Oh you didn’t read that wrong. Nope. Sure didn’t.  Despite stats, the Steelers lost 27-24.

If you just look at the stats, it seems there is really no reason the score should be this way.  Steelers owned time of possession 44 minutes to the Chiefs 22 minutes. The Steelers had 515 total yards compared to the Chiefs 282. Ben threw 42 times for 32 completions, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions – compared to Cassel’s 15 completions out of 30 for a total of 248 yards.  I expected Rashard to have a big day today, and he really didn’t disappoint (at least for Fantasy players)with 80 yards rushing and 36 yards receiving. In contrast, the Chiefs had 68 yards total rushing.  In other words, the loss isn’t in the stats. It’s in the big plays. And the Chiefs had more big plays, including 2 interceptions and the 6 on the opening kick-off return.

Where were the Steelers big plays? They were all negative, Ben threw interceptions, there were penalties, including holding calls, and once again special teams got burnt on the kick-off return.

When asked about the loss, Coach Tomlin said, “It was characteristic of the day. We were below the line in a lot of areas. I accept responsibility for that. What we won’t do is point fingers, what we won’t do is come apart. What we will do is get back in the lab and prepare for our next challenge and stand in the face of adversity. These are the kind of men we have in our locker room. I assure you that.”

I agree. There are a lot of talented players on the Steelers team.  Harrison, Woodley and Big Snack each had a big day which will go unnoticed because of the loss.  Heath had a big day, the receivers made good catches. I don’t know what the problem is. Seriously, I thought last week would be the wake up call with the sweep in the AFC North by the Bengals.  What does it take to get everyone “in the lab” to understand and be prepared for each game? What I am seeing on the field is not a playoff team.  It’s just not.  The inconsistency does not warrant a team that should have a spot in the playoffs – and there are still a lot of tough games to come, including two against the Ravens.  I have to admit, I am not confident that the level of play over the last couple games will win against the Ravens.  They too want a playoff spot and that battle will now actually matter.

I have loved the Steelers for a long time, so I know that it’s never pretty, and never is it easy.  But can we get it together so that Steeler Nation can continue to enjoy Steeler football well past January 3?

If not, I have said it publicly and I will say it here, if there are no Steelers in playoffs, I will support a Saints-Bengals Super Bowl.

C’mon Steelers, you are in a wildcard slot now, don’t blow it! You’ve done it on the road before, you can do it again…but give Steeler Nation a sign of hope. Come prepared and beat the Ravens in their house. Please?

Thanks,

Steelergurl

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