The Steelers talked big, they just didn’t play big! Despite racking up 545 Yards of offense, a record setting day for Ben Roethlisberger and putting up 42 points, they were beaten to the punch all day by a tough and game Jacksonville Jaguars team.
Ben Roethlisberger, had a big day statistically, but he made two crucial and game changing mistakes that put the Steelers in a huge hole. The first was an interception on an errant throw to Vance McDonald that resulted in an interception deep in Steelers territory. The Jaguars converted that for seven points. The second, was a strip sack fumble where Ben held the ball for over eight seconds, that resulted in seven more points and reversed any momentum the Steelers had in the first half, putting them down by three touchdowns.
The plan for the Jaguars was clear, pound the football, keep the Steelers offense on the sidelines and have Blake Bortles throw underneath and avoid mistakes. He did just that. His numbers weren’t pretty but every time he needed to make a play he did it, including a wounded duck 45-Yard completion to Keelan Cole that Artie Burns just missed picking off.
The defense had an awful, embarrassing day. There is no other way to explain it. The front seven was consistently one or two seconds off on the pass rush. T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree were basically non-existent all day. The Jaguars constantly targeted Sean Spence’s side and he had no answers. By the time the Steelers figured out how to stop Leonard Fournette it was too late. They couldn’t force any turnovers despite several opportunities.
The Special Teams was almost an asset, making some nice plays on the return game as well as in the kicking game. Robert Golden turned in a big play on partially blocked punt to start the fourth quarter when it was 28-21. The offense wasted the field position when they were stopped on fourth-and-1 at the Jaguars 39 on JuJu Smith-Schuster play. He was clearly held on the play, but it was a risky call that didn’t pay off. Of course, the onside kick was a complete and total embarrassment and sealed any chance of winning the game. Little Bos literally hit Tyler Matakevitch with the kick resulting in a penalty.
It is easy to spread the blame around on this one. There were breakdowns on all facets of the game and that lands on the coaching staff. They absolutely looked unprepared for the Jaguars running attack and by the time they made the adjustment they were in a huge hole. The play calling was a flat-out disaster including two 4th and 1 calls that were questionable. It was easy to understand the onside kick call, but not if there was no way to execute it.
The coaching staff owns this loss and they blew a 13-3 (Really 14-2) campaign and will now have to see if the window is closed on this group of talent. Ben can’t play forever, Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant most likely won’t be back. It is going to be a long off season.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Not going with anyone. Despite some great stats, it was an overall rotten day.
Where I watched the game: After some debate, in which we discussed the long shot of possibly going to the ‘Burgh or going into NYC to the Irish Exit, we stayed home in front of a fire with the Tailgate Kids. KGB made a great #sign and several dumplings as snacks, including Chicken, Buffalo Chicken and Edamame. We had Sausage and Peppers for dinner. The Beer of choice was Sam Adams Cold Snap!
My Stat of the week: 45 points given up to a team, that scored 10 points against the Buffalo Bills. Seriously? How is that possible.
My Thoughts on next week: There are absolutely going to be changes in the coaching staff. The Steelers were embarrassed at home to a tough but underwhelming team. Keith Butler and Todd Haley are going to be under fire. The big talk about the Patriots has to stop. This team gave up 45 points to the Jaguars, that leads you to believe that the Patriots would have scored 100 points. We will publish next week, the season report card and the roster review.
This week’s Jersey: Steelers home, Ernie Stautner #70,