As if Yinzers weren’t jazzed up enough already with Buctober in full flight, the Steelers tugged on their nerves in a heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London this past Sunday.

For much of that game, the crowd seemed to appreciate the subtleties of American football. They fell in love with Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson as soon as he burst for the first of his two touchdowns.

The Steelers’ defense kept the game within reach, begging Big Ben (the QB, not the clock) and company to make something happen.

Rookie running back Le’Veon Bell, making his professional debut, scored twice, proving his ability.

With the Steelers losing by a score of 34-27 with 1:43 left in the 4th quarter, and the ball on their own 22-yard line, fans saw a glimpse of the past. Ben Roethlisberger drove Pittsburgh straight down the field, getting down to the Vikings’ six yard line with 22 seconds left.

After two incompletions, they faced a 3rd and goal with the game on the line. Five years ago, a touchdown and possible 2-point conversion would seem automatic. But this year, however, it’s a little different.

Big Ben dropped back, being pressured up the middle. He panicked, scrambling to the right, before getting sacked and stripped from behind.

The Vikings landed on it, securing their first win of the season, and killing the Steelers’ comeback.

Now what?

The Steelers will limp into their bye week winless and frustrated. Roethlisberger said, “Right now, we can say we’re the worst team in the league. That hurts.”

Head Coach Mike Tomlin said that the players need to buy in and help this team turn around. “Those who don’t, ain’t going to be a part of this … whoever it may be.”

Well that seems fair. It is only logical that harsher penalties be given out than the prohibition of ping pong and pool in the locker room.