After winning three consecutive games to put themselves in a position to clinch the AFC North, the Steelers didn’t just lose in Cleveland, they blew it. A 13-6 loss to the Browns, with a division title and playoff berth on the line, is a debacle that ranks among the worst “Tomlin Specials”.
The team was flat early, fell behind by double digits, and spent the afternoon in a desperate catch-up mode against one of the league’s elite defenses. While some will point to the failed 4th-and-1 in the first half as the turning point, the issues ran much deeper than a single gamble. Tomlin’s aggressiveness has fueled this winning streak, but the execution and play-calling from Arthur Smith on Sunday was baffling if not infuriating.
Despite having the personnel for it, Smith repeatedly shied away from the “Steel Shove” or whatever it is called these days, in short-yardage situations, opting for traditional groupings that the Browns teed off on. The low point? A 3rd-and-1 near midfield where Aaron Rodgers tried to direct a muddle huddle that ended in a Dylan Cook illegal procedure penalty. Whether it was the ill-fated fade away play to Scotty Miller on 4th down or the lack of creativity, Smith’s game plan was exposed.
It’s hard to fathom the decision-making late in the game. With everything on the line, Aaron Rodgers targeted Marquez Valdes-Scantling on three consecutive passes. MVS has nine catches all season and was blanketed by Denzel Ward. A clearly missed PI call from the referees only fueled the disappointment.
It was especially strange because Pat Freiermuth had spent the final drive carving up the Browns’ interior. To watch the veteran QB ignore the hot hand for the low-percentage matchup was baffling. The numbers don’t lie: Rodgers finished with a 64.9 rating, no touchdowns and only 168 yards.
The reality is that DK Metcalf’s outburst in Detroit, punching a fan and earning a two-game suspension, helped cost this team the game and might cost the season. The Steelers lost Darnell Washington during the game and didn’t have Calvin Austin III. Without them, the passing game was comical. The Browns didn’t respect the deep ball, invited the Steelers to take shots at their outside receivers, and the Steelers failed to make a single play.
If this team misses the playoffs, “The Punch” will be remembered as a franchise-altering mistake.
The backfield duo of Warren and Gainwell combined for 90 yards on the ground, but they were non-factors in the air. For an offense missing its primary deep threat, the inability to get Gainwell (3 catches, 12 yards) or Warren (zero catches) involved in the screen game was inexcusable. The one spark of creativity was a 29-yard scamper by Connor Heyward off a “Steel Shove” look, a play that should have signaled to Arthur Smith that Heyward needed more touches, not fewer.
The Steelers started out slow on defense, then figured out Shedeur Sanders and held him in check after the first two series. Defensively, Alex Highsmith was a one-man wrecking crew (2 sacks, 4 hits), and Jack Sawyer notched another interception. Without T.J. Watt, the pass rush wasn’t consistent enough to rattle Sanders early.
Cam Heyward put together a strong performance and led defensive line with five tackles, but he didn’t get much help from Keeanu Benton or Derrick Harmon, who were quiet for most of the game. He was penalized in a nonsense “roughing the passer” call.
The game’s only touchdown, a lame duck pass to Harold Fannin Jr., saw Kyle Dugger get turned around in coverage. In a game where the offense was inept, the defense needed to score or provide a short field, and they couldn’t quite find that game-breaking play.
Finally, what is going on with Chris Boswell? For the second week in a row, a missed field goal has loomed large. His 54-yard miss in the fourth quarter was the difference between a late-game tie and a desperate, failed comeback. For a team that relies so heavily on “Bos” to bail out a stagnant offense, this slump couldn’t come at a worse time.
The officiating crew was horrible all day and were once again directly involved in the outcome of the day. They had way too many questionable calls and of course the biggest missed call of the day.
The “golden opportunity” was wasted in the Dawg Pound. Now, it’s do-or-die.
The Steelers now find themselves in a familiar, stressful position: having to beat the Ravens to clinch the North and save their season. Will it be another ’24 collapse or will it be the first division title in five years?
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Alex Highsmith who had a big game and set the tone to get the defense back on track. Also Considered, Cam Heyward who played outstanding and was the victim of another HORRIBLE ref call.
Beer of the Game: For the last time ever, I went with Long Ireland Brewing Company; I drank King Keltic hoping to capture some magic from weeks past, it was no such luck this week. KGB went with Bud Light lime.
“Steel the Snacks”: We did “Steel Snacks” since we had done “Steel the Snacks” against Cleveland. It was a medley of sandwiches including Prime Rib, Eggplant, Sausages and Burgers. Solid snack given all the holiday food we had.
My stat of the week: ZERO Sacks for Myles Garrett this season v. the Steelers. It is clear the Steelers game planned to keep him away and for the most part it worked all year.
My thoughts on next week: THIS IS IT! What the NFL wanted, and everyone was hoping for, a meaningful playoff like game to end the NFL Season. You want to be the champs; you have to beat the Ravens. This is what you want.
Jersey of the Week: T.J. Watt, 90, special edition Black Out Jersey, it was a Christmas Gift!