Do or Die: Why the Pittsburgh Steelers must bounce back now!
After two weeks of criticism and disappointment, the 11-2 Pittsburgh Steelers are in a dire situation that needs to be addressed. Due to a massing of injuries to key players and an offense that has ground to a halt, many are questioning if the season is over. I am not jumping off the ship. I am strapping myself down because I support the team regardless of how they perform. The ship has not sunk but there are some holes. After watching this team for over a decade, I know that when this team has their backs against the wall they do come out swinging. What concerns me, however, is how hard can they still punch. Let us look at that.
Injuries are part of the game and they have taken their toll on this team as of late. The absence of Bud Dupree, Joe Haden and Robert Spillane against the Bills was on full display. Alex Highsmith was hurt twice during the game and Cameron Heyward was checked on as well. It seemed that the defense did appear, at times, mortal. It is hard to perform when you are missing key players and you cannot catch a breath. Injuries along the offensive line on Sunday night included Matt Feiler (who was placed in injured/reserved for the remainder of the season), Chukwuma Okorafor, and Kevin Dotson.
Let us also not forget that the Steelers lost their designated bye week and have played three games within two weeks. It was evident that they would eventually break because no team deserves to deal with that tall of a task and be expected to keep every player 100 percent healthy. Not in professional football.
The Steelers offense in 2020 has been a rollercoaster. Why is that? They have a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback, a bunch of young, talented receivers and a decent running back group. If I told you that a team that has a touchdown ratio, 42 to their opponents’ 27, had an inconsistent offense would you believe me? Probably not.
The Steelers offense also has a 5.1 yards-per-play average. Those numbers are impressive, but numbers do not tell the whole story.
Ben Roethlisberger has been amazing this season in regards to coming back from an elbow surgery. Watching him as of late, however, makes me worried if something is going on with the veteran. His deep ball has no accuracy and he seems to be forcing plays more than he used to.
Is it also coincidence that the Steelers’ top three receivers are around the same yardage so far this year? I think that all of those issues lead back to one thing: scheme.
If the Steelers truly want to make a statement that they are not easy prey right now: CHANGE THE OFFENSE!
This check-down scheme is exposed. Both the Washington Football Team and Buffalo Bills have shut it down. Other teams were able to expose it. The Steelers need to get creative again. I have said for the past few weeks, we need to get back to under center runs. I get that the offensive line is banged up, but at least try. Also, trash the RPOs. It does not fit Ben’s style and it is a massive liability when you have guys who aren’t catching the ball.
At least try something new otherwise Steelers Nation will start grabbing the torches and pitchforks for Randy Fichtner’s head, and we do not need drama again in the Steel City.
Do I think the Steelers will get better? Honestly, I do not know and that is ok. They have a chance to experiment with the Cincinnati Bengals this week. If Andy Dalton (now with the Dallas Cowboys) can shred his old team’s defense, why can’t Pittsburgh? This next game will tell the tale if the Steelers can recover or if they are falling of the cliff. Time will tell.
