The Steelers suffered an embarrassing loss to their fellow Pennsylvania team, the Eagles. It was a plodding affair all game, and while some key turnovers kept it close early, the better team ultimately won. For a Pittsburgh team that was riding high, this loss was a humbling wake-up call for both sides of the team.
A loss like that keeps the team ripe for overreactions, and because of the influx of bad press, we are officially back to overreactions to ignore this week. There are quite a few issues you should be listening to, but in terms of these three reactions from the loss, feel free to ignore them.
Steelers coaching isn’t an issue
It seems like Mike Tomlin is one of the most divisive coaches in the league. You have a clan of people that defend him to his core and another that hates any move he makes. While a good coach overall, he was a core issue on Sunday. He scripted up a passive team despite facing a tall task against the Eagles.
Clock management continues to be an issue, but worst of all was his choice to punt late in the game. Down two scores it was a massive give on his part. It seems like he was willing to allow the loss to the Eagles and shift his focus to the Baltimore rematch. Teams will only get better from here on out, and decisions like that will prove costly.
Steelers can replace George Pickens
The Steelers have a major George Pickens problem, and it has been highlighted these past two weeks. The offense has been miserable both weeks without Pickens in the lineup, and the passing game has looked like a shell of the efficient unit from earlier in the year. It has become abundantly clear: this offense needs Pickens to succeed.
READ MORE: The Steelers have a massive George Pickens problem on their hands
Right now, that isn’t a huge issue, but with a looming contract extension on the horizon and lingering questions about his off-the-field issues, next year will be a huge question mark. The team has no options to replace him though, so it seems like you almost have to sign him to a big deal. He is that important to this team.
Steelers aren’t contenders
Pittsburgh did not look like a good team against the Eagles. The offense was extremely slow to start and even when they improved, they never really meshed well together. The defense struggled against one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, and both sides struggling was a recipe for disaster.
That said, this offense was without its top receiver, which has proven to be a big issue for the team. The defense was also riddled with injuries this week which didn’t help. Look, this team isn’t the Bills or the Lions, but they are a talented group right now, and I still think that they could be a surprise playoff spoiler given their tough play style.