The Pittsburgh Steelers lost 35-13 to the Philadelphia Eagles, extending their losing streak in the City of Brotherly Love to 10 games and 57 years.
When asked about his latest loss, Mike Tomlin cited Pittsburgh’s penchant for penalties, explaining that at times it was “Steelers vs. Steelers.” While conceding with respect Jalen Hurts 4 touchdown performance, Tomlin added “They were making those plays and we did not.”
- Yes, they did. And then some.
You can slice and dice the loss to the Eagles in a number of ways, but it all boils down to one painful reality: The Eagles are an elite football team; the Steelers are not.
Still, with the Steelers sitting at a 2-6 record going into the bye week, it is fair to ask, “Are there positives Pittsburgh can pull out of this game?” Perhaps, but only if you keep the proper perspective.
Haason Reddick hits Kenny Pickett. Photo Credit: John Geibeiler, Eagles.com
Varsity Offense Shames Steelers Defense
Three weeks ago the Steelers traveled to Buffalo and Josh Allen and the Bills hung 38 points on the Steelers defense in a game that was over by half time.
The Steelers defense answered by making Tom Brady look mortal, and then hung with Miami by effectively neutralizing Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill’s fast-track offense for 3 quarters. The defense the Steelers a chance to win against Miami.
A.J. Brown scores a touchdown over Ahkello Witherspoon. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune Review
So it was fair to ask, “Could the Steelers T.J. Wattless defense carry the team while Kenny Pickett and the offense found its footing?”
The answer revealed against the Eagles, and was a resounding, “No.”
- Three times Jayen Hurts looked to A.J. Brown from 30 yards or more than out.
- And three times Ahkello Witherspoon, Minkah Fitzpatrick and/or Terrell Edmunds was there.
- And three times Jaylen Hurts placed the ball perfectly.
- And three times Brown played the ball perfectly as the Steelers defenders didn’t.
- And three times the Eagles torched the Steelers for deep touchdowns – all in the first half.
To requote Mike Tomlin, “They were making those plays and we did not.” Yes, the Steelers defense did do some nice things. Cam Heyward, Malik Reed and Carlos Davis came up with sacks which helped scuttle a few drives.
But the Steelers defense only really got to Hurts one other time. Terrell Edmunds broke up another would be touchdown pass and James Pierre helped contain Brown. But that was really just window dressing.
Eagles running back Miles Sanders also caught them with their pants down late in the game, when, theoretically, a score and a stop could have put Pittsburgh back in the game. The Steelers defense couldn’t deliver.
It was not to be.
When a team scores 4 touchdowns on you without sniffing the Red Zone, you’re getting burned plain and simple.
Canada’s Offense Continues to Sputter
Kenny Pickett had a rough day. The Eagles pass rush got better as the game wore on as Pickett was sacked six times, including a strip sack. Overall he was hit 11 times.
- Eight weeks into 2022, it is hard to say what the Steelers offensive philosophy is.
Their 9 minute time of possession advantage would seem to suggest that its ball control, but for a ball control offense to work, you must to score. And the Steelers only managed to score 13 points, their lone touchdown coming on a trick play: A Chase Claypool pass to Derek Watt.
The Steelers did try to air it out more, but as George Pickens experience showed, they just couldn’t come down with the ball in bounds. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren both logged a few nice runs today, but unless they were running draw plays, they got bottled up at the line of scrimmage.
- And whenever the Steelers started generating some momentum, penalties would push them back.
Scoring 13 points against an elite defense is better than being limited to 3 points as they were against the Bills, but clearly this unit isn’t getting it done.
Fire + Fight = Hope for the Future? Well See
One has to dig hard to find reasons for hope after a loss like this.
- If they are there, they’re to be found in the fight the Steelers showed from start to finish.
If the Steelers 1 and 12 is as abysmal as it is – and it is – they were also 4-4 on fourth down attempts, including a fake punt that saw Marcus Allen gain 4 yards. Two of those 4th down conversions came on the Steelers lone 2nd half scoring drive.
Chase Claypool, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren all fought and earned extra yards late in the game when hope was spare.
Gunner Olszewski also showed similar moxie when he tried to pick up a downed punt. One might question the wisdom of such a risky play, but you’ve got to admire his spirit. Likewise, working as both a returner and a receiver Steven Sims showed the he could perhaps develop into a weapon.
- Can Mike Tomlin focus that fight and rebound out of the bye week with a few wins?
Time will tell. But for now the Steelers are 2-6, and the loss to the Eagles shows just how deep the hole is that they must dig themselves out of.
He hurts us so badly…
Let’s see what are the decisions that will be taken (and it need to be taken).
Even this season apart isn’t new for coach Tomlin (2013 season was similar and finished 8-8, that nowadays looks so far to achieve) this is the first time with a raw rookie QB.
The winter is coming
Very, very true.
Tomlin started 2-6 in 2013. But that started with 4 losses, 2 wins (including 1 over the Ravens who were defending Super Bowl champs) and then 2 more losses.
The Steelers were rebuilding then as they are now, but the difference is Roethlisberger. This defense, assuming Watt gets back and his fully healthy, was better than that.
But the ’13 offense also benefitted from the return of Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Le’Veon Belll etc….