Steelers Could Be Headed Towards Locker Room Collapse

The Steelers fought for a late lead, thanks to a 68-yard touchdown from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to tight end Pat Freiermuth, but Flacco and the Bengals used the final 2:21 remaining to set up the winning field goal, taking it 33-31.

Pittsburgh also had a 16-7 lead at halftime against the Packers, then failed defensively, as Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 20 straight passes and led the road team to four toucdowns in the eventual 35-25 defeat.

The Steelers then gave up 325 passing yards and three touchdowns to quarterback Caleb Williams in their most recent defeat to the Chicago Bears, 31-28 at Soldier Field in Week 12.

Frustrating Defensive Play Leads to Internal Issues

Ray Fittipaldo spoke on the North Shore Drive podcast noted how the locker room felt after the defeat

He referenced Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen noted scheme changes that caused problems and edge rusher T.J. Watt seemed tired about answering the same questions on why they struggled defensively.

“It’s not a pissed-off locker room anymore, it’s almost a locker room of resignation,” Fittipaldo said. “It’s almost like they realize they can’t fix what’s going on, or they’re unable to fix what’s going on. I don’t see this getting much better over the final six games of the regular season.”

Is All Hope Lost for the Steelers Defense?

The Steelers have simply not played well enough on defense this season for the amount of money they spend and the players they have on that side of the ball.

A defense that boasts the likes of defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, safety Jalen Ramsey, linebackers in Alex Highsmith and Queen, plus Watt, should not play as poorly as they have in certain games.

Fittipaldo also noted that the Steelers have allowed 30 points in a game five times this season, tied for the most under head coach Mike Tomlin, last doing so in 2013. Their 23.9 points allowed per game is trending towards the worst since 1988, when they finished 5-11.

The Steelers have had good performances on defense, such as forcing five turnovers in the 21-18 road win over the New England Patriots in Week 2

Pittsburgh also held the best offense in the NFL in the Indianapolis Colts to just 20 points and forced three interceptions from quarterback Daniel Jones in the 27-20 home win in Week 9. They then rebounded vs. the Bengals and held them to just 12 points in a home win in Week 11.

The Steelers will have some great quarterbacks they'll face, including Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills in Week 13, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens twice in Week 14 and Week 18, plus a strong Detroit Lions' offense on the road in Week 16.

Pittsburgh has players with Hall of Fame pedigree and years of experience, but if they want to fend off the Ravens, who are now tied with them in the AFC North Division standings, they'll need their defense to step up once again.