3 things we learned from Steelers tie against the Detroit Lions

The Steelers played to a draw against the Detroit Lions in Week 10. Here’s what we learned from their disheartening performance.

I honestly don’t even know what to say about the manner in which the Steelers played to a draw against the previously and still winless Detroit Lions. No disrespect intended toward the Lions or fans of the Lions, but we were at home in a game that we frankly needed to win to keep pace in the AFC North.

I guess it remains to be seen how the tie may affect the outcome of the 2021 regular season, but I suspect that it will neither help nor hurt us unless, of course, the rest of the AFC North beats the Lions.  Sloppy play on both sides of the ball coupled with in-game injuries put the Steelers in an unenviable position.

Let’s take a look at the first thing we learned.

The Steelers offense is just not the same without Ben Roethlisberger

I like Mason Rudolph and I like the fact that we have a quality backup at the QB position, but I can’t help but think that we would have beaten the Lions had Ben Roethlisberger played. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not as if Rudolph played poorly.  According to ESPN, Rudolph completed thirty of fifty pass attempts for two hundred and forty-two yards, with one TD and one INT.

The average yards per completion were less than five yards.  Think about that for a second.  Thirty pass completions went less than five yards.  The short passing game is generally not a recipe for success.  The offensive line did not surrender a sack, which is encouraging considering that two starting O-linemen went out with injuries.

What is not encouraging is this:  The Steelers offense had several opportunities to close out the game and to secure victory; however, the malaise with which the offense performed at times shows me the difference between having our backup at the helm and having our franchise and future Hall of Fame QB at the helm.

Let’s take a look at what else we learned.