3 things we learned from Steelers loss against the Cincinnati Bengals

The Steelers defense was porous against the run which was the difference in the game

I don’t even know where to start with the performance the Steelers defense turned in against the Bengals.  It’s not as if we didn’t know the Bengals would try to establish the run game.  The fact that we knew that and still allowed one-hundred and ninety-eight net yards on the ground is baffling.

Once it became clear that we couldn’t stop the run, the game was essentially over.  I dare say that if the Steelers do not correct whatever deficiencies exist in the run defense department, the season may be over.  Teams are just going to copy the blueprint the Bengals used.

This is now two consecutive games in which the defense has played akin to a sieve.  To say that trend is alarming is an understatement; To say that trend must stop immediately, as in right now, is not an understatement. If we can’t stop the run, we can’t win, period.

I realize that sounds very ‘doom and gloom’, but the reality of our situation is this:  We are a ‘five hundred’ team with one tie.  The defense is supposed to be the unit that keeps us in games.  In the last two games, the defense has been just plain disappointing.

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