If you look up the definition of 'sloppy' in the dictionary, you might find the Steelers vs. Jaguars game in Week 8. The Jags have developed a reputation for their blazing-hot starts to games this season. It's been the opposite story for Pittsburgh.
While these two teams are very different, one thing they had in common this afternoon is that they both had numerous botched opportunities thanks to the crappy playing field at Acrisure Stadium.
In the first half of the Steelers vs. Jaguars game, players were slipping left and right. Pass rushers like T.J. Watt couldn't seem to find any footing, while wide receivers and defensive backs were falling all over the field.
Diontae Johnson has slipped on two pivotal plays in the first half. The first time nearly led to an interception by Kenny Pickett. The second time he slipped, it may have cost the Steelers an additional four points as the pass to Johnson came in the endzone for what would have been Pittsburgh's only touchdown of the first half.
Steelers must improve their field conditions
Obviously, the weather conditions during the game today played a factor. It's been misting and raining all day in Pittsburgh. However, this field has proven time and again that it can't withstand any sort of weather conditions without notable consequences on the field.
In the first quarter, Minkah Fitzpatrick went to the ground with a hamstring injury and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. It's hard to say whether or not the weather or field conditions played a factor, but it's certainly possible that it contributed to the injury, considering everything else we have seen.
The worst part is that the Pitt Panthers didn't even play at Acrisure Stadium. This field is supposed to have fresh sod, but whatever they are doing, it needs to change. For a billion-dollar business, the Steelers can't have games decided by horrific field conditions.
This was one of the sloppiest first-half performances by both teams that we have seen all year. Both teams enter the tunnel unable to gain any sort of momentum. Let's hope that they can take care of the field after today and that we don't see another game with field conditions this bad in Pittsburgh.