A predictable outcome, in what somehow has become an unpleasant habit: the Steelers have lost another football game to a team with a losing record. If you’re counting them, that’s 7 times it has happened since 2013.

Not everything is lost, and there’s some good news: The Ravens and Browns lost, which keeps the division within reach, KC lost too, meaning the Steelers can still win a tiebreaker over them for a Wild Card spot if they manage to beat them on week 16, and after all, the Steelers still hold the driver’s seat for the Division crown: just win out.

Looking for even better news? Of the remaining opponents, only one of them falls into the Steelers fearsome, risky game category: Atlanta is the only one who has a losing record. I’ll break down the Playoff picture later this week, after the Monday night game (which involves one contender –the Miami Dolphins).

Back to the Steelers game, don’t get fooled by the final score: it wasn’t as close as it seems.

Turning points:

This game had several opportunities for the Steelers, either to go up or close the gap. Unfortunately, all of them bounced the wrong way. Here are some of the most notable turning points:

First 20 minutes of the game: The Steelers defense stopped the first three NOs drives, forcing punts, while the Offense was able to move the football. After 20 minutes, the Steelers offense was able to get inside NOs territory 3 times, but settling for two FGs. When you face a high scoring offense, your team has to take advantage of defensive stops. Getting just a 6-0 lead, after stopping them 3 times while being able to move the football into their territory is not what you should be looking for.

2^nd quarter, Down 7-6: Wheaton returns the kickoff to the Steelers’ 41 yardline (the longest Steelers return of the season). Two plays after that, the Steelers reached NO’s 42 yardline. On 1^st and 10, Ben throws a deep pass to where Heyward-Bey was supposed to be, only to be intercepted in the end zone. The Saints will go on to move the football 80 yards to put the score 14-6.

2 minute drill, end of the first half: Last series of the first half, the Steelers got the football with 36 seconds, at their 20 yardline, with all 3 timouts left. A couple of completions (to Miller and Brown) got the Steelers to the NOs 36 yardline, with 18 seconds and 2 timeouts left. You have 2 options here: try to score 7, or get closer to make an easier FG try. Instead, 3 incompletions later, the Steelers attempted a 54 yarder by Suisham, who missed (fell short). It was a yard longer than his carreer-long. Blame the Stadium, the wind or whatever reason you want, but if you know you don’t have a power kicker and are trying to close the gap, you need to get the ball closer to the endzone. Gaining 5 more yards would have helped, instead of trying to complete passes for more than 10 yards, which the Steelers offense tried to do. The score remained 14-6, and NO would receive the 2^nd half kickoff.

Start of the 2^nd half, down 14-6: The Steelers defense held NO to an early 3 & out and got the football back. 3 plays later, Cameron Jordan, who abused Adams frequently, batted and intercepted a Roethlisberger pass, which led to a NO quick TD to put the game 21-6.

While it was still a game, 3^rd Quarter, 21-13 (a one score game), Ike Taylor showed what many thought before the game: he would get targeted by double moves or deep throws. This one was huge, while Taylor tried to be physicial on Stills and push him out of bounds while looking at the QB instead of his receiver, he missed, tripped and was torched for a 69 yard TD.

4^th Qtr with 11 minutes to play, down 28-16: NO has the ball at the Steelers 43, 3^rd and 3, Vince Williams sacks Drew Brees for a 10 yard loss. That stop would give the Steelers a chance, on a 2 score game, to get back into it, but that huge play by Williams was negated by a holding penalty by Blake, who 4 plays later allowed Colston to score a TD that put the game away at 35-16, with 10:25 on the clock.

Coach Tomlin blamed lack of cohesion on Offense and Defense during his post-game conference (and was visibly annoyed at some questions, particularly when he was asked about his record against losing teams the past couple seasons).

Methinks otherwise:

The Saints understood the game earlier than the Steelers did: The first three NO drives were stopped, and after that they changed their strategy to a run-first offense, bringing the Steelers safeties close to the box. Even with that, the Steelers Defense wasn’t able to stop the run, and opened up their passing game too. The Steelers, on the other hand, were moving the football by both running and passing during their first 3 series, but were out of sync (overthrows, drops).

After they fell behind 14-6, the Steelers still took a pass-first approach on most of their remaining drives. Even while playing from behind, there was still a lot of time left when the Steelers decided to abandon the run. That allowed New Orleans to keep their safeties deep (and that’s why you didn’t see more of M Bryant), taking away the big play, while opening the middle, which was frequently targeted, and frequently missed by Roethlisberger.

Offense: Are these the same guys who were torching defenses 3 weeks ago?

Ben Roethlisberger had a day off. He’s to blame for most of the incompletions, even when the football passed close to his receivers (I mean, unless he’s expecting Odell Beckham style catches on every throw) he either overthrew or underthrew them frequently. And please, don’t blame that on the hit he received to his throwing hand: he was throwing out of spot before the injury happened, too.

He was picked twice, and could have been picked at least 4 more times (because of bad throws that were his fault, which NOs DB dropped consistently). While the 1^st interception was on Ben (even though, Heyward-Bey was unaware of where the football was, which made an easy pick for Vaccaro), the second one was on Adams: he was abused all day by Cameron Jordan, and instead of pushing him outside the pocket, he was expecting the DE to run into him, closing the pocket and letting the DE use his hands.

Le’Veon Bell was underused, even when he had more than 250 yards from scrimmage (I know, 100 of them came on garbage time). While he ran for more than 70 yards in the first 20 minutes of the game (which were good for a mere 6 points), after that he ran 7 times for 25 yards. Not his fault, and he can’t be blamed. He’s a true pro bowler (and probably an All Pro this season). This kid makes things happen, and that’s why you need to get him involved early, often and continuously during the game.  And that would have allowed opening up a deeper passing game, earlier. For the ones looking to an opportunity for Dri Archer to show up, he ran once (no gain), and don’t expect him to have a larger role while playing either from behind or in close games: Coach Haley will not give Bell a rest while the game is on the line.

Antonio Brown managed to put up decent numbers, even while he was shadowed during some portions of the game. Meanwhile, Wheaton and Miller were frequently overthrown or underthrown, while still being able to manage some catches. Wheaton’s route running has improved; while Miller’s ability to get open on playaction passes helped him manage 8 catches. Bryant seemed to be a factor on this game after the first series, but after that he was mostly well covered.

Overall, receivers were held without a deep threat opportunity. Heyward-Bey is a fast athlete, who lacks awareness (on that interception in the endzone, he didn’t even knew where the football was) or football hunger. He should have been able to at least fight for the ball and play defender, not allowing Vaccaro to play Center Fielder and grab an easy pick. Wheaton should be taking his spot on deep routes, and Justin Brown called up to play the 5^th receiver role.

Offensive Line: While on paper the Offensive Line had a decent game, opening lanes when the Steelers tried to run the football, and keeping Ben relatively clean, they let the Saints block some passes at the line of scrimmage and put some pressure on Roethlisberger. Coach Munchack has been able to develop this unit, which is clearly on its upside (If you doubt it, please go look some tape from the last couple of years). For sure, he’ll correct these issues as the remainder of the season unfolds.  Mike Adams started for Gilbert. Adams is a solid run blocker, who sometimes gets abused by pass rushers, and this game was no exception, while Jordan was able to approach our QB on several occasions. Still too early to judge, but after the season is over, the Steelers need to handle their OL depth situation.

Defense: Where are our blitzes, part V?

Our Front  7 wasn’t able to hurry Brees, and gave him enough time to throw. Heyward, Kiesel, Tuitt and Cam Thomas combined for 8 tackles and no sacks. Without being pressured for most of the game, Drew Brees was able to pick apart each and every Steelers DB during the game. He also wasn’t forced into bad throws. Even worse, the Saints gained 143 yards rushing (5.5 yards / attempt) and kept all of their options open: running effectively attracted the Steelers Safeties, opening their passing game. McLendon was missed, Tuitt had a couple of pressures and Heyward wasn’t able to approach Brees. Spence allowed a flat-route TD to their fullback (who was quicker to the outside on that play than Spence). On which was probably the greatest play by this unit, Vince Williams sacked Brees on 3^rd down, but was called back by a holding penalty by our DBs. James Harrison and Jason Worilds struggled to pressure Brees, but that was mostly on scheme: both dropped into coverage often, while it’s not their strength. On the injury front, Kiesel was hurt on what has been rumored a season-ending (career ending?) torn triceps. A shot to the Steelers chances, since Kiesel has been a leader on the defense and has made several plays for this team during the ongoing season.

Lacking pressure against a future hall of famer makes him look like… well, a hall of famer. Dropping your best pass rushers into coverage sometimes will help your chances by keeping the QB guessing. Dropping them into coverage frequently will just hurt your chances to get to the opposing QB. Fine line, crossed due to conservative playcalling.

The Saints were able to score on 5 of 6 drives, following their first three. If something isn’t working, and isn’t working again, please change it. What happened to exotic blitzes and exotic looks? Brees is an experienced QB who knows how to handle pressure, when it’s manageable. But he’s also a future Hall of Famer, who knows what to do when given time.

And all of the above helped our DBs get exposed, once again. Gay  (1 TD on a misread, 1 long pass completion), Taylor (2 TDs, on a long throw and a missed tackle) and Blake (1 TD, 1 holding penalty on a 3^rd down stop) made costly mistakes that kept giving chances to their offense, while having little supports from their safeties. This team hasn’t had a pro bowl caliber cornerback since Rod Woodson, and while everyone in the league seems to take notice, our scheme keeps putting them in position to cover faster receivers one on one, without getting help on deep routes.

Several times this season, the Steelers seem to play without Safeties: they are off-spot, late or torched on a misread (examples can be found on tape against the Jets, Browns, Ravens, Bucs and Colts). McCain was out since the first quarter, and with Cortez Allen out, Blake and Taylor split time at CB. Starting Taylor just after a brief stint getting reps with the team on practice was a risky bet, which resulted in a constant targeting on him, while he was either out of spot or missing tackles. This guy has spirit, but that doesn’t make a guy a pro bowler, and this was the case on this game.

Special teams

The Steelers finally got a big kickoff return (41 yards, by Wheaton), but weren’t able to capitalize on field position (got intercepted 3 plays later). Suisham has never been a strong kicker, and hasn’t been challenged frequently to kick from more than 50 yards. The coaching staff knows it too, and they weren’t able to move closer in an effort to make that attempt easier. While he had 3 field goals (with a long of 49) and is mostly reliable, he’s never to be accounted when attempting a 50+ yarder.  Keeping your playmakers in position to make things happen is smart, but Antonio Brown hasn’t been able to contribute as expected as a punt returner since Week 2: his longest return in the game was good for 13 yards (and had another one for 1 yard).

Just Wondering:

Can Fantasy Football help someone’s chances to go to the Pro Bowl or Being named All Pro? Fantasy football owners would be happy to have Bell and Brown, since both accounted for a bunch of fantasy points this game. Will this help their chances of going to the Pro Bowl and / or be named All-Pro? Getting notice around the league is helpful in both categories, and this puts them on the radar again.

Why start Ike Taylor, being out since week 3? This guy is smart, has character and loves the game. But he is not a shutdown CB anymore –if he ever was-, and wasn’t a clear upgrade over what McCain and Blake, particularly playing handicapped. Coach LeBeau loves this guy, but starting him right after he came back was a mistake.

Worst offseason move nominees? For many, free agent signings of Heyward Bay, Cam Thomas, Mike Mitchell, Legarrette Blount are lock nominees. Also, contract extensions of Cortez Allen and Marcus Gilbert. Giving a franchise tender to Worilds would be on someone’s minds too. Is drafting “injury-prone” Shazier with the 1^st round pick in the mix now?

Guess this opens the door for Cortez Allen. If he has learned something about being benched, he will most likely have a shot next week, and make the most out of it. If McCain isn’t able to play, this guy will be called up, and will be playing under the microscope.

Rod Woodson. Aaron Smith. Brett Kiesel? Will Coach Tomlin carry Brett Kiesel on the roster, to use him as a motivation for the remainder of the schedule? Injuries and lack of depth will have a say in this, too.

Is Polamalu on a career – low? No interceptions, non-factor in most games, out of spot frequently, is this his last season with the Steelers (or in football)? This guy loves the game, but as methodical as he is, must be wondering about his future.

Free advice to the younger fans: get a chance to see a hall of famer play live, before he retires. Read again the line right above this one.

With that in mind: Is this the time where the next man up should be getting real game reps? Is Shamarko Thomas an upgrade to our DB situation?

And with all of the above in mind, is it the time to go CB on the 1^st round of next year’s 1^st draft? Look at the roster, and think about it.

Has anyone counted the TD passes at Heinz Field this season? Yes, me and that’s 35, and counting. Almost 6 TD passes per game between the Steelers and their visitors.

What comes next?

A visit to the Bengals on Sunday. Someone has to cover AJ Green and M Sanu. And the easier way to handle this will be to put pressure, early and often, on Andy Dalton, who is mistake prone when hit or pressured. The Steelers still hold the driver’s seat for the Division Title if they win out. Even if they win this next game, and lose another one, they can still have a chance at it. Going further, even if they lose at Cincinnati, they will still be in contention for a Wild Card berth.

Well, I’ll discuss it extensively on a Playoff Picture analysis later this week. For now, keep an eye on the Dolphins – Jets game. While I’m not a fan of rooting for other teams, it’ll be smart to wish everyone in contention loses each week.

By the numbers

6 times the Steelers have scored 30+ points this Season, this one being the first game they score as many points and lose.

7 times the Steelers have lost to teams with a losing record since 2013.

28 Consecutive games where Antonio Brown has 5 receptions and 50 yards, an NFL record.

35 points allowed by the Steelers, a season high.

35 TD passes combined on games played at Heinz Field this season (almost 6 per game).

58 Passing attempts by Roethlisberger, a Steelers record.

254 yards from scrimmage for Le’veon Bell (2^nd highest total in Steelers history)

4940 yards passing for the season- Roethlisberger’s projection (308 yards per game).

Suddenly, three days after being ranked as the 5th seed after KC’s loss at Oakland, the Steelers would be out of the Playoffs if the season ended right now.

Don’t panic. The Steelers control their own destiny. Clearest path to the playoffs? Easy: Win out = win the AFC North and grab the #3 AFC seed (with a long shot at #2, if somehow the Broncos drop 2 more games). If the Steelers Win the division at 12-4, a tiebreaker would give the Steelers the #3 seed above the Colts (via head to head matchup).

While it’s still too early to elaborate into different scenarios, it’s just time to know who the real contenders are, either for the Division Title or a Wild Card berth. And, most notably, there are still many remaining games between AFC contenders that could make the Steelers path to the playoffs a little bit easier.

With 11 AFC teams holding winning records, the last 5 weeks feature games among them. And while it is mathematically possible that 7 teams finish with 11 wins (leaving one of them out of the playoffs), it’s footballistically not the most probable scenario.  Most likely, 10 wins should mean the 5^th or 6^th seed, and that’s why the Steelers could get in while winning 3 of their remaining 5 games.

Let’s take a look at how we’re standing and who the other contenders are:

Patriots (9-2) Remaining schedule: at Packers (8-3), at Chargers (7-4), vs. Dolphins (6-5), at Jets (2-9), vs. Bills (6-5).

With the upper hand in the AFC, the Patriots have the largest margin of error within the Conference. They will still hold the #1 seed losing 1 game, and can hurt the chances of the Chargers, Dolphins and Bills, which could help the Steelers.

Broncos (8-3) Remaining schedule: at Chiefs (7-4), vs. Bills (6-5), at Chargers (7-4), at Bengals (7-3-1), vs. Raiders (1-10).

They’re playing for the #2 seed (with a long shot at #1, if the Patriots lose two games and the Broncos win out), and they can manage to completely alter the playoff picture, while playing games against AFC contenders on four consecutive weeks, before the season finale at Oakland. Manning knows the window is closing, and this could help the Steelers greatly, particularly winning their next 4 games.

Colts (7-4) Remaining schedule: vs. Redskins (3-8), at Browns (7-4), vs. Texans (5-6), at Cowboys (8-3), at Titans (2-9). Visiting the Browns and Cowboys, both away, it’s completely possible they may drop one of them. The remaining games vs Redskins and Texans at home, while visiting the Titans, should be all manageable games for them. If they somehow drop 1 more game, this could ease the Steelers way to #3 seed (if the Steelers win out, or drop one and grab the division title at 11-5).

Bengals (7-3-1) Remaining schedule: at Buccaneers (2-9), vs. Steelers (7-4), at Browns (7-4), vs. Broncos (8-3), at Steelers (7-4). That tie can play both ways at the end of the season: the half win they didn’t get could be a difference between making and losing the playoff spot. Three games against division rivals (only hosting one of them, against the Steelers), while hosting the Broncos could make it a hard stretch for the Bengals to overcome. While the Steelers can get help from the Browns and Broncos, they should take care of business and sweep the series (or manage a split as worst case scenario) and hold the upper hand for the Division Title.

Chiefs (7-4) Remaining schedule: vs. Broncos (8-3), at Cardinals (9-2), vs. Raiders (1-10), at Steelers (7-4), vs. Chargers (7-4).

If you’re looking for a brutal stretch, welcome to KC. Their remaining schedule includes hosting the Broncos and Chargers, with visits to Pittsburgh and Arizona coupled with a payback game hosting the Raiders. With four of their last five games against contenders, KC could be 7-6 with 3 games to play. If they get out of their next 3 games with a couple of wins, this team could be hot into contention for the final 2 weeks of the season. They will remember the Just Win Maybe drive at the end of the Raiders game, while dropping it could be what takes the Chiefs out of contention. The Steelers should also get help keeping the Chiefs out of contention, but also should take care of business on that December 21 home game against them.

Chargers (7-4) Remaining schedule: at Ravens (7-4), vs. Patriots (9-2), vs. Broncos (8-3), at 49ers (7-4), at Chiefs (7-4).

And if you’re looking for a killer stretch, welcome to San Diego: All of their five remaining games are against contenders, playing three of them as a visitor (Baltimore, San Francisco and KC), while receiving the Patriots and Broncos on consecutive weeks. If they are somehow able to win 3 of them, they’ll probably get in. Otherwise, they shouldn’t be on the Steelers radar late in the Season.

Ravens (7-4) Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers (7-4), at Dolphins (6-5), vs. Jaguars (1-10), at Texans (5-6), vs. Browns (7-4).

While some of the remaining games for the Ravens could be seen as trap games, they’ll be playing desperate teams in SD and Miami on consecutive weeks, just to end the season playing vs Jacksonville, at Houston and receiving the Browns (who could either be playing for their lives on their season finale, or long gone from the playoffs). The next two games are their season shaping stretch: if they win out those 2 games, the rest of the schedule should be manageable for them, and all will depend on what the Steelers are able to do with their 5 remaining games, so….

Steelers (7-4) Remaining schedule: vs. Saints (4-7), at Bengals (7-3-1), at Falcons (4-7), vs. Chiefs (7-4), vs. Bengals (7-3-1).

While the Steelers are still in the driver’s seat for the #3 AFC seed, they still have tough games against the Bengals (both, home & away), while hosting the Chiefs. Somehow, all 5 games for the Steelers are against teams looking for a playoff spot, and that’s no easy task to handle. While I’d like to say I see the Steelers winning out, even dropping 2 more games could mean a 10-6 record while grabbing the 5^th Seed.

Browns (7-4) Remaining schedule: at Bills (6-5), vs. Colts (7-4), vs. Bengals (7-3-1), at Panthers (3-7-1), at Ravens (7-4). The Browns face a tough stretch, with 4 of their final 5 games being against teams with a winning record. Early losses against Jaguars and Texans could prove costly at the end of the season. Still, even if they somehow lose 2 games before the season finale, they wouldn’t like anything more than playing spoilers for the franchise that took the team out of Cleveland and getting the Ravens out of the playoffs.  Key stretch: next 3 weeks just to know if they’re playing for something for the final two games of the season.

Dolphins (6-5) Remaining schedule: at Jets (2-9), vs. Ravens (7-4), at Patriots (9-2), vs. Vikings (4-7), vs. Jets (2-9). The Dolphins have only 2 remaining games against teams with winning records (NE, BAL). The rest of the way should be clear for them (even though they usually find a way to split games with division rivals). The Dolphins will remember how they dropped leads against the Packers, Lions and Broncos as the season finale approaches.

Bills (6-5) Remaining schedule: vs. Browns (7-4), at Broncos (8-3), vs. Packers (8-3), at Raiders (1-10), at Patriots (9-2)

Still too early to know, but the Bills could host the Browns at Cleveland (due to severe weather conditions the rest of the week). Their remaining schedule is brutal, with only a game against an opponent with a losing record (Raiders). The next 2 weeks will determine if they’re still alive- and shouldn’t be on the Steelers radar then.

Texans (5-6) Remaining schedule: vs. Titans (2-9), at Jaguars (1-10), at Colts (7-4), vs. Ravens (7-4), vs. Jaguars (1-10)

The Texans had a great opportunity to get into the playoff hunt last Sunday, but dropped it against the Bengals (and with that, a chance to play spoiler in favor of the Steelers). Now, at 5-6, they get to play the Titans at home, and two games against the Jaguars at what must be Ws, while hosting the Ravens and traveling to Indianapolis will be difficult games. While the next 2 weeks should boost their record to 7-6, their following games against Indianapolis and Baltimore will both be must-wins for them. Then, they’ll be out of the Steelers radar.

So, who gets in?

Wild Cards: Texans and Bills could be out of contention three weeks from now (with 7 or 8 losses each).Based on the Chiefs and Chargers Schedules, It seems probable that both of them will finish with at least 2 more losses (10-6, at best).

And this is where the Wild Card conversation mixes into the AFC North title. The easiest schedule for the AFC North contenders belongs to the Ravens, and two weeks from now we’ll know if they are capable of winning out and have a shot at the Division Title. The Bengals destiny is tied to the Steelers: If someone is able to sweep the series, that almost means a wild card berth (and the possibility to run for the Division Title). If they split, both could be playing for the Wild Card, clearing the path for the Ravens. The Browns still have a say in this, while playing at Baltimore for the season finale and hosting the Bengals.

While it’s too early to make a forecast, an educated guess would be: Win out, and be #3. Key games are against AFC rivals (due to tiebreaker procedures). Also, if the Steelers win 3 more games, they should be able to grab a Wild Card berth, but one of those 3 wins MUST be against the Bengals.

Great win, and a confidence boost. On Mean Joe Greene’s day, the Steelers got fired up and were able to have a 3^rd consecutive stellar performance. Not just on the scoreboard, but the way this game was played exposed a developing high-octane offense, and a somehow rejuvenated aggressive defense. Playing against what experts say is a quality defense, avoiding a season sweep by the Ravens (which could have given them the tiebreaker), and being able to stop their offense puts this team on the playoff radar again.

The Steelers have been performing better in recent weeks, and that could be accounted to several reasons: Bryant’s presence in the offense, being a threat and creating space for other receivers, Wheaton stepping up after a bad game he had, James Harrison gaining football form and creating pressure, Tuitt getting more playing time, Vince Williams playing instead of Spence, Cortez Allen being downgraded from starting CB, to 3^rd CB and to the 4^th one.

Get any of those reasons, and couple it with a more aggressive playcalling on both sides of the ball: An offense who is not afraid to throw and spread the ball to its several weapons, or a defense who can create consistent pressure. And that has created the opportunity to create turnovers and get scores after them: Kiesel interception, Gay’s pick-6, McCain’s fumble recovery. All of them, gamechangers.

Offense: Spread the football!

• Coach Haley understood that this was a hard-hitting game, which was much more suited for Blount than Bell (at least while running between the tackles), and pulled Bell from the running game early (who had his worst statistical game this season). Kudos for not insisting on the run, and understanding that, while the Ravens were looking for contact football, the better way to open up the defense was to spread the quality weapons and throw the ball to them.
• Wheaton and Bryant continue their talent display, and have gotten into a nice rhythm with their QB. Somehow unnoticed, not targeted, Heyward-Bey continues to stretch the field, along with Bryant: with both of them going on deep routes, Brown, Wheaton, our TEs and RBs get much more space on shorter routes.  Both Bryant TDs were concentration displays, while Wheaton rushed past their fastest DB. As a receiver, having your QB’s confidence means a lot, and both kids are proving Ben right while throwing in their direction.
• Miller one week, Spaeth the next. While Miller enjoyed a great game against the Colts, Spaeth excelled at blocking all night (sometimes, against Suggs or Dumervil), and got rewarded with a couple of nice grabs: the 2 point conversion and his late TD.
• Antonio Brown plays in his own league. Putting fantasy numbers again, while grabbing his first receiving TD against the Ravens.
• The Offensive line gave up 3 sacks on consecutive snaps, and wasn’t able to open running lanes. On the Brightside: after those sacks occurred, pressure was well managed by them (with help from Bell/Blount and Miller / Spaeth) and allowed Ben to throw for more than 300 yards.
• … And then, there is Ben. Most notably, he has options, and confidence in them. Either it is a close throw for a short 3rd down conversion, a deep ball to one of his younger receivers, a pass in traffic for a 3rd and long, a quick toss to a tight end or putting air under the football for a cross pattern, Ben Roethlisberger has excelled the past couple of weeks. Being supported by a crowded bunch of pass-catchers (receivers, running backs, tight ends) is only accountable if your QB is able to read the defense and locate mismatches, while thrusting his receivers’ ability to go for the football. He’s on a record-breaking roll right now, and should be on his way to a ProBowl berth. After lobbying for getting a tall WR since Plaxico Burres left (yes, it sounds as if we were talking about the Paleolithic Age), he finally got Bryant and is making the most out of him, creating positive side-effects for the rest of the receivers he has.

Defense: And here comes the pressure, episode II. Creating pressure, constantly hitting opposing QBs has made them commit turnovers and force bad throws.

• Steelers’ front 7 was able to stop the run early (Ravens got only 63 rushing yards) and create pressure. If you’re looking for big stats, you won’t find what Heyward, Tuitt, Kiesel & McLendon did for this team: create pressure, close running lanes, hit the QB frequently and help LBs stop the run on critical situations. McCullers was deactivated, but could have been of help in this hard-hitting game, where bigger bodies usually are called on in short-down situations. Still, Tuitt needs to get more and more playing time as the season unfolds.
• While Timmons was, as usual, all over the place and got a sack, Harrison, Moats and Worilds stood up pretty well too: with JH collecting 2 sacks, Moats 1 sack and a forced fumble and Worilds an interception (wonder if he still complains about dropping into coverage too often). It’s not a coincidence that our Defense has been playing better lately: Harrison has gained momentum, and been a factor recently.
• Defensive backs were not exposed, and didn’t allow big plays after giving up the first TD.
• As a Cornerback, if your name isn’t called too often, it’s usually a good thing. And Gay wasn’t targeted often because he had close coverage of his receivers. Blake & McCain also had their moments (with an exception on McCain’s blown coverage on the Raven’s 1^st TD).
• Benching Cortez Allen was a smart move, not giving Flacco a weak link who has been exposed recently. However, Cortez Allen should make his way back to the lineup with playing time the next 2 weeks.
• Polamalu was having a nice game creating pressure from blitzes. After he went down,  Allen stepped up (and did a nice job), but LeBeau stopped calling Safety blitzes (understandable decision). While Allen had a good game, Shamarko Thomas should have been getting those reps (after all, he’s the future SS of this team). Mike Mitchell wasn’t targeted often, which could be seen as if he was in the right spot of his coverage.

Special Teams

• Coverage blew a couple: allowing a punt to be returned for 25 yards, and kickoff for  a 108 yard – TD. This issue has to be fixed soon, since in a close game that ones could have proven costly. Suisham didn’t attempt a FG, and Brad Wing had a 51 yard punt. But what stood up for our Special Teams was an extra point attempt that featured a muffed snap that ended with Wing’s pass to Spaeth, getting 2 points. Also, after the last extra point Suisham and Wing were pretty fired up and involved into the brawl that was going on, which could be seen as part of the spirit this rivalry has, and expose what’s been happening to this team for the last 3 weeks: team unity.

Next 2 weeks:  @NYJ (1-8), @TEN (2-6). Better not pull the trigger too early, and keep the pedal to the metal on these two games, prior to the Bye Week. Somehow, this team can make it 8-3 to its week 12 Bye, matching their W total from the last 2 seasons…  after just 11 games.

Just Wondering:

• Suddenly, the Steelers are the 3rd team with most points scored this season in the NFL.
• Isn’t it great to see the other team commit the stupid penalties?
• Advice to Flacco: Next time you say you miss someone, be sure you’re not about to face him again soon.
• Advice to Flacco #2: Call Andrew Luck, he can give you the telephone number of the doctor who treated his exact same bruises last week.
• Suggs should have been ejected. He must be hearing from Goodell’s office soon. After his dirty play, penalties were flying all over the field, and he got that started. Hats off to the refs, because they were able to handle this game, which could have gotten out of their hands pretty easily.
• Wish I could get back my old Nintendo, and try those Brown moves on Tecmo Bowl (Madden is great, but will never be the same).
• Speaking about video games: How many of you can throw 6 TD passes in one game, for 2 weeks in a row?
• Was this what Ben envisioned while lobbying for a tall WR? That makes it 5 TDs in 3 games on passes from Ben to Bryant.
• Two close calls  went our way Sunday (3rd down QB sneak, last TD), and Coach Harbaugh will probably say those costed him the game.
• Cortez Allen was not benched for lack of ability, nor lack of reps. He was benched because the lack of confidence in him, and that can only be regained with hard practice, and a couple of big plays when his number is called next time. Here’s hoping to see him rebound big after this slump.
• If Harrison, Moats and Worilds continue to perform, Jarvis Jones can take his time to return.
• If this team somehow wins 10+ games, Antonio Brown will be in MVP consideration (yes, I’ll repeat this weekly), and if this team makes the playoffs, his closest competition could be his QB.
• Can’t resist this one: Take a look at the Divisional standings. Last place: Baltimore Ravens.

By the Numbers:

3^rd consecutive game where the Steelers score more than 20 points in the 2^nd quarter.

12 TD Passes thrown by Roethlisberger the last 2 games, NFL Record.

15 teams have 12 or less TD passes so far this season.

25 Antonio Brown consecutive games with at least 5 receptions-50 yard games, NFL record & counting.

80 Penalties by the Steelers so far this season, leading the NFL.

124 Points scored by the Steelers the past 3 games, half of the Season total of 248.

If your QB throws for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns, with a turnover differential of 0, your bet would be a Win. Get real: No one expected the Steelers to hold the Colts under 24 points. If the Steelers were meant to win this one, it would be with a high-scoring, shootout game. And it was: 1087 yards, 85 points and 9 TD passes came along with 15 penalties and 4 turnovers, being the best performance all-around for the Steelers. A couple of Cornerbacks were the weak links (Allen for the Steelers, Davis for the Colts), while both QBs were able to move the football all over the field.

After the Colts defense allowed opponents to convert only 4-of-41 3^rd downs  (9.8%)  in their previous four games, the Steelers converted 61% (8/13) of them while scoring on 6 drives, holding on to the football for almost 40 minutes. Hitting Luck all day long, he missed 19 passes (completing 57%) and threw two interceptions: a pick-six by Gay, and a late toss to the endzone intercepted by the Steelers 5^th CB (Taylor, Allen, Gay, McCain before him).

Offense: How about spreading the football? Coach Haley and Ben were able to spread the football to 9 players, 8 of them contributing one way or another (3^rd down conversions, TD receptions, lone exception of Heyward-Bey, with only 1 catch and a fumble).

• TDs, not FGs: The Steelers had 11 offensive drives, 6 resulting in touchdowns, 3 others ending in Colts territory (2 punts, 1 fumble), and only 2 drives stalled in Steelers territory: one 3 & out and a fumble. This is how it looked: TD, TD, TD, TD, blocked punt (IND 34), TD, 3 & out-punt, fumble, fumble (IND 5), TD, punt.
• A total of 639 yards on offense lifted the Steelers game. Credit to Coach Haley, who managed to have his offense hold the football for almost 40 minutes, scoring TDs instead of FGs while sustaining long drives kept the scoreboard high, without lending the football to Luck and the Colts.
• Ben at his best: 522 yards, 6 TDs, spreading the ball to 9 receivers, 80% completions (40-49), no sacks and no interceptions. 14 times in NFL history a QB has passed for more than 500 yards. Roethlisberger is the only one to appear twice on that list (and won both games). Credit his playcalling, quick release and ability to avoid tackles.
• Antonio Brown had an average game for his standard: 10 receptions, 130 yards, 2 TDs. Stood out as a critical situational playmaker, as usual. Early MVP candidate?
• Bryant and Wheaton have become a growing force for this team. Bryant can stretch the field, and that will benefit Brown. One of them will draw double coverage, and  benefit the other and Wheaton. Also, great contribution from Lance Moore, for the 2^nd game in a row. Keep an eye on Moore and Wheaton against the Ravens: If we ignite our offense, Brown and Bryant will get most of their defensive attention.
• Heath Miller had his best performance since his injury a couple of seasons ago. That catch and run for 49 yards… epic, for several reasons. He proved himself that he can run half the football field! No one was expecting a record-breaking speed, but that seemed to be a slow motion play.
• Saving the best for the last: Offensive line had a monster game, by far, their best this season. Keeping Ben clean was critical to win this game and make him a 500+ yd passer, once again. Barely pressured, Ben was able to take his reads and throw without feeling the heat. All 5 starters understood Indianapolis’ pressure, and were able to pick them up. Adams stood out, and could be on his way to stay with the first team. Gilbert can, could, should, must… be the one with the short end.

Defense: LeBeau strikes back. Excelled on playcalling to get to Luck, who was a human-piñata for this Defense.

• Playing with an early big lead let LeBeau be aggressive: Since the 2nd quarter, the Colts almost forgot to run the football, even when the Steelers played their base-defense close-to-none. Easily predictable passing situations meant more blitzes, 5 men pressures (one of them coming from the LB or DB units) and an avoiding big plays scheme, which worked. Slow down a high – octane offense is only possible if you keep getting on the opposing QB. Credit to Coach LeBeau for taking this approach.
• Our DL was not really tested against the run, giving up only 63 yards rushing (26 of them on Luck’s scarmbles). This unit played mostly with Heyward and Kiesel, with Thomas, Tuitt and McCullers having also playing time. Most of the pressure was generated by our Defensive Linemen, and a couple of sacks by this unit were negated by penalties (sounds familiar?). Cam Thomas can be the odd-man out from this unit as the season evolves.
• All 6 LBs with extended playtime had hits either on Luck or one of his receivers: Shazier, Timmons,  Williams, Harrison, Worilds an Moats played vintage Steelers football, while our defense aligned with 7 men in the line of scrimmage, confusing the Colts offensive line and resulting in pressure all game on Luck. Credit Coach LeBeau for it. Yes, Luck moved the football and scored, but also was picked, hurried, hit, stopped and forced into mistakes.
• Vince Williams played on 36 snaps, while Spence in 1. Is he the new backup after Shazier / Timmons. Williams has intensity, and this game was suited for him.
• Luck’s 3 TD passes: First one, over Timmons (who got no help from Polamalu), 2^nd and 3^rd ones over Cortez Allen (last one, with late help from Polamalu). Even while being the 3^rd CB, Cortez Allen still is the weak link on this defense and performed as the most targeted DB, with Luck having success throwing on his side. Can Gay-McCain-Blake become a CB package on its way for next Sunday? If so, what will happen with C Allen’s recent contract? Makes us remember the season in which Coach Cowher benched Ike, due to poor performance, making him rebound as a shutdown cornerback.
• Had anyone really thought that Ike’s absence could create such a problem on our pass defense? As his return timetable is still unclear, his comeback is something on which Coach LeBeau will be benefited.
• Polamalu was out of spot, once again, frequently. Is his lack of chemistry with the rest of Steelers Defensive backs showing up? He isn’t familiar with them, but most important: some of them are not used to play with an over-aggressive SS. He has been the main victim of Ike’s absence. It was nice to see him get a sack.
• Mike Mitchell continues to play as a center fielder, without fielding the football. Even though he’s not a ball hawk, his conservative approach (read both bullets above) can be a consequence of his lack of understanding of his SS teammate.
• Giving up 34 points will not make your winning chances improve, unles you have

Next up: Ravens, at Jets, at Titans. Even though a 3-0 is possible and would be great (to make it an 8-3 record going into the Bye week), a 2-1 can make this team a stretch contender at 7-4.

Here’s hoping to see a great game vs Baltimore, while repeating the dose on them with a consistently aggressive play calling on both sides of the ball: Flacco being pressured and hit frequently, and their pass defense being challenged by Coach Haley. Beware of their long passes looking for a mistake (coverage error, penalty). They usually have success against us on those plays (most of the time, getting a referee’s call).

After that game, I see a couple of very beatable opponents, which could boost our record (and playoff chances).

Just Wondering:

• Looking for Ben’s HOF credentials? Add this to his already impressive resume: Two 500+ yard games (only QB to feature that), Six 400+ yard games, 4^th QB in NFL history to win 100 of his first 150 games.
• I’ll say this weekly: if this team somehow ends with 10 or more wins, Antonio Brown will be in MVP consideration late in the season.
• Is Gilbert now a backup? Welcome back, Mike Adams.
• So many times has Ben kicked from a long shotgun formation, that someone has figured it out.
• Going for it on that last 4^th and 1, instead of kicking a FG, was a wise move. That play had 4 options, and Ben made a good read on them.
• How many pro-bowlers do the Steelers have on its roster?
• Was that Kiesel interception a Season turnaround?
• Wonder if Andrew Luck was ever hit like that before. Nice to see the Steelers give him a welcome to the NFL.
• Nice to read Coach Cowher praising Big Ben. Was he trying to motivate the Steelers with his comments 3 weeks ago? If so, it worked. Tell him we need that this week too!
• Harrison and Kiesel looked a couple of years younger. Is Harrison making a case to keep his roster spot once J Jones is back (probably after the Bye).
• Colbert should be wondering if there’s still a chance to have a mulligan over Gilbert and Allen’s contracts… or working out the cost of cutting them?
• Has there ever been a slower 50 yard completion than Miller’s?
• Why hadn’t Martavis Bryant been activated earlier this season?
• Wheaton finally scored, while this game gave him a confidence boost (and a boost too to Haley’s and Ben’s confidence in him).
• 3 long balls to Bryant per game = 1 big play? Reception or pass interference calls can be on their way the next couple of games. Watch out!
• Memo to coach Haley: Impressive performance. Still, redemption game comes next week.
• Memo #2 to coach Haley: the Ravens will be without their top CB, don’t hesitate going deep on them and spreading the football over the field.

By the Numbers:

1^st game this season where Roethlisberger isn’t sacked.

2 500 yard games for Ben Roethlisberger (only player in NFL history to do so).

7 Straight games with more than 100 yards from scrimmage for Le’veon Bell.

9 Steelers players caught a pass.

23 Antonio Brown consecutive games with at least 5 receptions-50 yard games, NFL record & counting.

28 points scored in the 2^nd quarter by the Steelers against Indy, following a 24 point- 2^nd quarter against Houston.

39:43 Steelers time of possession against league leader in this category.

73 Penalties for the Steelers this season, (Leading the NFL).

1087 yards of total offense by both teams.

82 Seconds changed the game. Two turnovers created by the Steelers defense, and three TD passes (one of them from A. Brown) was all this team needed to change momentum and beat the Texans.

This is the team that had the sky falling all over them after last week’s loss. If, at the 2 minute warning before halftime someone went for a beverage, he left the scoreboard showing 13-3. Coming back at halftime, the score was 24-13. And while the offense converted those TDs, credit goes to the defense.

Turning points: while the 43 yard gain by Bell on 3rd and 10 at the Steelers 14 yardline (2nd quarter) got the offense going, scoring their first points 5 plays later, the biggest turnaround came from our first fumble recovery, which led the Steelers to score a TD and grab the lead for the first time in the game. Kiesel’s interception was also a huge play, that kept momentum going for the Steelers.

 Offense:

• The Steelers had 12 offensive drives and managed to score on 6 of them, and get on Victory formation in the last one. While our offense was held to only one 3 & out for the whole game, the other 4 drives ended with a fumble by Roethlisberger, a run for no gain by Blount and two incompletions to Wheaton.
• On the same day he had a season-low 57 yards rushing, Le’veon Bell was the most impactful player on the field (accounting for 44% of the Steelers total offense), Steelers first 10 points came after big plays from him, who continued being a factor after that (mostly in the passing game).
• Antonio Brown had his classic performance, and was one half-toe away from scoring another TD. That long completion where he managed to keep both feet inbounds seemed to be a lot more difficult than that pass to the endzone, when he was ruled out of bounds after replay. If this team somehow finishes with 10 or more wins, Brown would be getting NFL MVP votes.
• Wheaton continued to be Ben’s target on 3rd down early in the game, and continued to accumulate incompletions (not all of them have been his fault), but after that, Ben preferred to look elsewhere. Meanwhile, and still too early to judge on him, it seems like M Bryant will get better with 1st team reps.
• On his first game as a Steeler, Martavis Bryant gets targeted 5 times (4 of them on long passes) and grabbed his first reception for a nice TD. He helped stretch the field and contributed by creating space for other route runners. Great concentration on that TD (he slid his 2nd foot properly, and didn’t drop the football even after being pushed to the wall).
• Moore and Heyward-Bey made clutch grabs (a TD and a long 3^rd down conversion respectively), but could be seen as one year insurances if both Bryant and Wheaton can play consistently.
• And, suddenly, letting Derek Moye walk away and not dressing J Brown seem to be the right choices from our FO.
• Our offensive line gave up 3 sacks and 3 runs for a loss. And still, get credit for keeping JJ Watt far from being a factor for most of the game: one sack, no fumbles forced, batted passes or interceptions, with 1 fumble recovery. Adams picked up for Gilbert (concussion) and performed a decent game. Pouncey and DeCastro both had awesome blocks on Bell’s runs and catches, but seemed to get confused on some of Houston’s blitzes. This unit is still struggling on 3^rd and short sometimes, while not being able to push the DL for 1 yard.
• Not trying to be a pessimist, but analyzing our drives, we scored 17 points off turnovers while starting them inside their 40 yard line (39, 8 and 2 yardline respectively), and scored 13 points when starting our drives from everywhere else.

Defense:

• Creating 3 turnovers in a game will calm critics a bit, as they led to 17 Steelers points.
• Despite allowing 20 points, the Defense showed it can perform (still, better hold your horses: it was not the Colts or Broncos offense that we stopped).
• A total of 5 Houston drives were stopped due to 3 & outs (2) or turnovers (3).
• Wonder why, at the end of the game, we dropped 8 men into coverage and still let Fitzpatrick complete several passes while getting a TD. If pass pressure was working, and our CBs are not able to hold their receivers for long (and here I go again), why aren’t we blitzing more often?
• Opening the game playing Nickel allowed Houston to take advantage of it, and run the football for more than 80 yards in the 1^st qtr. After that, even when playing Nickel, Polamalu played close to the line of scrimmage, giving the defense an exotic 4-3 look, pretty much like what the Steelers played last season. Talking about it: that happened when Foote went down, and is happening while Shazier is out due to injury. Is this trend ending when Shazier comes back?
• The defense allowed Houston to run the ball for 132 yards. With McLendon injured and the way Cam Thomas was dominated, it shouldn’t be long until McCullers gets more playing time. Even though neither him, nor Tuitt registered a tackle, both seem to be poised to get more and more reps, creating opportunities for them to shine.
• Timmons, V Williams and Spence all made plays, but also missed reads and tackles on their running game. Timmons had a sack, two stops on 3^rd down, all of that after… well, you know what I mean.
• Worilds, Moats and Harrison had their moments. While some complain they’ve been dropping into coverage too often, that’s been the essence of this defense: mixing blitzes, keep opposing QBs wondering who will drop and who will pressure.
• Gay and McCain were the best coverage corners, while C Allen struggled to cover Andre Johnson. Is someone in the FO second-guessing himself for giving Allen a contract extension?
• Mike Mitchell: 2 consecutive games making plays for this team. And counting. Here’s hoping to see it again in the next 2 weeks. Where were those plays for the first 5 games of the season?
• Nice to see Polamalu running the football once more. Still, his attempts to be his old self continue to fall short.

Special teams:

• Great kicking game: Suisham converted three FGs from 30, 40 and 44 yards. Two punts by Wing were downed inside the 7 yard line. Three kickoffs were kicked for touchbacks, while allowing returns of 4, 10, 17 and 25 yard returns (with outstanding hangtime and kick coverage). Ventrone (a.k.a. Polamalu’s younger brother) has played lights out on Special Teams so far.
• Our return teams missed badly on their trickery (allowing them to convert on a 4th and 1, with the score 24-13), while our longest kickoff return was good for 19 yards.
• On their onside kick, the ball slipped from Heyward-Bey’s hands, passed through Wheaton and Archer, before Palmer was able to fall over it at the Steelers 36 yard line (yes, the ball traveled 30 yards, and could have been Houston’s ball at our 36 yard line with 1:26 to play).

Just Wondering:

• And, just as everyone predicted, DL #99 was a key factor, creating pressure and returning an interception to the opponents’ 8 yardline (which led to a TD 2 plays later). No, not JJ Watt. We’re referring to Kiesel: kudos for showing spirit all over the field.
• Is the 2014 draft class the one having the quickest impact so far for Coach Tomlin?
• Steelers Offense scored more points in 82 seconds, than their previous last 9 quarters combined (10 points vs Jax, 10 vs CLE, 0 points 1st Qtr vs HOU).
• If Palmer hadn’t fallen over the football on that onside kick, Fitzpatrick could have had his chance to look like Montana, as Glennon and Hoyer did against us.
• Is Pouncey still blocking Mohamed? On a 2nd quarter 28 yard pass reception by Bell, Pouncey started blocking Mohamed at the Steelers 35, and was still pushing him at Houston’s 45 yardline. Bell made nice moves while running behind Pouncey, showing patience to let his center lead the block and was able to get 28 yards on the play.
• Wheaton was targeted twice, both on 3rd downs early in the game. And both were incompletions. After that, he disappeared.
• Cleanest game overall so far? Of our 6 penalties, two were intentional delays of game (Ben & Wing). One was an early Superman jump by Polamalu (encroachment) and other one was a late hit by Harrison to Fitzpatrick (close call). Offensive false start and pass interference by C Allen.
• Was Lawrence Timmons auditioning to play Willie Beamen? Our starting MLB threw up uglier than the Shark’s QB (movie Any Given Sunday), and then returned to the game to have a sack and two 3rd down stops.
• Good decision not going for it on 4^th and 1 late on the game. Wonder how many were hoping Tomlin went for it.
• Steelers defensive linemen have one more interception than their safeties combined so far this season.
• Wondering what’s the difference between being flagged or not after hitting a QB late? Ask James Harrison (got flagged) and JJ Watt (not flagged) if they think their reputation as bad/good guy influence referees? On both plays, hits looked equally late.
• Someone has to stop the WR celebrations after each TD before another flag is thrown.
• Kudos to Spence, for his awareness: While most of the defense was celebrating a stop of Arian Foster, he was the one who saw the football and recovered it, changing the momentum of the game to the Steelers side.
• So far, Martavis Bryant has been activated for 1 NFL game, and on his 1^st touch of the football he had already as many TD receptions as Markus Wheaton, Justin Brown, Derek Moye and Limas Sweed on their careers combined.

Starting the home stretch with a win helped our chances. Still, the Steelers must win at least one of their 2 following games at home (receiving Colts and Ravens on consecutive weeks) to stay close within the Division. Next week Baltimore plays at Cincinnati, and a Steelers win vs Indy will put them in striking distance of being 1^st place in the Division.

After those 2 games the Steelers visit the Jets (1-6) and Titans (2-5), before the Bye.

Trivia question: And that was the first TD pass thrown by a Steelers leftie since…?

By the numbers:

3 turnovers created by the Steelers (most since week 12, 2013).

6th time in 7 games where the opponent has scored on their 1st possession of the game.

7 Straight games with more than 100 yards from scrimmage for Le’veon Bell.

17 points scored by the Steelers from Houston’s 3 turnovers.

23 Antonio Brown consecutive games with at least 5 receptions-50 yard games, NFL record & counting.

63 Penalties by the Steelers this season (league leading –tied with NE).

82 Seconds, span in which the Steelers scored 21 points.

1991 Last time the Steelers lost a Monday Night game in Pittsburgh.

2002 Last time a team scored 21 points in a 90 second-span.

A tale of two teams: One on the upswing, the other in the middle of a free fall. This time, the Browns are getting hot, while the Steelers were exposed for a 4th time this season (exceptions at Carolina and -barely- Jacksonville).

If you show anybody the game stats without showing the scoreboard, their guess would be that it was a close game. That close, really? Key Stats show just that: (PIT-CLE): Total yards: 359 / 368, turnovers: 1 / 1, sacks: 1 / 2, Time of possession: 33:05 / 26:55, Penalties: 6 for 42 yards / 6 for 60 yards, 3^rd down conversions: 37% / 36%.

This loss was on offense, defense and special teams. No unit was able to prevail, compete or shine this week. During the first game against the Browns this season we had no idea on what to expect from Hoyer. This time around, the Browns played most of the game without one of their key RBs, their star WR, center and had only three healthy defensive linemen. And we took no advantage on offense or defense from it.

Situational execution, lack of concentration. 3rd and short rushes for a loss, 3rd down incompletions (where receivers seemed to be out of place, running a couple of steps more than what Ben expected, or him throwing too early), LBs and DBs not reacting to bootlegs and play action passes, failing to hurry Hoyer, letting their receivers get behind our DBs. Most of that is poor execution and lack of concentration, attributable mostly to the players.

Adjustments and game planning gave the Browns too much advantage. First game vs Browns, the Steelers outscored them 27-3 in the first half. After that, we were outscored 24-3 in the 2nd half. This game, the Steelers were outscored 31-10. That makes a total of 55-13 the last six quarters or football against them. Their defense knew what to expect, and their offense was able to move the football and score on us. It’s not just execution (which is an issue). Clearly, they had the edge on adjustments for the 2^nd half of the first game, and a better game plan for the 2^nd game, and that goes directly to our coaching staff. You can have talented players and compete, and can compete to win if you put your most talented players in position to take advantage and make a play, which the Browns did and the Steelers didn’t.

Offense: multiple personalities = lack of identity?

• Roethlisberger, Bell, Brown, Pouncey and DeCastro will have multiple Pro Bowl appearances when retired. Wheaton and Blount could be starters on some teams. So, this team has talent and weapons, but hasn’t defined what kind of attack they want to establish? If you are Coach Haley, running into Mr Rooney at the Steelers facilities is not on your bucket list.
• After being criticized for not running the football enough, Coach Haley decided that he would approach most 1^st and 2^nd downs running the football, mixing his horses (Bell, Blount, Archer). Of our first 24 plays, only 3 were pass attempts. On 3^rd down, it has become a tendency to find an open receiver and manage to fail the conversion. Is anyone on this roster able to catch 3^rd down passes in a consistent basis? Why were the Steelers approaching 3rd and short with their passing game, to their 2nd receiver (not Brown, nor Miller, who have been much more effective on critical situations)? Isn’t this called the best RB tandem in the league, behind an All Pro Center and a Pro Bowler at guard? Why isn’t it working so far?
• Bell, Blount & Archer combined for 133 rushing yards on 29 attempts (4.6 yds/attempt). Still, they couldn’t break one for more than 15 yards, with 2 rushes for a loss (both of them on 3^rd and short).
• Looking for drive killers? With Ben and his receivers out of sync, we missed six 3^rd down completions due to incompletions, with most of them having an open receiver, who was  either overthrown, thrown to too quickly, or managed to drop the football. Off-tempo =  Lack of reps? After 6 weeks, and playing with the same core group of receivers –with the lone exception of Moore-, can it really be a lack of reps situation?
• Our failed 3^rd down conversions: Bell run for -1, on 3^rd & 1. Blount for 1, on 3^rd& 3. Incompletions to Wheaton on  3^rd & 3, 3^rd & 6 and 3^rd & 1. Completion to Bell for 1 yard on 3^rd & 10. Incompletion to Moore on 3^rd and 17.  Interception (Really?). Incompletion to Brown, 3^rd & 4. Completion to J.Brown for 7 yards on 3^rd & 16 (Incompletion to Wheaton on 4^th down).
• How does gaining 359 yards, while giving up only 2 sacks and 1 turnover, end with only 10 points? We had 7 drives that ended inside Cleveland territory, and managed to score only 10 points. This is where and how those drives ended: FG from Cleveland 2 yardline, Failed FG from Cleveland 17 yardline, Punt from Cleveland 47 yardline, End of 1^st half, Punt from Cleveland 37 yardline, turnover on downs at Cleveland 7 yardline, TD from Cleveland 26 yardline.
• Why give Haden so much respect? He wasn’t really tested during the 1^st half, while AB has proven he can get some separation from him. Was it part of the gameplan, or Ben was showing respect (or fear) to look at his side? AB was double-teamed frequently, particularly on 3rd downs, but still wasn’t targeted enough when left on single coverage.
• Why is Heyward-Bey not used to stretch the field? Any difference, besides special teams, holding Bryant back?
• Where is Heath Miller on 3rd downs? Is it lack of confidence from Coach Haley, or they just liked Wheaton’s chances too much?
• The game was over when, at the beginning of the 3^rd quarter we approached their 30 and took consecutive sacks getting out of FG range. After that, the Browns managed to score a FG to make it 24-3, mid 3^rd quarter.

Defense: Where’s the pressure on their QB, part V?

• First series, sack by Heyward. Hoyer had just 18 dropbacks, and was pressured by Kiesel and Polamalu (once each). After that, pressure was close to non-existent, particularly lost were our defensive linemen and linebackers on bootleg plays, giving Hoyer enough time to establish himself and throw to his always-open-target (you name it, they got it) crossing the field. Isn’t anyone responsible for making leverage? Our ILBs (Spence, Timmons) were fooled by the run fakes and gave a step, either to their receivers or their blockers, giving them enough advantage to make this play consistently.
• While the browns had 158 yard rushing, they got the most from their passing plays. Long completions and a key interception (which was, at best, a questionable call), set up 28 of their points. Browns scoring drives were: 5 plays, 68 yards, TD. Key play: Cameron 42 yd pass. 4 plays, 60 yards, TD. Key play: Cameron 51yd TD pass. 9 plays, 85 yards, TD. Key play, 3 & 9 conversion, pass to Austin for 17 yards. 6 plays, 52 yds, FG. Key Play: 31 yard pass to Dray.
• The Browns didn’t really need to test our pass-D frequently; while they were pretty effective (Hoyer completed 50% of his passes, but averaged more than 27 yards per completion).
• Our LBers are the first unit responsible for what happened on those bootleg and play actions that beat us: Either lack of leverage, misreading the play, or taking a step forward while trying to attack the line of scrimmage, this clearly was a result of Browns coaches watching enough tape of our LBers reaction tendencies.
• Why wasn’t Gay targeted like Allen? While it could look as if Gay had good coverage, it was mostly to do with a) Allen not being even close to his receivers, and struggling with Cameron, and b) the Browns having only 17 pass attempts all day.
• We have dropped 7 men into coverage frequently, and still manage to make opposing QBs look like proven heroes (Glennon, Hoyer). When blitzing with DBs, we got some pressure and forced bad throws. For sure, Coach LeBeau sees this issue too. Is his lack of confidence on our perimeter holding him from using exotic blitzes?
• Polamalu, out of spot frequently. He’s been relying on his old instincts, guessing too much and playing close to the line of scrimmage. That makes him vulnerable on bootleg crossing routes (as we saw), giving also an edge to opposing QBs while he turns around to run after a receiver, while losing notion of where the football is. Also, he becomes vulnerable while trying to stop the run if it’s handled as a misdirection, because he always seems to react to his 1^st read, lying on his old ability to recover and get himself in position to make a play, even after misreading something. He has become an older, slower and mistake-prone version of his old self. Once a fan favorite, now being called by many to be part of our problem.
• Ok, so we got a taste of what Mike Mitchell can do for this defense, playing his best game as a Steeler so far. He needs to do this week in and week out, and find a consistent basis. A forced fumbled and a couple of broken passes (not deflecting them, but hitting the receivers while they attempted to make a catch) is what we expect from him. A shame if he misses time right now as he seems to be gaining momentum.

Can we get something special from our special teams? Again, it seems like Brad Wing (remember TB?) chose a bad moment to make a mistake, while the Steelers had 3 punt returns for a total of 6 yards, and returned 3 kickoffs for an average of 21.

Just Wondering…

• If your Pro Bowl center is carted off, you’ve got two options: Cry foul and use it as an excuse for your offensive miscues for, let’s say, 4 weeks. Or manage to get more than 150 rushing yards and keep your QB clean. Steelers opted for the first option last season. The Browns did the opposite this Sunday.
• Is Hoyer that good or is our Defense that bad?
• Wondering what a Pro Bowl QB or RB could do to this defense? Well, lucky you that the answer will be revealed during the next two weeks, since Arian Foster and Andrew Luck are next in line.
• That tackle by Keisel on the first long pass showed his spirit. And showed also that neither a DB, nor a LB were even close to Cameron.
• If this is the last stop on Polamalu’s way to Canton, he’s only hurting his chances.
• Next man up: Martavis Bryant, Stephon Tuitt, your time has come. Can’t be any worse and should be getting real game reps.
• Was Shazier, Taylor and J Jones presence underrated?
• First game vs Cleveland, we had Shazier and Jones. Second game, Spence and Moats started. Same result, while giving up more than 150 rushing yards. Are our LBs weak and soft, or just a consequence of a dominated DL? Try both.
• Is Harrison doing enough to be kept on the active roster after J Jones returns? For sure, this wasn’t what he had in mind while walking away from retirement to get a last stint with the team. And his time is running out.
• Our Defense could be without 5 Defensive starters for next week’s game (Taylor, Shazier, J Jones, McLendon, Mitchell).
• Which one is the real Cortez Allen? The one that made plays vs Jacksonville, or the one who struggled to cover a TE against Cleveland? He isn’t proving to be worth a contract extension.
• How can you have 5 pro bowl caliber players on offense, and still manage to score 19 total points in 8 quarters?
• Coach Tomlin says Cowher’s and Ward’s criticisms are like “music on the elevator” (who called the defense “soft” and the offense “finesse”). Free advice to Coach T: Better get out of the elevator quickly, before that music starts annoying your bosses.
• Is our Coaching Staff paying too much attention to stats? If so: Are they lobbying for themselves at the Steelers Front Office?
• Memo to whoever evaluates stats: 91 of our 221 passing yards came on garbage time, either at the end of the 1^st half, without an opportunity to score, or at the end of the game (with a 31-3 score).
• Memo #2 to whoever evaluates stats: A total offense that gains 731 yards and produces 19 points is nowhere close to being called effective.

Next 3 weeks, Cleveland has the softest schedule, visiting Jacksonville, and then receive Oakland and Tampa Bay (opponents: 1-16 combined) Baltimore plays against Atlanta at home, visits the Steelers and visits Cincinnati (8-8-1 combined). Cincy will play at Indy, then receive both Baltimore and Jacksonville (8-10 combined).

Steelers next 3 games are at home, against Texans, Colts and Ravens (Combined 11-7).  Managing to get out of that stretch with 2 wins will keep our chances of having a winning season (and a possibility of playoffs) alive. Lose two of them, and probably someone who works at the Steelers facilities –not named Tomlin- will be unleashing hell.

By the numbers:

1^st time the opponent doesn’t score on the opening drive. (As if it really mattered).

3 Steelers drives ending inside Cleveland’s 20 yardline, getting 1 Field Goal, 1 missed attempt and a turnover on downs.

6 Straight games with more than 100 yards from scrimmage for Le’veon Bell

7 Steelers drives ending inside Cleveland territory, for net 10 points.

15 sacks given up by the Steelers, projecting 48 for the season.

19 points scored by Steelers offense the last 8 quarters.

22 Antonio Brown consecutive games with at least 5 receptions-50 yard games, NFL record & counting.

27 yards per completion for Browns QB Hoyer.

57 Penalties for the Steelers this season, leading the NFL.

59 Points allowed to the Browns this season.

731 offensive yards for the Steelers last 2 games, good for 19 points.

Our team found a way to win a close game. And this win is big, not because the rival the Steelers defeated or how they played, but because of when it happened: after a devastating loss at home to TB, and trying to keep the Bengals and Ravens in reach (with both of them losing Sunday).

After all, we’re just 1 game behind the best record in the AFC after 5 games, and 1/2 game behind Cincinatti for the division lead. Where were we last season after 5 games?

A total of 11 different Steelers players combined for 372 yards of total offense (111 rushing, 261 net passing), while being held to only one 3 & out (first series of the game), and having success on 50% of 3^rd downs. The Steelers completed 72% of its passes and produced 3.9 yards / rushing attempt.

However, the Steelers offense produced only 10 points while being sacked 4 times (two of them on 3^rd down), losing the football inside the Jaguars red-zone, and having four 3^rd down incompletions (two of them were drops). The Jaguars had the worst defense heading into this game, losing by at least 17 points each of their first 4 games of the season and accepting 38 points per game.

The Steelers Defense deserves the credit for the Win: 2 forced turnovers (both interceptions, one of them being a pick-six) stopped Jacksonville to three 3 & outs, had 1 sack and allowed a 25% 3^rd down conversion rate, while giving up 3.7 yards per rushing attempt and allowed Bortles to complete a raw 60% of his passes. Jacksonville’s last 2 drives totaled only 24 yards.

Offense: It’s ok to move the chains and spread the ball, but how about putting some points on the board?

• Ben Roethlisberger completed 72% of his passes to 11 different receivers for 273 with 1 TD, while being sacked 4 times (two of them because he took too much time to find an open receiver and another one while he ran into the pressure), not being intercepted but losing a fumble deep inside Jacksonville territory.
• Overall, the backfield had 186 yards of total offense, led by Le’veon Bell (118 yards from scrimmage, 82 of them rushing), and Blount’s 46 total yards.
• 3 touches for 10 yards, what we expected from Dri Archer? That isn’t what he displayed during preseason, and for sure that’s not the kind of stats we’re expecting from a 3^rd round pick.
• Our WRs combined for 153 yards and 10 receptions A Brown leading the way, while Wheaton made a nice catch, but was well covered the rest of the way. Both had drops on 3^rd downs. Heyward Bey was targeted only once (first play from scrimmage, no gain).
•  Is Lance Moore paying attention to what’s going on with the Steelers? He had a critical reception for 26 yards on 3^rd and 9 deep in Steelers territory, but committed what actually has become a sin at Coach Tomlin’s eyes: a dead ball penalty, which led Coach T to give him an earful (Coach T will get some props for doing so). After that, Justin Brown’s number was called and had 3 receptions. While it looked like Moore was helping his own chances on-field, his attitude after the penalty surely will have consequences with Coaches Tomlin & Haley.
• TE’s & FB: 5 receptions for 59 yards, TD. With a couple of good reads, Miller and Roethlisberger combined to get a critical 3rd down conversion on a hot reads. Good to see Palmer rebound from last week’s drop. Will Johnson has delivered as leading blocker, and also aligned as a WR (1 reception for 12 yards).
• Backyard style TDs while running out of the pocket and sacks come in the same package which are consequences of Ben’s style. The last sack (fumble) was on Ben: he attacked right to where the pressure was coming. One week he produces a couple of TDs while making a play out of nothing, the next one, well, we all saw what happened.
• We are on pace to give up 48 sacks this season (15 through 5 games). While the offensive line has been better the last couple of weeks from a stats-free point of view, this stat needs to drop sometime soon if we’re going anywhere: sacks = drive-killers. Jacksonville pressured with 4 men most of the time, and still managed to get to our QB several times.
• Speaking of drive-killers: committing less penalties this game was good, but 7 is still a high number.

Defense: Where’s the pressure on the opposing QB, part IV?

• Our defensive line had a better game against the run (suddenly, we’re the 12^th rush-defense).  Jaguars rushing average: 3.7 yds/attempt, but our Defense only stopped their running game for a loss once.
• Kiesel had one of the biggest plays of the game, creating pressure on our last defensive play, but besides that and a couple more plays, we lacked… you know, pressure from our front 3. Tuitt should be seeing playing time soon.
• Jason Worilds was able to get an early sack (Jaguars first series) and create pressure a couple more times, while Harrison looked better than last week with a couple of hits on Bortles and a tackle for a loss. Moats was out of spot on at least 2 running plays (one of them, a 20 yard gain), and seems to have the lower ground in the OLB position battle. Our ILBs played a solid game, with Timmons doing some of the dirty work. This unit is supposed to be the one that creates pressure (5 sacks in 5 games is not enough for Steelers LBs).
• Better coverage, getting turnovers: all on the cornerbacks. While Allen & Gay played the most complete game from our CBs so far this season, breaking up 5 passes among them, the 3^rd guy on the depth chart made the highlights. Allen came away with an interception (for the 2^nd consecutive week, both on the right sideline, both on deep passes), but he also got away with a couple of non-called pass interference calls (close non-calls). Gay also made some plays and handled decent coverage.
• Are we set at 3rd CB? McCain provided the play of the game, with his pick-six. Reps will help him, and that interception should boost his confidence.
• Are our DBs giving too much respect to opposing WRs? Short passes were completed by Bortles (Glennon, Flacco and Hoyer too), because our DBs are giving them a lot of space pre-snap (our CBs playing 10 yards away from the line of scrimmage, and our safeties sometimes looking as if they were punt returners).
• Do we have safeties, part V? Polamalu and Mitchell continue to be non-factors. Both have combined for 1 pass defended (for the season!). Mitchell is targeting lower while hitting receivers, probably in order to avoid a fine. If Polamalu continues to play as he has so far this season, we’re seeing his last stint with the Steelers: his attempts to make a cameo of his old self haven’t been successful, and he’s been late in coverage without creating havoc.

Special Teams: 

• Question to Brad Wing: Not trying to make you a scapegoat for last week’s loss, but: Why didn’t’ you pull out a punt last week as any of your punts today? Those would have helped last week. Either way, nice to see him rebound from his late gaffe vs TB, and almost made another returner fumble after a muff, with a great hangtime.
• The biggest hit of the game, by Vince Williams. Seems to be long ago when he was a starting ILB.
• Our kick & punt return units were not special today. AB couldn’t break out on punt returns, while Dri Archer wasn’t able to deliver a single solid kick return.
• This unit alone would be able to lead the league in penalties. How many times do you remember a team had to kickoff three consecutive times due to penalties on the kicking team?

Just wondering:

• Is Shamarko’s number about to be called? (guessing his injury is not serious)
• Will this defensive performance help Coach LeBeau calm down his critics a little bit?
• How long before we see some Tuitt on DL?
• Was that Moore’s epitaph?
• Great to have 11 players to catch a pass. Is there someone among them that can be reliable on 3rd down without consistently dropping the football?
• Moats on his way out, Harrison to start soon? Still 6 weeks away, is this still Jarvis Jones’ spot to lose?
• 1^st and goal at Jaguars 4 yard line. Pass to AB, pass to AB, take a sack, FG. Our RBs average over 5 & 6 yards per carry respectively. Why not give them a single shot from the 4 yard line?
• Good to see the Steelers offense is still able to close a game, sustaining a drive for more than 4 minutes to end the game.
• The Browns are next. They just did to the Titans what they attempted to do to us 1st week of the season. Better score and be able to close the game, before Hoyer does another Montana impersonation.
• 5 games down, 1/2 game back on the division lead, and suddenly, the Bengals and Ravens seem vulnerable. In order to have a chance, we must get scores from the bunch of yards we are making, and TDs instead of FGs.
• And the Steelers are league leaders for the first time this season… in penalties.

By the Numbers:

3 Consecutive games without throwing an interception.

5 yards per carry, Steelers average for the 2014 season (up from 3.5 during 2013).

11 Different Steelers players caught a pass

15 sacks given up so far by the Steelers offense, on pace to 48 for the Season (up from 43 on 2013).

21 Antonio Brown consecutive games with at least 5 receptions-50 yard games, NFL record & counting.

51 Penalties for the Steelers, leading the NFL.

What happened on Wheaton’s TD catch incomplete pass?

There has been a little quiet debating these past couple of days after the game, about Wheaton’s incomplete catch that seemed to be a clear TD (2^nd quarter, 3-3 score). Since 1 TD didn’t affect the outcome, this has somehow gone under the radar.

Here’s what happened:

Ben took a snap and looked all the way to Wheaton, who ran close to the pylon while being pushed by Melvin White (Carolina’s CB #23) out of bounds (there’s not a single clear TV angle where we can be sure his foot was out of bounds).

After the play, the referee says “Runner stepped out of bounds, did not re-establish inbounds before catching the ball, incomplete pass”.

According to the NFL Rulebook:

ILLEGAL TOUCHING OF A FORWARD PASS
Article 8 Illegal Touching of a Forward Pass.

It is a foul for illegal touching if a forward pass (legal or illegal), thrown from behind the line of scrimmage:
(a) is first touched intentionally or is caught by an ineligible offensive player; or
(b) first touches or is caught by an eligible receiver who has gone out of bounds, either of his own volition or by being legally forced out of bounds, and has re-established himself inbounds.
Penalty: Loss of five yards.
A.R. 8.15 Third-and-10 on B40. On a legal forward pass, eligible end A1 is blocked out of bounds on the B36. He returns to the field of play, catches pass, and scores.
Ruling: No score. The player became an ineligible receiver by going out of bounds. A’s ball third-and-15 on B45.

So, even if he was or was not pushed out of bounds, it should have been a 5 yard penalty, and a replay of 3rd down.

Mike Pereira, former chief of officiating in the NFL and current TV analyst, took this issue up on his twitter account, stating 3 premises:

• According to what the ref said, it was a 5 yard penalty, and should have been 3^rd & G from Carolina’s 11 yardline.
• It should have been called a pass interference.
• Pittsburgh should have challenged.

Here’s what he said about it:

https://twitter.com/MikePereira/status/513863897338482690

https://twitter.com/MikePereira/status/513864113940742145

https://twitter.com/MikePereira/status/513864540270776322

Here’s a look at the play in slow motion, as well as from the All-22 views available. Click on the image to play or stop the gifs.

A solid all-around performance produced our most convincing win since… well, since long, long ago.

264 yards rushing, no turnovers from our offense, 12 plays for more than 10 yards (including an 81 yard run by Bell and a 50 yard run from Blount), with our O shut down for 3 & outs only twice in the game. We finally got our first two takeaways of the season, a TD by our special teams, 3 sacks and consistent pressure. That’s why we won the game yesterday.

We saw a smarter and much more adequate O & D Playcalling, according to our strengths. Getting into specifics:

Our Offense played up to our strengths while lessening exposure to our weaknesses:

• Short, quick passes kept Ben clean and helped us move the ball, opening up the running game too. Even though during the 1st half the Steelers only got FGs, being able to have ball control and sustain long drives wore down Carolina’s Defense for the 2nd half. Kudos to coach Haley for not giving up with the run.
• Starting with the Oline, our offense had a much needed breakout performance. With DeCastro and Pouncey leading the way, Cody Wallace filling in for a banged up Foster (who was inactive), but particularly with Gilbert opening lanes all night, either for Bell or Blount, our offensive line shined the way they needed to to bounce back. Even though Beachum allowed a sack and committed a penalty early in the game, this unit provided a solid performance against what was supposed to be one of the best front 7 in the entire NFL. DeCastro needs to understand he’s a veteran, and can’t get called for penalties for what happens after the play. I mean, a holding penalty here or there will be called sporadically.
• Bell and Blount can be a great 1-2 punch, relying on good blocking. We need to see this consistently and keep these guys out of trouble (and you know what I mean). Bell could face a 2 week suspension if his case isn’t solved before Nov 1st. Bell is now a maturing running back, who has the necessary patience to wait for a lane, which he reads with exceptional skill. Blount looked like a game closer, something we have missed since… well, since 36 was still here.
• Antonio Brown had another solid performance, with a couple of clutch catches and finding a way to get open while Ben was scrambling from the pocket (Yes, I know it seems that a copy/paste for this line each week). Markus Wheaton delivered, and was half a shoe away from scoring his first TD as a Steeler. By the way, why wasn’t it called a penalty? When a player gets out of bounds and is the first one to touch the ball, it’s a 5 yard penalty, repeating the previous down, so it should have been 3rd & G from Carolina’s 11 yard line.
• Justin Brown made solid blocks all night, and managed to grab 2 passes for 10 yards, playing most of the snaps as the 3rd WR, while Darrius Heyward- Bey was most notable for drawing a 42 yard pass interference call, setting up our first FG.
• Where’s Lance Moore? Not hurt, but was in for only 1 play. It looks like Justin Brown’s blocking ability and DHB’s deep threat speed kept Moore from entering the game (also, it was his first week of practice recently, so he must have been off-tempo). He’ll get his reps, and will be widely used in the next couple of weeks.

As for our D, something changed and it was pass-pressure.

• McLendon, Kiesel and Heyward created pressure by themselves, and often helped by blitzes by both ILB and OLB. Our defense was able to stop the run (Carolina only rushed 10 times for 42 yards) after giving up a mile to both Cleveland and Baltimore, without having to stack the box.
• Jones and Worilds coupled for the inflexion point in the game, creating a turnover deep into Carolina’s territory. Moats filled in for an injured Jones with an A performance, creating pressure and getting his first sack as a Steeler. This might have gone unnoticed, but we had no substitute once Jones was out and Moats was in for him. If he had gone down, Timmons could had shifted to OLB with Williams getting ILB reps.
• Timmons was all over the place, and while you can blame him for injuries to Shazier and Taylor, it’s a product of his intensity. Shazier was having a good game.
• Cortez Allen is not helping the FO look good after the contract they gave him, while he seemed to be a bit late when targeted and failing to intercept a potential game-changing pass for the 2nd consecutive week.
• William Gay may be the most reliable DB on the roster right now, and that says a lot of how others are playing. He covers and gets close to his receiver. Even though he has an issue with his tackling technique, where he tries to tackle without grabbing the ball carrier. Remember AP’s hit after Gay tried to tackle him without having an adequate approach? Coach Lake must work on this if he’s going to start again at CB.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R978jQELomo

• Antwon Blake is not the answer at 5th DB (and I’ll elaborate later).
• Mitchell and Polamalu were absent against the run, since they were not playing close to the line of scrimmage, trying to keep the ball in front of them. While that helped not giving up the long ball, they were not even close to tackling Olsen on this long TDs. Polamalu is aging, and we know that, but Mitchell still hasn’t made a case for himself being Clark’s replacement.

Our special teams delivered, and were special: with Suisham converting 3 FGs (25, 42 and 45 yd), extending his consecutive streak to 23 converted attempts, and recovering a crucial fumble for a TD after a muffed punt (which, by the way, was led by a 59 yard punt from Wing, with the Steelers up by 10) which helped ice the game.

Penalties are still an issue, part III. While some of them are lack of awareness and concentration (false starts, illegal motion), we also had one penalty nullifying a sack (for a loss of 9 yards) by Heyward. We continued having penalties on STs, an unncesary roughness from DeCastro, two of our TEs (none called Miller) had offensive pass interference calls (one of them being a very questionable call). Methinks the over/under for total penalties for the year should be set at 150, and will get some gamblers taking the over. This issue needs to be fixed before it proves costly. This was the third consecutive game where we had an alarming amount of penalties.

On the injury front:
Shazier, Jones and Taylor’s absences should be read differently, but do not expect us to enter the trade market: Trading an offensive weapon (which are the only valuable options we can effectively trade right now) will only risk talent development to cover an immediate need.

• We should promote from within to cover Shazier’s absence for 3-4 weeks (Spence and Williams at ILB, still having Garvin as 3rd option, not needing to sign a FA) and Moats at OLB.
• Jones has been designated to IR with ability to return (after 8 weeks), and we need a FA, which means we’ll need depth at the position. Moats and Worilds will handle the duties, but after them right now we only have the option to move somebody from ILB, play some hybrid position (as last year Polamalu did at ILB) or using more nickel packages with 3NT/DE, 2ILB and an OLB. Resuscitating Harrison’s career didn’t look to be an option until now. He’s already a fan favorite, and will help Coach Porter develop the young guys. How much gas does he have left in the tank? Well, it seems he has not even a scratch from last year’s tenure with Cincy, and, for sure, will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Other options could be promoting from practice squad, but knowing a bit of LeBeau’s resistance to start unproven players, JH will be the most suitable option right now.
• Taylor’s absence will be felt for what he makes us play at CB#3. Between him, Allen and Gay we had somehow decent coverage (no ball hawks). But without one of them, we have no real 3rd CB, as Antwon Blake is not the answer for the immediate future. Expect Shamarko Thomas getting reps the next following weeks, and Shaq Richardson to be promoted from practice squad, so one of them becomes the 5th DB against passing packages from opposing offenses.
• But his absence will also be felt because of what he represents to the team, Coach LeBeau, Coach T and Polamalu. He has that special charm, and is a locker room favorite for both coaches and veterans. My only experience near him occurred last year, at Oakland, while they were in warm-ups. When he heard people screaming for him, he got close, signed some stuff and even posed for a picture, making him a fan favorite instantly for the guys who witnessed that attitude from him.

An IR designation might mean the end of his career with the Steelers (and most probably, in the NFL). A kid from Louisiana, who grew up playing as a running back, cornerback and placekicker who made a 12 year career with the Steelers had his most notable tenure during the postseason in January 2006, where he had an interception in the AFC Championship game vs Denver, and another one in SB XL. If you look up under-appreciated in the dictionary, his photo will show up someday. Here’s hoping he’s able to somehow come back this season, at least as a farewell. It’s really hard to see a guy’s career end with an injury, particularly a long-tenured starter who has stayed out of trouble his whole career. Watching Coach T yesterday kissing his head was really an emotional moment.

By the numbers:

0: Interceptions by Steelers Defense this season
1-8: Record of our 3 following opponents combined
1: Snap played by Lance Moore
1: Sack allowed
2: Turnovers created
3: Sacks from our D
19: Consecutive 5 reception-50 yard games for Antonio Brown (ties NFL Record by L. Coles)
23: Consecutive field goals from Shaun Suisham (Steelers Record)
28: Years since the last time two Steelers running backs had 100 yards in the same game
31: Penalties for the Steelers this season so far (2nd in the league behind SF’s 36)
264: Rushing yards, the most in the Coach Tomlin era
461 All-purpose yards for Le’veon Bell so far