The Steelers are in an absolute free fall and the ’23 season seems all but over at this point. Losing to the Indianapolis Colts and getting absolutely blown of the field in the process, 30-13.
It was a nightmare performance for Mitch Trubisky, whose time in Pittsburgh looks like it is about to come to a harsh end. His inconsistencies continue to plague the offense. The off-balance interception in the fourth quarter exemplifies his decision-making concerns. Trubisky through for 169 yards a touchdown with two interceptions. The underwhelming stats also reflect his inability to consistently move the ball downfield.
After a mid-season renaissance the run game once again has gone AWOL. Najee Harris had one of his worst days in his Steelers career. His 3rd Quarter fumble all but sealed the Steelers fate in the game and he was unable to get any sort of consistent production. Harris finished with an underwhelming 33 yards. Jaylen Warren faired slightly better but was still mostly a non-factor. He had 40 yards on 10 carries.
The defense was playing with third and fifth string middle linebackers and neither Mykal Walker, nor Mark Robinson were able to stop touchdown passes in the middle of the field. The secondary lost Damontae Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick on consecutive plays. Kazee was thrown out of the game for a nasty uncalled for hit, and Fitzpatrick went out with a knee injury. That opened the flood gates for the Colts passing game and Gardner Minshew picked apart the patchwork secondary.
The special teams had an up and down day. Bordering on the spectacular and the absurd. Conor Heyward had a blocked punt that led to a Steelers touchdown. Chris Boswell missed an extra point and then was not allowed to come out and attempt a 57-yarder for some reason. Presley Harvin was inconsistent as usual.
What has happened to the Steelers? They are going in the wrong direction!
It was and awful game on so many levels.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Conor Heyward, who had his first blocked punt of his career. That’s how far we have fallen, that this warrants the game beer. Also Considered: T.J. Watt who proves every week what a force he is.
Beer of the Game: Stuck with Sam Adams Winter Lager. The beer was great again the game not so much!
“Steel the Snacks”: Had the week off because we headed to a Holiday party!
My Stat of the week: Absolutely sickens me. THIRTEEN STRAIGHT running plays and the Steelers just could not stop it. Absolutely awful! It was also the first time the Steelers have lost at Lucas Oil Stadium and it marked the 100th loss of Mike Tomlin’s career becoming the 10th head coach to lose 100 games with one team. (Chuck Noll is the other Steelers coach on the list)
My thoughts on next week: It is a toss up game. The Steelers played strong against the Bengals last time out in Cincinnati, but they are soft in the middle from the defensive line through the safety position, that plays to the Bengals strengths.
Jersey of the Week: Franco Harris #32, Fashion Jersey. Keeping with tradition and honoring the passing of a Steelers legend last year!