Where to begin? Oh my, where to begin? The fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers are a team with so much potential only makes the way that they are currently performing all the more distressing. If the Steelers did not possess the talent to be a championship team, then I could "understand" why they are playing so horribly. But, the Steelers do in fact have championship talent; they are simply not playing up to their potential...which, in a word, is infuriating.
Since the defense has been the back-bone for the team for years, I will begin my tirade on that unit. Simply, Pittsburgh's defensive woes boil down to one fact: they can not get off the field on third down. For some reason, "third and long" has become synonymous with "automatic first down" for Pittsburgh's opponents. Every week, the Steelers stuff teams on first and second down...only to allow a long pass completion on third down.
For those seeking a solution, a lack of a pass-rush is a part of the problem. As is spotty coverage. People have pointed to the fact that LeBeau's blitzes are not well-timed, but in his defense (pardon the pun), the players are indeed in position...they simply do not make the plays. To be blunt, I have seen high school teams that can wrap up better. In case the Steelers missed it: the NFL is not two-hand touch league. In order to stop the offensive player, one needs to actually tackle him; simply bumping into him does no good.
Tackling (or lack thereof) aside, during the Baltimore game, at the end of the third quarter and most of the fourth quarter, the defense played like they way I know they can, forcing three straight "three-and-outs." Alas, when the game was on the line (in over-time), the defense faltered once again: the Ravens faced a third and ten...and picked up twelve yards...which was all Baltimore needed to kick the game winning field goal.
Sure, the defense played well in the fourth quarter, but they need to perform up to that level for the entire game. If they are only capable of playing at a championship level for one measly quarter, then any and all hopes of making the play-offs (let alone winning a Super Bowl) are gone.
I only wish my writing could could convey the scowl that has slowly crept onto my face over the past month or so. This team is better than the way they are playing...and it is sickening to watch such half-asked efforts.
Speaking of subpar performances, everyone wants to blame Tommy Maddox for the loss...and to some extent, they would be correct. Simply, Maddox can not play (nor should be playing) quarterback in the NFL. Maddox has never had a strong arm. But, a few years ago, in order to overcome his physical limitations, Maddox was able to make quick reads and delivered balls on target. Alas, Tommy makes neither quick nor smart decisions. And, when he does choose the correct target, his passes are generally off-target. And, of course, Tommy still has a very weak arm.
That said, as mentioned about the defense, at some point, the players have to make plays. It is too easy to blame the play calling, or Maddox (or Cowher for starting Maddox), but the rest of the team needs to step up their play...especially the offensive line.
The offensive line has been a strength for the Steelers for decades: they could open up holes and run on anybody...Anybody. But, for some reason, this season, either they do not have the talent to effectively run-block, or they simply do not possess the desire to do so. Either way, the offense will do nothing unless this unit improves. Simply, seventy rushing yards (which is all that Pittsburgh was able to amass against Baltimore) is not going to win many ball games...especially against teams that actually have a solid offense (which Baltimore does not have).
In short, the Steelers chances for making the play-offs are grim...unless they improve. Thankfully they have the talent to do so. Alas, the question of whether those players will actually decide to play up to their potential, still remains.
