The offense could never get going, the defense wore down and costly mistakes combined with injuries snapped the Steelers 11 game winning streak. It was a terrible day for the offense, going three an out on the first two possessions and never finding a way to convert on short yardage situations. After taking a 14-point lead, they could never again get it on track again.
Ben Roethlisberger was off target most of the night and the receivers, specifically Eric Ebron and Diontae Johnson had some big drops. The inconsistency of not being able to run the ball also played a major factor in the loss. The Steelers had FIVE shots at converting a short yardage goal line situation and could not do it. Leaving points on the field.
This played heavily in the last big drive of the game, with the Steelers tied and in position to take the lead, they opted to go on fourth and one, instead of trying a Field Goal. For whatever reason, the offense went with a deep pass to Anthony McFarland. Roethlisberger missed McFarland and the Steelers left Washington in position to win the game. They did just that. Roethlisberger had one more shot at coming back but a tipped pass turned into an interception all but ending the game. Benny Snell finished with a paltry five yards on eight carries. The Steelers finished with just 21 yards on the ground. It was a forgettable night. James Washington was the only bright spot racking up two catches for 80 yards and a touchdown.
The defense finally broke and lost two key contributors, Robert Spillane and Joe Haden. Both factored huge in the loss. With Spillane out, Vince Williams was forced into coverage and he was exposed badly, getting beaten on several swing passes to J.D. McKissic. With Haden out, Cam Sutton gave up the key third down conversion to Cam Sims in the fourth quarter that setup the go-ahead field goal. Washington had very little room to run but sloppy tackling was again a factor in the game.
One game without Bud Dupree and the pressure up front suffered. T.J. Watt played well, and he made several plays, but Alex Highsmith was never really a factor. Avery Williamson led the team in tackles but still looks like a work in progress. Tyson Alualau, Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt played well and Tuitt registered a sack, Washington could only garnered 40+ yards on the ground.
The special teams after getting back on track, again had a terrible day and looks once again to be a liability. Chris Boswell was out, so the Steelers “relied” on first year kicker Matthew Wright. Wright converted his only chance and both extra point tries, but it was clear the team did not have confidence in him. Ray-Ray McCloud fumbled for the second week in a row and any momentum he had over the start of the season looks lost. Marcus Allen was called with a questionable roughing the punter. It was a lousy performance all around.
The Steelers for the first time in 2020 have got to come back after a tough loss. A loss that could have easily been a win. It will be interesting to see how this team responds next week against a very tough team.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: T.J. Watt he was on fire for most of the game and finished with six tackles a sack and a forced fumble. Also Considered: James Washington who had two catches for 80 yards.
Where I watched the game: We watched at my Father’s house and got a little bit of a late start because of the early kickoff. We brought in Pizza from a new place and the beer of choice was BluePoint Winter Lager. The beer was good, the pizza was okay. No KGB Snacks…
My Stat of the week: The Steelers are 109-2-1 when leading by 14 points at any point in a game. The two losses were the Chargers and now the Washington Football Team.
Personal Stat: This was the first time I have missed the Washington Football team playing the Steelers in person in over 10 years! It is a strange fact and not sure why but have attended the last four meetings in both stadiums.
My Thoughts on next week: Look for a big bounce back against a tough Bills team. The feeling was the Steelers would drop one of these two games. I would expect a much bigger performance next week.
This week’s Jersey: James Harrison, #92 Throwback, this was wishful thinking because there were rumors the Steelers might bring Harrison back as a situational pass rusher. He is a Beer We Go favorite and would like to see him rewrite his last chapter with the Steelers.