The day has finally arrived: the Bengals are a better team than the Steelers. And, I do not care that Pittsburgh split the regular season with Cincinnati: that was six weeks ago. In the first game, the Steelers did indeed show the Bengals who was the better team. Alas, the two teams have headed in different directions since that time: the Bengals are soaring, while the Steelers are swirling around the drain.
One could blame Ben Roethlisberger and his three interceptions for the loss...but, I will not. Ben posted excellent numbers: 29 of 41 passing, for 386 yards and three touchdowns. Of course I am well aware that the interceptions played a role in the loss: I am not saying that they are not. What I am saying is that Ben was forced to throw...a lot...with two bad knees...and a bad thumb...and he still put up good numbers. For those wondering why an obviously hobbled quarterback would be asked to throw that many times, the answer is simple: the running game was nonexistent...once again. I blame this ineffectiveness (95 total rushing yards) solely on the offensive line.
Speaking of the offensive line, for as much flack as Max Starks takes from Steelers fans, it seems to me that all of the long runs in this game (and all year) have been to the right side...Stark's side. Additionally, Kendall Simmons is on that side, which means that Starks is having to make up for Simmons' miscues. In other words, while Starks is not the problem, Simmons most definitely is. As I have said before: plug Chris Kemoeatu in at right guard. Not only does it send a message to the rest of the team (i.e. nobody's job is safe), it might just be the spark that the offense needs.
Look at the spark that Bryant McFadden has every time he steps onto the field. Speaking of which, why are we not seeing more of Bryant McFadden? In my opinion, simply, the kid is a play-maker...and, Pittsburgh's defense needs a few play-makers: the omnipresent Troy Polamalu can not do it all on his own.
Alas, in Sunday's game, not even Polamalu could not get it done. On Cincinnati's last possession, Troy should have intercepted and returned an errant pass for a game-tying touchdown. Instead, Troy dropped the ball...which is a metaphor for the way Pittsburgh's season is going.
Back to the defensive woes. I might be accused of sounding like a broken record, but the defense needs to learn to tackle. Memo to the Pittsburgh Steelers: swiping at opponents as they gash you for seven yards is not sound defense. In fact, that kind of defense allowed the Bengals to score 38 points. And, for those who feel that the shortened field made it easier for the Bengals to score, I provide the following counter-point: Pittsburgh's attitude on defense...or lack thereof. After Tab Perry returned a kick-off at the 4 yard-line, the Bengals scored on the first play from scrimmage: it appeared as though the Steelers had given up. In years past, Pittsburgh would have forced the opponent to kick a field goal. Simply, Pittsburgh's attitude needs a kick in the derriere.
Still, as badly as Pittsburgh played, they were in the game until the final series. Similarly, the Steelers possess the ability to correct their mistakes. Again, an attitude adjustment needs to be made: the players need to start playing up to their full potential.
Speaking of playing well, here is an idea to mull over: What if in years past, the Steelers "peaked" too early? For example, last season, Pittsburgh reached their apex in the middle of the season, when they beat New England and Philadelphia in back to back weeks. Then, the Steelers fizzled during the play-offs. Maybe, the Steelers are floundering now, only to hit their stride come January. Then, again, maybe that is simply the undying optimist in me. In short, I just hope that the Steelers possess the wherewithal to correct the current funk they are in; otherwise, I do not see them winning another game this season.
