The excitement about the Steelers’ offense was very short-lived. After hanging 34 points on the Jets just eight days ago, the offense was held to only 17 points yesterday in the home opener against Seattle. Aaron Rodgers threw two interceptions—including one in a goal-to-go situation that heavily swung momentum. The run game was still unproductive, averaging 3.42 yards per rush. And, naturally, those 17 points were achieved by Boswell converting 3 field goals and the offense only scoring eight points. The offensive line was fucking awful again, allowing three sacks and many more pressures, prompting me to call for OL coach Pat Meyer’s head multiple times throughout the game.
Do not get me wrong, though, the 31-17 loss yesterday was a dramatic failure in all three phases of the game. The defense got gashed. Despite forcing two interceptions by Seahawks QB Sam Darnold, Teryl Austin’s unit allowed 395 yards. Seattle converted six of their fourteen third down attempts, many of which were third and medium-to-long. Seattle’s offense averaged 6.2 yards-per-play, compared to Pittsburgh’s 4.5.
The numbers in the first half were even worse. The Steelers were out-gained 188-69. They allowed 127 passing yards to Darnold in just under 17 minutes of possession, yet somehow entered the locker room with a 14-7 lead. That would be the only lead the Steelers had in the game.
The pivotal moment of the game was one of absolute ridicule—rookie running back and kick returner Kaleb Johnson not knowing the rules of the sport. After the Seahawks kicked a go-ahead field goal to make it 17-14 early in the 4th quarter, the ensuing kickoff bounced in the landing zone, went through Johnson’s hands, and skittered into the end zone. It did not go through the back of the end zone for a touchback, but Johnson ran towards the sideline as if the ball was dead. It was not. Seattle’s George Holani made the heads-up play of falling on the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The Seahawks scored ten points in five seconds, seven of which came on one of the most bone-headed mistakes in the history of football.
When all three phases of the game fail, you are not going to win a football game. The offense was atrocious. The defense allowed 300+ yards for the tenth-straight game, a streak during which they have allowed 27.9 points-per-game. Special teams cost them a chance to get back into the game when the defense was on its heels.
Fire Pat Meyer—the offensive line cannot block anyone. Fire Teryl Austin—the defense cannot stop anyone. If Mike Tomlin objects to either, jettison his ass, too. There is no reason for either unit to be this bad. It is the same shit we saw last year.
The Steelers travel to the house of horrors known as Gillette Stadium on Sunday to take on the Patriots, who just put up 35 points against the Dolphins to earn their first victory under Mike Vrabel. Despite their poor record last year, they should not be taken lightly. It is quite possible that the Steelers will be 1-2 in six-days time.