Yesterday, we took a look at some of the best moments and performances by the 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers in our first of two installments of three up, three down. In part two of of the series, let's look at some of the worst of the past season. Three down: *There's little doubt that the secondary was a big issue for the Steelers and it will be a hot-button topic during the off-season. Only the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints gave more yards through the air than the Steelers dismal ... Read More
Three up, three down: Steelers vs. Ravens
All losses are not created equal. If you need evidence of this for the Pittsburgh Steelers, look no further than yesteday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens where over the course of an afternoon, the playoffs went from a likelihood to a pipe dream. That's because in spite of being heavy favorites against a four-win Ravens squad, the Steelers failed to show up in a game that will go down as one of the toughest defeats of the Mike Tomlin era and could keep a team many believed was a Super Bowl ... Read More
Three up, three down: Steelers vs. Broncos
Talk about a tale of two halves. In a game where the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) would stage their biggest comeback since 1997, a 27-10 deficit to the Denver Broncos (10-4) would evaporate courtesy of an inspired second-half defensive effort and another amazing performance by the best wide receiver in the NFL. The 34-27 victory now puts the Steelers are the right side of the playoff fence with two games remaining in Baltimore and Cleveland. Let's look at the highs and lows from yesterday's ... Read More
Grading the Steelers secondary
Looking for a hot button issue when it comes to the 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers? One of the biggest has easily been the play of the Steelers secondary this season, especially after one of the worst performances in recent memory this past Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers pass defense ranks near the bottom in a number of key categories including total yards allowed (30th) yards allowed per game (31st) and passer rating (27th). They also rank dead last in the NFL in passing ... Read More
Three up, three down: Steelers vs. Seahawks
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks faced off yesterday in a game that's outcome would have serious playoff implications for both teams. When it was over, the Seahawks did much to resuscitate their postseason aspirations, while the Steelers found themselves on the outside looking in for an AFC Wild Card birth. Russell Wilson's five touchdown passes, including two fourth-quarter strikes to Doug Baldwin, were enough to push the Seahawks to a 39-30 win over the visiting Steelers. ... Read More
Three up, three down: Steelers vs. Browns
Once again, the Pittsburgh Steelers had to rely on a backup quarterback to step in and get the job done. Except this time it wasn't Michael Vick or Landry Jones asked to come to the rescue, it was one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League. From emergency backup to a record-setting performance over the course of a picture perfect day at Heinz Field, Ben Roethlisberger was able to overcome a nagging foot injury to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a decisive 30-9 victory ... Read More
Steelers depth continues to be tested
The old adage "next man up" is one of the most overused sayings in professional sports. Unfortunately for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's been a recurring theme that has been applicable to the team time and time again. Le'Veon Bell to miss the first two games of the season? DeAngelo Williams, come on down. Subsequent announcement of a four-game suspension for Martavis Bryant? Time to step up, Darrius Heyward-Bey. Then there was Shaun Suisham's season-ending injury and the kicking soap opera ... Read More
Allen, Roethlisberger, Shazier all ruled out for match up against Cardinals
After speculation that Ben Roethlisberger might be back for the Steelers tilt against the Arizona Cardinals and former mentor Bruce Arians, Roethlisberger officially has been ruled out for the game that kicks off at 1 pm at Heinz Field. Roethlisberger had practiced both Wednesday and Thursday in limited passing drills and despite showing some positive signs, he will miss his third straight start with an knee injury. Fresh of of leading the Steelers to a thrilling comeback victory this past ... Read More
Secondary issues provide questions but few answers
After watching the Steelers secondary perform this past Thursday, I could not help but hear The Who front man Roger Daltrey passionately exhorting the final verse of their hit song "Won't Get Fooled Again" in my ear. "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!" Although I'm sure some of you reading this may not remember this classic tune, it seemed to be pretty fitting. That's because anyone who watched the Patriots surgically take apart the Steelers pass defense should get the comparison: new ... Read More
Steelers storyline No. 5: Can Shamarko Thomas replace a Steeler legend?
With Troy Polamalu now retired, can Shamarko Thomas fill the massive void left at safety? Being the player that has to follow a legend is never easy, and when you are an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers, there have been many legends that eventually had to call it a career and needed replaced. Who could forget the struggles of Mark Malone trying to fill the shoes of Terry Bradshaw? How about Walter Abercrombie for Franco Harris? Or more recently, the likes of Cam Thomas for the vastly ... Read More