After getting everyone’s hopes up last week, all of Steelers Nation came back to Earth on Sunday as Pittsburgh got blown out by the Houston Texans. Pittsburgh lost in all three phases and despite sitting at 2-2 seems to be more like the team from those two losses than the team from the two wins. Here are our big takeaways from yet another blowout loss.
The offensive line is broken
We can debate everything else but with as poorly as the Steelers offensive line has played, I’m not sure anything else matters. This group is banged up, lacking talent and playing with zero energy.
The defensive line is broken too
Even if Cam Heyward were on the field, it wouldn’t have mattered. No players on this group play with any real power or explosion and Houston just gashed them all game long on the ground.
Matt Canada got Kenny Pickett hurt
Ok, so maybe not directly but the 4th down playcall out of the shotgun where Kenny Pickett injured his knee was ridiculous. The team was showing they could run the football and so offensive coordinator Matt Canada goes all the way off script and ends up costing the team its one sliver of hope for a comeback.
Teryl Austisn doesn't get a pass
Fans are quick to fire Matt Canada but defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has been just as bad. Maybe worse given the level of talent, money and draft picks invested in the defense.
This team needs a massive overhaul
The level of inconsistency we have seen from this team is enough that head coach Mike Tomlin has to make some changes. Staff, personnel, philosophy? Yes, yes, yes. Wholesale changes for the confidence of the fanbase are a must. It is one thing to lose when you are trying to win but right now this team doesn’t appear to be trying to win at all.
