Steelers Drop Four in a Row Heading Into the Playoffs
The Steeles dropped their fourth game in a row following a 19-17 loss on Saturday night against the Bengals. Pittsburgh finishes the regular season with a record of 10-7 locking up a Wild Card spot in the playoffs as the Ravens won the AFC North. The Bengals are looking for help getting into the playoffs if the Broncos take the loss against the Chiefs in Denver. The Steelers will either finish fifth or sixth in the AFC depending on the outcome of the Chargers game.
There are major concerns for the Steelers heading into the playoffs. Losing four games straight, all to playoff-caliber teams, fans are worried about the team's recent play. Joe Burrow and the Bengal's offense exposed the Steeler's defense, throwing for 277 yards and one touchdown. The bright spot for Pittsburgh's defense was their red zone defense, holding the Bengals to just one touchdown. The major issue for the defense is tackling. The team as a whole has missed numerous amount of tackles in the last few weeks making it easy for teams to drive down the field. Pittsburgh’s defense is going to need to raise their game if the Steelers have any chance to make a run in this year’s NFL Playoffs.
Chris Boswell has been a major part of the Steeler's offense this season, going 40-43 on field goal attempts this year for a 93 completion percentage. Boswell went two for two on extra points and hit a 54-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to bring the Steelers within two. Special teams as a whole, have been beneficial to the Steelers all season, winning Pittsburgh multiple games. Special teams seem to be the only part of the team that is consistent.
The Steeler's offense has been a major concern the last few weeks which continued Saturday night. Russell Wilson went 17 for 31 for a 54.8 completion percentage, Wilson has been very disappointing lately. George Pickens dropped multiple passes only catching one out of his six targets, many of the balls dropped were in Picken's hands and he just dropped them. Pat Freiermuth has been a bright spot for Pittsburgh over the past few weeks. Freiermuth had eight receptions for 85 yards and the only Steelers touchdown Saturday night. The offense as a whole has been very frustrating the last couple of weeks. Wilson has taken many sacks he isn’t getting the ball out early enough causing the Steelers to be in long-yardage situations. The playcalling has been horrendous, with lots of rushes up the middle that are only short-yard gains, and at points, it seems the receivers are not on the same page as Wilson.
It is going to be very tough for Pittsburgh to do anything in the playoffs. The offense isn’t clicking and the defense is too soft. Going into the playoffs after losing four in a row and not being able to put up consistent points is very worrisome. Unless these problems get fixed, the Steelers would have to get lucky to win a game in the playoffs.
