Steelers vs. Bengals: Winners and losers from blowout loss

Steelers loser: the run defense

Another group that is quickly becoming a regular on this list, the Steelers’ run defense has had a fall from grace. While this unit was never as good as it was last season, the start of the season was relatively strong for this run defense, the past few weeks have been a miserable showing from this group, as there haven’t been many positive plays in terms of run defense.

Joe Mixon absolutely smoked this defensive front to the tune of 165 yards and a pair of scores. It isn’t like Mixon is an unknown to this team either. He has been one of the most efficient backs this season and is one that the Steelers have faced off against regularly. They had no answer for him though, as he seemingly ran at will against any front the Steelers put in front of him.

There isn’t a single name that is at fault here, but the usual suspects are certainly worth some blame. Devin Bush had yet another bad outing and was seemingly replaced by Robert Spillane until he was lost to an injury. The defensive line didn’t get much of a push and even Watt fell short of his usual excellent play. This group has to do something going forward, as the team can’t keep field the players that aren’t successfully stopping the run.

It was a miserable week for the Steelers, and this loss was a crushing one for the team. While the playoffs are still in play, this team has to play better moving forward and get back to their winning ways. This loss was a crushing one, and the team will have to make quite a few adjustments before they play against the Ravens.