Takeaways From The Steelers’ Aggravating Week 10 Loss

The Steelers used to be dominant in primetime games, but not anymore. They are 0-3 in primetime games this year with losses to the Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, and now the Chargers. They played terribly against Green Bay and Los Angeles. Maybe Rodgers is too old to play at night. It’s past his bedtime. They have a Monday night game against the Miami Dolphins scheduled for Week 15, but it could be flexed out. 

4. Unusual Struggles On Special Teams

Danny Smith always has the special teams unit firing on all cylinders, but they weren’t on Sunday night. Ke’Shawn Williams coughed up a fumble on a punt return that cost them. Chris Boswell is one of the best kickers in the league, but he missed a field goal that would usually be a chip-in for him. Once he missed that kick, Steelers fans knew the game was over. That never happens. 

3. Another Weapon Is Needed

Pittsburgh missed the boat on acquiring a big-time playmaker at the trade deadline, but somebody needs to step up in the receivers’ room. Calvin Austin had two unacceptable drops against the Chargers, and one resulted in an interception for the former Steeler Donte Jackson. It’s time to activate Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Throw the ball to Roman Wilson more. Somebody has to emerge as a playmaker next to D.K. Metcalf. 

2. A Lack Of Complimentary Football

Mike Tomlin’s football team can’t put together multiple games of complementary football, but if they want to compete, they’d better figure it out. The defense did everything they could in Los Angeles, but they spent too much time on the field because the offense couldn’t get anything going. The Chargers possessed the ball for 37 minutes. That is unacceptable. The offense can’t leave the defense out to dry like that. Figure it out. 

1. Rodgers’ Worst Game As A Steeler

Aaron Rodgers is far from an MVP candidate, but he has looked fine for the Steelers this season, until Week 10. He played terribly in Los Angeles, and he admitted it. Rodgers went 16 for 31 with 161 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He took a terrible safety in the first half and didn’t look like himself all night. It was odd to see him play that badly, but he will bounce back against the Bengals this week. He played great against them earlier in the season. 

End Of My Pittsburgh Steelers Rant

The Steelers have been an odd team this season. They have the best strength of victory in the AFC with wins against powerhouses like the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots, but they have botched games that should have been wins. The next two weeks are a must-win for Pittsburgh. They play the Bengals and the Chicago Bears. They aren’t free wins, but they have to pick up wins in both games before the schedule gets tough.