL Playoff Predictor • Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer • Who Should I Draft • Who Should I Start • DFS Lineup Optimizer. Fantasy Rankings Redraft • Superflex Rankings • QB Rankings • RB Rankings • WR Rankings • TE Rankings • Kicker Rankings • Defense Rankings • PPR Rankings • Half PPR Rankings • Non PPR Rankings • Fantasy Football Rankings Dynasty • Dynasty Rankings • Superflex Rankings • QB Rankings • RB Rankings • WR Rankings • TE Rankings • Kicker Rankings • Defense Rankings • PPR Rankings • Half PPR Rankings • Non PPR Rankings. Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios.
Although Pittsburgh ultimately secured the win, Bell argued that the head coach made the game unnecessarily difficult by failing to convert a crucial scoring opportunity in the fourth quarter.
The frustration mounted after Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean intercepted a pass from Tampa Bay, giving Pittsburgh possession in a tied game and setting up a potential go-ahead score.
Taking to social media platform X to voice his criticism, Bell claimed that “Mike McCarthy wanted to be cute” in a high-stakes scenario. Bell doubled down on his criticism in another post.
The former running back insisted that McCarthy should have relied on running back Jaylen Warren to carry the ball rather than opting for a risky passing play during such a critical moment.
Pittsburgh’s inability to cap the drive with a touchdown left the door open for Tampa Bay. Pittsburgh’s failure to score a touchdown allowed Tampa Bay to remain within striking distance.
The Buccaneers responded by driving downfield into field-goal range, where kicker Chase McLaughlin hit a 53-yard field goal with just eight seconds remaining in regulation, tying the game at 19-19 and forcing overtime.
The Steelers managed to rebound in the extra period. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers guided the offense on a decisive 12-play, 70-yard drive, which ended with a six-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Germie Bernard.
Head Coach Injury Update
- Injury DetailMike McCarthy suffered an ankle injury during Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers when someone accidentally stepped on his foot.
- StatusMcCarthy dismissed concerns about a serious issue, offering reassurance to fans as Pittsburgh prepares for its next matchup while making light of his time spent in the medical tent.
The dramatic victory keeps Pittsburgh moving forward, though McCarthy’s late-game offensive strategy drew significant scrutiny from former players and fans alike despite the final result.
Important Details
- Also Read: “It’s always ironed out”: Aaron Rodgers addresses relationship with Mike McCarthy after heated exchange.
- Steelers Fans! Check out the latest Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule and dive into the S teelers Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.
