Behind the Steel Curtain
In August of 2022, then-AEW Champion Jon Moxley cut a promo on CM Punk, with the now-infamous tagline being four words: “Weak mind, weak spirit.”
Who knew that those words would also perfectly encapsulate the Pittsburgh Steelers?
After taking a 16-7 lead into halftime against the Green Bay Packers, the Steelers allowed 28 second-half points, 21 of which came in the fourth quarter, in a 35-25 loss. Those 35 points are the most that Pittsburgh has allowed this season, and it marks the fourth time an opponent has scored 30+ in a game.
Things started great for Pittsburgh. They held the Packers to a three-and-out to start the game and put up three points on their first drive, as Chris Boswell made his first of four field goals – three of which were from 50+ yards. The Steelers put a bow on their first half work with Aaron Rodgers connecting with DK Metcalf to put the Steelers up 16-7. After that, though, Green Bay took over the game.
Tucker Kraft ran through the Steelers’ defense, catching seven passes for a Week 7-high 143 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Love had his best game of the year, going 29-of-37 for 360 yards and three touchdowns while also completing 20 consecutive passes. Pittsburgh gave up multiple deep completions. Kraft had catches of 59 and 24 yards, Christian Watson had a 33-yard catch that led to a Savion Williams touchdown, and Romeo Doubs had a 24-yard reception. Green Bay took whatever they wanted, similarly to the Bengals. While they had explosives, most of Love’s passes were underneath throws in which his receivers picked up big yards after the catch because the Steelers continues to miss tackles. Green Bay ended the night with 454 yards of offense on 7.2 yards per play.
Offensively, the Steelers were completely shut down after the half. Before their final touchdown drive, when the game was all but over, Pittsburgh put up 38 net yards of offense in the second half. They converted just one third down on 10 tries all game, and their average third-down yards to gain was north of 10. If the Steelers got behind schedule on first down, the drive was cooked. They ran the ball well, averaging over five yards per carry, but got away from that for reasons unknown.
After two consecutive games without being sacked, Aaron Rodgers was under pressure all night and was sacked three times. He put together a solid performance, throwing for 216 yards and two touchdowns, but the offense was largely let down by its defense. That’s not to say the offense had a great night, but when 25 points are put on the board, the highest-paid defense in the NFL should be able to hold up its end of the bargain – something they’ve failed to do all season.
Once again, it’s evident that change is needed for the Steelers. Like James Franklin at Penn State, or even Mike Sullivan with the Pittsburgh Penguins, sometimes you just...
