Pittsburgh’s regular season is finally over, and I don’t think fans could be happier about it. That may sound ridiculous when considering how well it had once been going, but if we’ve learned anything from the Steelers, it’s that upward trends are never built to last.
A team that had once been 10-3 is now heading on to the playoffs at 10-7. An offense that had once been popping off in a way not witnessed in years has now gone almost a whole month without breaking 20 points. Heck, even a defense that had often been regarded as a saving grace for the franchise has since grown infamous for condoning big plays and open scores.
Speaking of the defense’s downfall, I cited it as the main matter I wanted to be addressed in the rematch with Cincy, saying that if it wasn’t, the Steelers would likely be bound for another year of just being happy to make the bracket. As for the offense, I truly believed that it would be good enough to keep up with some of the bigger fish as long as the defense came to play—but boy, was I too optimistic with that take.
Sure, I was well aware that the offensive consistency had taken a huge hit, but when healthy and operating without many careless mistakes, how bad could it really be?
Well, the Bengals taught me the answer to that question the hard way by completely shutting down the Steelers, keeping them under 200 total yards on the night. Not only that, but they did so with Pittsburgh having a relatively balanced tally of runs and passes, along with giving up no offensive turnovers.
In fact, the Steelers' offense was so far out of its element that the Bengals managed to win despite being on the road and only putting up 19 points—their least since October. How embarrassing.
Steelers are doomed for the playoffs
Now it is worth noting that the credit can’t all go to the Cincinnati defense, as Pittsburgh wasn’t playing great offensively to begin with (something that was especially evident in George Pickens' newfound allergy to catching any ball that goes his way).
Also, Calvin Austin III fumbled a punt late in the first half and, of course, Joe Burrow's gang was able to connect on big passes with ease as early as the game’s opening drive.
The bottom line is this: I had previously tried to establish some order in what Pittsburgh’s problems were, at least in regards to how glaring each one appeared, but that was foolish of me. The ugly truth is that the offense and defense are both in such disarray that they are seemingly incapable of ever getting back on the same page, and that’ll shine against anyone, not just the league’s biggest and best.
Therefore, the Steelers swiftly getting erased from the playoffs now feels less like a snowballing concern and more like an immovable destiny.
