3 things we learned from Steelers loss against the Bengals

The Steelers pass rush was defunct against the Bengals

For the first time in quite a long time, the Steelers ‘D’ did not register a sack.  The opposing ‘D’ got to Ben Roethlisberger four times; however, he was under constant duress on almost every pass play.  That’s what we needed to do to the opposing QB, but we just couldn’t ‘get home’.

Look, I realize we were without two of our starting OLBs but knowing that, it seemed like we were just counting on someone to ‘make a play’.  Melvin Ingram played well, but he really had no help on the other side.  You cannot generate a consistent pass rush if only one of your OLBs is able to get off a block.

Statistically speaking, the ‘D’ played well, giving up a total of two-hundred and sixty-eight yards; however, we gave twenty-four points. The Steelers ‘D’ again gave up a big play right before halftime to put the Bengals up by seven points.

I think that deflated the confidence because, from that point forward, the offense was in comeback mode and the ‘D’ was in the mode of trying to make a big play to get the ball back, but just could not make enough plays to turn the tide.