For the first time in 18 years, the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered back-to-back home losses after their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. The defense was depleted and it showed. The offense has continued to show little cohesion. It has been a very slow start for the entire team. The good news is, historically speaking, October is a much more merciful month for Ben Roethlisberger-led teams. It won’t be an easy October as they start a tough stretch on the road against the Green Bay Packers.
Like last week, Steeler Nation isn’t feeling too great. Back to back losses leaving the record at 1-2 going into the meat of the schedule is… less than ideal. Couple that with injuries (groin injuries especially) on both sides of the ball and the sweat is certainly beginning to surface. Per usual, there’s no time for spilled milk. Aaron Rodgers and the prolific Packers offense have well beyond rebounded from the Week 1 collapse against the New Orleans Saints. Last week in our "yay or nay," we went 3-2… not bad! This week it will be challenging. Without further delay…
The Steelers' offense eclipses 20 points
The offense is a hot topic. While some (many) may not agree or see the bigger picture, the offense is coming along—slowly and painfully. If you watch closely, there are just one or two small errors on snaps that turn into big misfortune. Certainly, some areas have been very inconsistent in play. However, cohesion and chemistry is a huge factor in football. It leads to better execution, leading to better play.
- YAY
[incontent2]
The Steelers running game eclipses 80 yards
Remember the whole small errors creating big misfortune? The running game has been symptomatic of that… Najee Harris got a few nice runs last week called back on a penalty. It’s close to getting there… but it just isn’t syncing in all areas. Some running lanes were missed, blocks lost, and blocks missed. However, the offensive line is showing signs of life—just not consistent and quickly enough.
- YAY
Ben Roethlisberger eclipses 400 touchdowns, Dan Marino’s yardage mark
It feels like a long time coming at this rate. But both the 8th all-time passing yardage mark and 400 touchdown pass mark could be eclipsed this week. Ben needs one touchdown and 213 yards passing. This is very doable—especially if our first two mentioned come to fruition. The offensive line has to give him more time and Ben has to make good decisions/throws.
- YAY
[incontent3]
The Steelers Defense forces two or more turnovers.
Two. Only two. That’s how many turnovers the Steelers have forced on defense this year. This can certainly be attributed to the rash of injuries crippling the Steelers pass rush. However, the Steelers need to force turnovers with more consistency. This not only gets them off of the field, but it also gives the offense potentially shorter fields the work with. However, Rodgers and company don’t turn the ball over often.
- NAY
Najee Harris scores his first career rushing touchdown
Najee Harris has a touchdown reception, but no rushing touchdown. The Steelers haven’t been great in the red zone when they get down there. This week, there’s little room for error. I mean surely they’ll get this opportunity and convert, right? This offensive line has something to prove!
- YAY
Agree or disagree? Click to comment below!
#SteelerNation
