As the remainder of the NFL played yesterday and tonight, the Steelers sat and watched as they attempt to figure out what has gone wrong (or a tougher question: what has gone right?) with their 2013 season. The team sits in an unfamiliar place currently, that is to say, the cellar of the AFC North. They are 0-4 and are coming off of a heartbreaking defeat in London at the hands of the previously 0-3 Minnesota Vikings, in which Ben Roethlisberger fumbled near the goal line just as he was about to put the finishing touches on a gem-tying drive down the field. There have not been many games in Mike Tomlin’s young career in which he has appeared visibly frustrated and upset at the team’s effort and lack of personnel.
Injuries have been a problem, as key players Larry Foote and Maurkice Pouncey were taken out for the season in Game 1 against Tennessee and others such as Le’Veon Bell and Heath Miller are just now getting healthy after missing the first 3 games. The secondary has been a bigger problem, as Matt Cassel was able to light them up for almost 250 yards, two scores and a ridiculous 123.4 passer rating last week. In all honesty, the team would have been better off if normal Vikings starter Christian Ponder had been taking the snaps. The running game began to show signs of life last week, as Bell rushed for two touchdowns on just 16 attempts. Roethlisberger had his best game so far this year (minus the fumble), as he found his buddy Miller several times and hooked up with Antonio Brown time and again on the final drive of the game.
There have been issues on and off the field for the Steelers, and for the first time in recent memory they find themselves among the worst teams in the league. It will take a heck of an effort for this team to finish at 8-8 as things currently stand. However, there have been some positive signs. The offense began humming again against the Vikings, and if Bell continues to get healthier and better with the offensive line, then things could start to fall into place.
The defense has some questions to answer as does the coaching staff, but that’s what this week is for. The team needs to look within itself and find the identity that has made it the premier franchise in the National Football League, and work its way up from there. This bye week could be the best thing that could have happened for this team as the Jets await next week. It could also be nothing more than a week off for a mediocre team. Time will tell which path this team will choose.
