by Bo Marchionte

Green Bay – Pittsburgh began their 2019 season 1-3, which duplicates the record they have earned after losing to Green Bay 27-17, at Lambeau Field. The Steelers were able to finish a respectable 8-8 that season while trying to withstand the barrage of injuries to the team two years ago. A different set of circumstances face the team now, but the record remains the same. 

“We need more detail in our play,” said a subdued Mike Tomlin after the loss. The previous week there was a rage in his demeanor after losing at home to Cincinnati. It appeared Tomlin was a little closer to the realization that this season may exhaust all avenues in a search of a successful winning formula.

“I’m concerned,” said Tomlin but remained steadfast in staying the course and sticking to the schemes they want to execute to the best of their abilities.

Things looked positive early, with Pittsburgh scoring their first points in the first quarter of the season. That first quarter drought stretches over nine games (including playoffs) and losing seven of the nine games played. 

“Detail and execution,” said Tomlin repeatedly in one way or another on why this team is misfiring on both sides of the football.

Pittsburgh had 11 drives against the Packers. They went as followed: Touchdown, punt, fumble, field goal, end of half, punt, downs, punt, downs, touchdown and interception. Green Bay had six straight drives that ended in points.

“It just wasn’t enough,” said a demoralized T.J. Watt after the game. “Just trying to do too much and it starts with me. Just trying to make to many things happen. You got guys down and just trying to make a play and sometimes you just go to trust your teammates.”

Sitting a full three games back in the AFC North, Pittsburgh finds itself exactly in the state of mind teams fear. Panic and pressure sink into the most routine plays.

“Guys just have to make the routine plays routinely,” said Alex Highsmith. “That is how we will get the victory. We got to be more detailed in what we are doing. So, splash plays cannot happen.”

Guys are thinking too much. Nerves are getting pushed to the limit as the losses are stacking up early this year. 

Losing creates such a negative environment.

During the postgame interviews everyone was supportive of one another, but it is the private chatter that goes on behind the scenes. Where this current state can wreak havoc on this current bottom dweller of NFL teams.

Let’s face an ugly truth the New York Jets matched Pittsburgh’s win total, with their win over the Tennessee Titans. 

That’s the company of teams they are currently associated with – Bad football teams!

“We need to look in the mirror,” said Roethlisberger.

Figured our what path we want to take. I know what I’m going to do. I’m going to come out tomorrow and give it everything I have. I just hope and pray that everyone else in the locker room does the same thing. Because I think it can be potentially easy to quit in a situation like this, but I don’t think we have that in this locker room.”

Ben is praying they don’t give up. Watt is mentioning that guys are trying too hard. Astonishing words to hear out loud. Those issues boil over and manifest into players (JuJu Smith-Schuster) losing control on the sidelines.

“It’s frustrating,” said Smith-Schuster about a couple dropped passes he wishes he could have caught. “I’m human. I have feelings and I was on the sidelines, and I got upset with myself because I make those plays. I never show no emotion on the sidelines just because I that I’m always being watched.”

I’m not mad the team. I’m not at the play calling. I’m not mad at Ben for making the throw. It’s all on me.”

Tomlin has his work cut for him. Facing the toughest strength of schedule, in 2021, this season may push the limits of his abilities and fail to avoid his first losing season.

Denver, Seattle and Cleveland are their next three opponents. Not exactly the remedy for relief. With a bye week sandwiched between the Seahawks and Browns, these coming weeks are the most critical this organization has seen.

A collapsed atmosphere of winning hangs in the balance.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt