3 things we learned from Steelers loss to Los Angeles Chargers

The Steelers coaches looked outmatched at times and were scrambling for answers

So, let me say this:  It appeared as if we were outmatched and were scrambling for answers.  I’m sure the Steelers coaches and players would disagree with my assessment and that’s to be expected, but how do you justify going for it on fourth down, behind by four points at that juncture, rather than taking the points on a FG?

We have one of the best kickers in the NFL, so take the points.  I realize the prevailing wisdom is to play for the tie at home and play for the win on the road, but we entered that game in a position where we NEEDED the win.

Instead of a win, we are dealing with another loss and another conference loss.  I hope Tomlin realizes that we may not make the playoffs because of this loss.  What makes the decision to go for it on fourth down even worse is that we allowed the Chargers to march down the field for a ninety-eight-yard scoring drive.

Awful, absolutely awful.  I have stated many times that I am a Tomlin supporter, but I am having a hard time reconciling not only the decision to go for it on fourth down but the play call as well.  I also cannot reconcile the fact that our backups are just ‘not up to snuff’.

Every team has salary cap restraints, every team is dealing with injuries and every team is forced to play backups, but can we honestly say that our backups are upholding the Steelers standard?  Again, no disrespect to them, but, at some point, you either make a play to contribute or you find yourself back on the practice squad.

The season is not over but if the Steelers do not figure out how to start faster on offense and to not expose the defense to potential harm, the 2021 season will have been a failure.