After falling to 0-3 this past Sunday, losing 40-23 to the Chicago Bears at home, many experts and fans alike have questions about this Pittsburgh Steelers team.
So who is to blame for this horrid start, their worst start in 11 years?
Some think it starts at the top of the line, with the coaching staff and front office.
Coach Mike Tomlin is best known for being the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl and being a “player’s coach.” But that was four years ago…
Another popular scapegoat is Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley. Well, who could blame the haters? The Steelers’ offense has been in the bottom third of the league since Haley took over.
But how much of this stagnant offense can be blamed on Haley? He has an impressive track record, taking QBs like Kurt Warner and Matt Cassell to career years, statistics wise.
Many people believe the problem lies with the offense in itself. And the offense lives and dies with franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.
To say he has been shaky is an understatement. Right when things start clicking on all cylinders, something always seems to happen. A change in momentum like an interception, fumble, defensive touchdown, etc…
However, this seemingly Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde offense is not just Big Ben. The young offensive line has looked suspect, the running game is non-existent, and dropped passes are continuing themes with this team.
But, what else could possibly be the problem with the Steelers?
Others think it is the seemingly aged and tired defense. The ageless wonder that is the Steel Curtain suddenly looks rusty and rippled. Not even a completely healthy and rejuvenated Troy Polamalu can spark this defense.
They sure do need a pick-me-up. The Chicago Bears put up 40 points this past Sunday. That is just third time a team has scored 40 or more points in a quarter century, the first since the Steelers’ quarterback was Tommy Maddux.
Obviously, this team has a lot of ground to make up. If they want any chance of having a winning record, they need to rip off a nice winning streak.
The addition of second-round draft pick Le’Veon Bell should give the Steelers a solid running game. And they will need everyone to contribute this Sunday.
This Sunday they travel to London to take on the Minnesota Vikings. Surely, this marquee match up looked better on paper before the season started.
Now the calling card will be, “0-3 vs. 0-3.” What a time to take this country’s game over seas. Maybe a different continent will produce better results.
