Up to Steelers whether embarrassing loss in opener defines them

Up to Steelers whether embarrassing loss in opener defines them

By JIM WEXELL

All of those Cleveland Browns jokes out there from earlier in the day, substitute the name Pittsburgh Steelers.

They are who most of America thought they were.

This wasn't their typical loss to the New England Patriots in Foxboro. This was worse. And after the 33-3 loss, the Steelers have to be feeling as low as any team can.

* Maybe they feel as bad as the 2011 Steelers after they lost their opener in Baltimore, 35-7.

Those Steelers rebounded to finish 12-4.

* Or maybe they feel as bad as the 1997 Steelers after they lost their opener against Dallas, 37-7.

Those Steelers rebounded to finish 11-5.

* Probably, they feel as bad as the 1989 Steelers after they lost their opener against Cleveland, 51-0.

Those Steelers rebounded to finish 9-7.

They all rebounded to make the playoffs. The '97 team actually played in the AFC Championship Game and took the eventual Super Bowl champs to the wire.

But this is so very far away from that right now. This one feels as though the season, the era, the coaching career of Mike Tomlin, are over.

to read rest of article:

https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburg...urned-by-Brady-Patriots-in-Foxboro-135389766/

 

They will be fine, They are a playoff team barring injuries.

 

I saw all the beat writers jumping on this bandwagon. Headlines like The Steelers convinced themselves they didn't need Brown or Bell to a lesser extent.

No they don't need them, everyone is replaceable. What they needed was a coach that prepared to play the Patriots, instead you got Juju plugged into Bown's spot and the Pats defense putting 7 DBs on the field and daring him to throw it at them. A defense the put a very stout Shelton and Bennett in the middle and said go ahead try to run up the gut when they should have had Vance, Grimble, and Nix road grading for Conner. Instead of dictating to the Pats, the Pats dared them and the Steelers danced to that tune.

They need to realize right now that they are a different team than last year or 5 years ago embrace that Tomlin and develop the team into a champion, don't let the pansies of the world tell you who you are.

 

Don't worry, Tomlin specifically said it won't define them. Now if they just don't live in their fears, and take responsibility for their play, maybe he'll unleash hell and create adversity if there isn't enough.

 

They'll be ok and still make the playoffs.

Week 1 for most teams around the league is usually lackluster. Especially the Steelers. Especially Ben. He was his typical rusty opening day self last night. This was a typical opening day, the difference from years past is that it was against the Patriot juggernaut. They ain't the Browns. Speaking of the Browns, they're not as bad as the 43-13 shellacking that the Titans gave them.

They'll right the ship enough to make the playoffs by seasons end.

 

This is the worst I've seen the Steelers play vs the Pats. Lack of preparation on the defense and all the dropped passes by the receivers.

Tomlin is 3-8 vs belichik or smthg close to it!

 

Jim Wexell is usually upbeat about the aftermath of losses and what to look forward to in the subsequent days. This time it was different for certain. Cannot blame him for his take though.



Regarding this team, #RedemptionSunday. Has to happen against Seattle. For that matter, make it happen.

 

Steelers are favored by 4 points against the Seahags, I'm not sure I wanna give points in this game but I do believe we'll win. enough to pick the Steelers in our Survivor pool, not sure

 

It will be up to Ben again imo. We will need about 27pts.
Hope he's getting in shape now that preseason is over.