3 things we learned from Steelers putrid loss against the Indianapolis Colts

The Steelers defense resembled a ‘shell’ of their former selves

It’s honestly sad to see the Steelers defense play the way we played against the Colts.  We couldn’t stop the run which presented a whole host of other issues.  The defense was on the field longer than it had to be or should have been. 

Being on the field longer than we had to be or should have been led to the defense giving up more points than the offense could overcome.  We always talk about playing complementary football, but we did not accomplish that goal in this game. 

Yes, we were once again playing without some key players due to injuries, like Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, who went out with an in-game injury, but we have been dealing with injuries in one form or fashion for several weeks.

Mike Tomlin always talks about putting players in positions to be successful.  I don’t think we have done that at least in the last three games, all losses, by the way, or for most of the season.  The Steelers defense has played a ‘bend, don’t break’ style all season long. 

Against the Colts, the levee broke, and the result was a loss.  It was not only a third consecutive loss, but it was another conference loss, and it was a loss that quite frankly we may not be able to overcome. In other words, the loss to the Colts may have decided our playoff fate.

Let’s see what else we learned.