Eisen critical of Tomlin's decision while calling game

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rich Eisen critical of Mike Tomlin's decision while calling game

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 12/16/23

Rich Eisen had the assignment of announcing Saturday’s Indianapolis Colts-Pittsburgh Steelers game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for NFL Network.

That’s a rare role for Eisen, who typically serves as a studio host and talk show host. Eisen did some of what he did best during the game — act as a talk show host while questioning decisions.

The Steelers lost 30-13 and were down 24-13 late in the third quarter. They had a fourth-and-14 from the Indianapolis 39 and decided to punt rather than try a 56- or 57-yard field goal. Eisen couldn’t believe it.

“You don’t want (Chris) Boswell to kick one from 50-something yards here? Instead you’re going to punt? Down 11 with 18 minutes and change to go. Boswell looked like he was ready to get out there. Instead, you’re going to give it back,” Eisen said.

Rich Eisen questions Mike Tomlin and the Steelers deciding to punt instead of trying a long FG down 11.

"Kurt, I mean, just gotta bring this up. You don't want Boswell to kick one from 50-something yards. Instead you're going to punt? Down 11 with 18 minutes and change to go." pic.twitter.com/238E1YxX0P

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 17, 2023

The punt put the Colts at their 17. But Indy still drove to Pittsburgh’s 13 and kicked a field goal to extend their lead to 27-13. Mitch Trubisky threw an interception on the Steelers’ next possession, and the Colts responded with another field goal.

Tomlin was choosing between some bad options. He chose the safest of the two. Eisen was more than ready to point that out.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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