Steelers Defenders Likely To Be Hit With Multiple Fines After Criticizing Brutal Officiating

The Pittsburgh Steelers were handed their first loss of the season on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The AFC showdown started off ugly for Pittsburgh as they trailed 17-0, but the team fought back and only lost by three. Along with questionable coaching and self-inflicting wounds, the Steelers got no help from the officials. Star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was called for a personal foul on a crucial play late in the game, which led to the Colts going up by two touchdowns.

With just under two minutes to go in the third quarter, Colts' backup quarterback Joe Flacco threw a sideline pass intended for Adonai Mitchell. Mitchell purposely made no effort to catch the ball, and Fitzpatrick's shoulder collided with Mitchell's, but Fitzpatrick was flagged for unnecessary roughness. The Steelers' offense had just scored a touchdown and cut the lead back to seven, and the defense was getting ready to get off of the field. 

Instead, the horrible call on Fitzpatrick would lead to another Flacco touchdown pass, giving the Colts a 24-10 lead. Fitzpatrick and safety DeShon Elliott responded to the call after Sunday's loss to the Colts.

Elliot chimed in when speaking with the media as well. He was more blunt with his language and is probably going to get hit with some kind of fine from the league office in the coming days.

It won't be very surprising if both Fitzpatrick and Elliott receive fines from the NFL for their comments on the officiating. The league has no tolerance for players and coaches criticizing the officials, but sometimes it has to be said. The personal foul call on Fitzpatrick completely changed the outlook of the game in the Colts' favor. The NFL needs to do something to prevent calls like this that heavily affect the game. 

Despite the questionable officiating, the Steelers worked their way back, giving them a chance to put the game away with just under three minutes to go. Trailing 27-24, the offense shot themselves in the foot for another time as Zach Frazier snapped the ball when Justin Fields wasn't ready. The fumble pushed the offense back and ended any chances in a field goal attempt from Chris Boswell to tie it up. 

The defense completely let down the offense on Sunday. The secondary was getting torched by the Colts' passing attack all game, and multiple interceptions could have been secured. Prior to Sunday, the Steelers' defense hadn't let an opposing offense score more than 10 points. The 27 points from the Colts was certainly a punch in the mouth, and Mike Tomlin and the defense had no response. 

The defense allowed over 350 total yards, 133 of which came on the ground. Tomlin and the defense are going to have some serious things to work before their next matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

Steelers' Offense Started Too Slow, Once Again

Tomlin continuously preached his efforts on starting off hot this week, but once again the offense couldn't get going early. Pittsburgh's first goal was a Boswell field goal to conclude the first half. The rushing attack was non-existent, leaving the offense one dimensional. Once Fields found his groove in the second half in an attempt to lead a comeback, the quarterback had three total touchdowns. 

Fields rushed for two scores and threw for one, as well as throwing for a season-high 312 yards. The Steelers are now 3-1 instead of an undefeated 4-0. Pittsburgh will remain as the AFC North leader after this week, even with the loss. 

What are your takeaways from the Steelers loss against the Colts on Sunday? Will Fitzpatrick and Elliott be receiving fines from the NFL? Let us know in the comments below.

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