The Steelers continued a disturbing trend losing to an inferior opponent in Oakland, with another fourth quarter defensive collapse and horrible performance by Chris Boswell.
The defense generated very little pressure on the last two drives and the middle linebackers struggled in coverage again. It was a total breakdown across the board by the defense. The secondary just doesn’t make any big plays and they are beginning to yield them again.
They were torched by Derek Carr for 322 yards giving up several big plays. The Raiders are the most sacked team in the NFL starting two rookie tackles, but the pass rush disappeared in the 4th quarter and Carr took advantage. It was an overall terrible performance.
The Steelers defense has given up 39 points in the fourth quarter over the last three weeks…all losses and they have surrendered the lead in all these games.
What has happened to Chris Boswell? One year removed from a Pro Bowl season he has become a liability. His performance is erratic, and he missed two field goals including the game tying field goal. He also nearly missed another extra point. If he played halfway better the Steelers would be sitting in the number two seed.
The offense struggled most of the day, but keep in mind Ben Roethlisberger sat for most of the second half and they were down to their third string running back. What was frustrating was the complete inability to run the football against a horrendous Raiders run defense. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Antonio Brown had solid days in what was an under inspiring performance.
This team is in a full free fall and needs to be shaken up. That is on the coaches and the leadership to put this thing back on track. How many times will this team play an inferior opponent and come up short? The Raiders are a terrible team, and this should have been a sure win. Again, that is a poor reflection on the coaches.
The season is slipping away.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: NO ONE Seriously this game was that bad.
Where I watched the game: At the house with the tailgate kids. The beer of choice was Samuel Adams Winter Lager. The dinner was Cheesesteaks prepared in the slow cooker and KGB hung around doing home improvements. It was a horrible game to watch.
My Stat of the week: A very dubious one…again…23.5% is the difference between Chris Boswell’s percentage from this year to his career. He has missed SIX field goals and FIVE extra points. It is the difference between the Steelers winning a few of these close games. (Cleveland, Los Angeles, Oakland)
My Thoughts on next week: Who knows at this point? The Patriots are a scary proposition with the way this defense is playing and they are coming off a huge upset.
This week’s Jersey: The first great Steeler, Ernie Stautner, #70 Home Jersey.