It seemed like the stars had aligned for the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Even with Baltimore winning their game against the Packers, all Pittsburgh had to do this week was beat the hapless Browns to secure the division.
Instead, the Steelers laid an egg and now must beat the Ravens in Week 18 to make it to the playoffs. No resting starters, no early focus on the postseason, and no break for the fans in the final week of the year.
The defense did its part, but the offense could only muster six points en route to this ugly loss. Now, the team has to shift its focus to winning next week when all of the cards are on the line.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' winners and losers from their disheartening loss to the Browns
Steelers Loser: The Safeties
Sure, Kyle Dugger got an interception, but his overall day next to Chuck Clark was bad. Both were responsible early in the game for allowing some big plays, and outside of the interception, both were miserable. Ideally, the defense can get a bit more stable when Jalen Ramsey returns as a full-time safety.
Steelers Winner: The Defensive Line
While it wasn’t a stat-heavy day for the group, the proof was in the pudding for the defensive line as a whole. The Browns found no success on the ground, which limited their offense. The interior pressure was also strong. Overall, a solid day for a group that finally feels healthy.
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Steelers Loser: Aaron Rodgers
After a stretch of games where Aaron Rodgers looked calm and cool in the pocket, he fell apart this week. While he wasn’t working with the best cast of supporting characters, he still had far too many errant throws. It was a weak game for the veteran when they needed him most. It once again draws the quarterback question as another talking point.
Steelers Loser: The Receivers
While Rodgers felt off this week, his receivers did him no favors. No one stepped up and made an impact, despite the group needing at least one playmaker. There were also multiple drops among the group.
On a side note, if Roman Wilson can’t get an opportunity after this abysmal showing, we can safely write him off as a legitimate contributor moving forward.
Steelers Winner: Alex Highsmith
The only real winner on the team, Alex Highsmith, played one heck of a game. He was a menace as a pass rusher, causing multiple penalties and recording a few sacks. As a run defender, he was his usual stout self. For those of you who wanted him off the roster this year, he has made you eat your words.
Steelers Loser: Mike Tomlin
Mike Tomlin is deserving of a lot of praise for turning this team around after a bad stretch earlier this year. He is equally deserving of criticism for this debacle. Both sides of the ball came out conservative and bland, playing not to lose instead of playing to win. The defense did get better, but the offense never did.
Now this team will have to beat the Ravens again next week in order to make the playoffs. If they don’t, Tomlin will once again be under a lot of fire from the fanbase.