Three biggest takeaways from Steelers' 'TNF' meltdown

The Steelers (7-6) became the first team in NFL history to be over .500 and lose back-to-back games to teams at least eight games under .500 with their loss to the Patriots on "Thursday Night Football." Here are the three biggest takeaways from Pittsburgh's Week 14 loss.

Linebacker liability

The Steelers have seen several injuries to their rebuilt inside linebacker room this year, including two season-ending injuries to Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander. They have been left to mix and match with players who may otherwise be on practice squads or free agents, which has resulted in two big games for opposing tight ends.

Over the past two weeks, Pittsburgh has allowed a combined 11 catches for 129 yards and three touchdowns to Patriots TE Hunter Henry and Cardinals TE Trey McBride. Head coach Mike Tomlin knows they better figure out the right recipe sooner than later.

"We're minus some of our people in there and just trying to find the correct mix," Tomlin told reporters. "We've played some good tight ends, so that's kind of been a component of it as well."

QB problem

With second-year QB Kenny Pickett just in the beginning stages of healing from his ankle surgery, the Steelers are left with serious questions at quarterback. Backup Mitchell Trubisky's play was far from acceptable, throwing for 190 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

"I thought he got better as the game went on, obviously wasn't the type of start we needed," Tomlin said.

Now with a few extra days to prepare for their next matchup against the Colts (7-5), the team could consider giving third-string QB Mason Rudolph a chance to start. Although Tomlin said he never even considered making a change at quarterback on "TNF." Either way, things could get a whole lot worse before they start getting better in Pittsburgh.

Is it time to move on?

It's time to begin the discussion of the Steelers moving on from Tomlin. It will likely take losing most, if not all, of their remaining games this season for owner and president Art Rooney II to consider it, but that is a realistic scenario. 

If that happens, Pittsburgh will miss the playoffs in back-to-back years. The team hasn't won a playoff game under Tomlin since the 2016 season.

There is no doubt Tomlin is a great coach and several teams would line up to sign him, but sometimes a change of scenery is all that's needed. That may be the case for Tomlin and the Steelers.