What happened to the hot Pittsburgh offense? Where was the Steelers defense that shutout the Denver Broncos in Week 15? Against Baltimore, in a game that had zero implications for the Ravens, the Steelers were looking to clinch a playoff spot for 2015. Instead, they were flatter than a DeflateGate ball and handed Baltimore a gimme. It was ugly. Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams was easily the Steelers’ best weapon on both sides of the ball – even if he saw zero defensive snaps. It begs the question: What is going on in Pittsburgh?
Mentally, the Steelers did not even seem to be in the game. Ben Roethlisberger was not at the top of his game. Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant were severely limited by a Ravens defensive backfield that was riddled with injuries. The offensive line couldn’t keep Roethlisberger from getting sacked – but give credit to Big Ben for holding onto the ball for an eternity adding to the reason for those results. On defense, they gave up big plays in the run and pass game.
This game resembled an episode of the Walking Dead. Zombie-like play from Pittsburgh was so far from the type of performance needed to be considered a legitimate team heading into a possible playoff berth. After they self-destructed, the Steelers must win against the Browns to have a shot at all. Steelers fans, after viewing a horrifying performance, have to be wondering if they’ll be taking down their decor and putting the jerseys on mothballs until 2016.
The Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets both won their games this week, taking control of their destiny in the wild-card race. Pittsburgh just handed Baltimore two easy wins this season – games that Baltimore only deserved because the Steelers had zero adjustments, zero pep and an energy level that was better suited for nap time that game time.
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Austin
December 27, 2015 at 6:49 pm
Carson Palmer! Now there’s a real quarterback!
DaveB.
December 27, 2015 at 7:35 pm
On this very site just two short weeks ago I stated in a post shortly before the Denver game, that if the Steelers could manage to get by the Broncos that the two remaining games against the Ravens and Browns would definitely favor the Steelers when you consider that both of those teams were having horrific seasons . However , you cannot rule out the possibility that the Steelers could lose to one if not both of those teams when you consider the Steelers long history of playing down to the level of competition . They have done it repeatedly , over and over and they did it again today . What it all boils down to in the end , is this Steelers team with a playoff birth hanging in the balance against a 4-12 football team with a second string backup quarterback literally signed off the street less than two weeks ago , came out completely flat , completely uninterested , and just treated it like any other game . The offense was as lethargic as its been all year with the exception of Deangelo Williams who played another great game . The Steelers defense in a word is pathetic . There are college teams that would have success moving the ball against this defense . Bottom line , its not NFL caliber . With all that being said , its time that Mike Tomlin and his staff were put on notice . This cant continue . No injuries , no excuses , this team was not prepared to play against the Ravens . Ultimately , who’s held responsible for having the team ready to play ? The head coach and his staff . Today the failed miserably , on both sides , coaches and players . Now they have another long offseason to sit around and wonder , what if ?
Greg
December 27, 2015 at 7:44 pm
This was pathetic lose to Baltimore it definitely didn’t fall on the steelers playing down again Baltimore is clearly a better team
Austin
December 27, 2015 at 7:48 pm
I agree Dave but you know how it is, Teflon tom(Lin) will deflect all accountability and offer his rhetoric nonsense again! The Rooneys will continue to ride and exhaust the credit built up by six Lombards while the true troopers and warriors, us fans, spend another emotionally turmoil filled season/game to no avail as incompetence prevails get again! You see it, I see it, Rooneys seem content to look the other way while Teflon tom(Lin) rubs franchise into ground….five straight years without a playoff win will be first time since Noll was in his second year! Thanks, Mike. You suck!
Greg
December 27, 2015 at 7:51 pm
Nothing like having to have other teams get us in the playoffs. Maybe one day Tomlin will have his team ready to play in a game they should easily win
Austin
December 27, 2015 at 8:20 pm
Maybe one day sucklin will be fired!
Dusty
December 27, 2015 at 9:42 pm
The problem on defense is that they play too much zone which allows these subpar qb’s to look like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning out there. The secondary sucks they give cushions which puts too much pressure on the front 7 to get to the qb to bail them out. If we don’t make the playoffs is because we lost to teams we should’ve beat hands down. Ex: Kansas city and how ironic it is just 2 yrs ago we didn’t make the playoffs is because Kansas city won their last game that put us out. Offensively they should’ve stayed with the run a lot more than usual. That’s Todd Haley and Tomlin giving the Ok.