The Pittsburgh Steelers delivered an ugly performance on Saturday as they lost to the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 34-17. There weren't many bright spots in the game for the Steelers, but they were able to keep the game close for the most part. The Ravens didn't really break things open until the fourth quarter as Russell Wilson threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown just a few minutes after the fourth quarter began. The Steelers' defense also put forth a disappointing performance.
The defense struggled immensely on Saturday. The unit wasn't always put in the best position to succeed, but it still struggled to make plays and get the Baltimore offense off of the field.
The rushing attack for the Ravens saw success throughout the game as they rushed for 220 yards as a team, and Baltimore was also able to pick the Steelers apart in the end zone aside from an interception by Minkah Fitzpatrick. Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about his defense's struggles during his press conference on Sunday, and the coach was clearly unhappy.
"We should be better at this time of year." Tomlin said. "I was really displeased with the two red zone touchdowns for example, to the tight ends. It's just too late in the year to have guys running open like that to be quite honest with you. So we got some work to do this week in terms of shoring some of that up. Your ability to make people settle for field goals is significant at this time of year, particularly when it is good on good. Our inability to do that coupled with the turnover and complimentary discussion that I opened this session up with, is the reason why the score was what it was."
The coach was clearly disappointed in his defensive unit. They are the highest-paid defense in the league, and the group hasn't really been playing like it. The unit struggled against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, and that carried over into Week 16. The defense was missing three starters to begin the game in DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, and Larry Ogunjobi. All three players are important pieces, but other players needed to step up in their absences.
The two touchdowns Tomlin was speaking of went to the two tight ends for Baltimore. Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews each scored while they were basically wide open. It seemed like there was a lapse in coverage or communication on both plays for the defense, and some defenders even spoke out against their teammates after the game. It seemed like some players were frustrated with others for not completely understanding their assignments.
The job will only get more difficult for the Steelers defense. They will likely be without cornerback Joey Porter Jr. due to a knee injury he suffered in Baltimore. He missed the majority of the game against the Ravens, and there is still no clarity on the injury but he will likely be out against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.
Steelers Should Be Getting Key Players Back Soon
During Tomlin's press conference on Sunday, he left the door open for all players who were inactive on Saturday to return to the lineup against the Chiefs. This includes Elliott, Jackson, and Ogunjobi, as well as wide receiver George Pickens who the offense has clearly been missing. If those three defensive starters can return to the starting lineup the Steelers should have a good chance to take down the defending champions at home.
The Chiefs' weaknesses matchup well with the Steelers' strengths, as the Chiefs struggle at both tackle spots while the Steelers have the best edge-rushing duo in the league.
