BALTIMORE –The Pittsburgh Steelers want to consider themselves Super Bowl candidates and want to win a postseason game. The squad isn’t there yet, though, based on the results of their last two games against the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles.
The defense, which was expected to be excellent, is in terrible shape. By the end of the game, they had lost three secondary players and five defensive starters. At the conclusion of the game, the Steelers’ starting lineup consisted of James Pierre, Damontae Kazee, and Cory Trice. As expected, the Ravens destroyed them. Not surprisingly, Lamar Jackson threw it directly to Minkah Fitzpatrick, giving them a gift interception.
Russell Wilson made a poor fumble and threw a terrible interception. Like the blunder by Najee Harris in Philadelphia, those two plays ultimately turned the tide of this game. The offensive line of the Steelers is simply not yet up to par. This team still has a ways to go because of two injuries and the development of Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, and Broderick Jones. It becomes apparent in the game’s schematic section when the team’s color scheme is uninteresting.
Some strange plays are still being called by Arthur Smith. Late in the game, his tunnel screen to Calvin Austin III didn’t make much sense. Despite being a good coordinator, he is not very good, and his run game has flaws.
Since the bye week, the defense’s run defense has deteriorated dramatically. Elliott’s absence is somewhat to blame. It’s not all of it, though, and the Steelers must figure out a run defensive strategy that works. Miscommunication and poor run fits, both against the run and pass, dominated this game for a large portion of it.
Simply put, the Steelers’ secondary is inadequate. That much is certain. They are mediocre at best, even when healthy, and they really need to add cornerbacks this offseason. In addition to Teryl Austin’s mediocre system, the Steelers’ defense is merely good rather than outstanding as it ought to be.
That’s how the Steelers have played this season. This club can defeat a team of that caliber, such as the Denver Broncos or the Los Angeles Chargers, in a postseason game. But can they win four straight games and qualify for the Super Bowl?
No. This squad is not yet there, and in order to get there, they need to address their coaching issues and skill shortages.
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