The three-ring circus that is the Pittsburgh Steelers just got another attraction. According to Post-Gazette writer Ed Bouchette, head coach Mike Tomlin took over at least a portion of the defensive playcalling from defensive coordinator Keith Butler.

He called many of the defensive plays from the sideline this season. He also took charge of many of the secondary meetings and those with the entire defense.

Bouchette didn’t clarify when or how much Tomlin ran the defense but it would be interesting to know. The defense seemed to shuffle between an aggressive, blitzing philosophy or a more passive approach on a whim.

No one was surprised when the Steelers chose not to bring back offensive coordinator Todd Haley. But I think there were many fans shocked that Butler got a pass. This defense went from conjuring images of the Steel Curtain to just abysmal in the same game many weeks.

This team has invested a ridiculous amount of draft picks into this defense and it still underperforms. No matter how good the offense is, when 42 points aren’t enough to beat Blake Bortles, there is a problem.