Ok, that defense that let them score 16 points in 0.5 seconds ...

[Slapstick]

I agree that the Steelers' offense was below the line--they didn't score enough points. They needed to get another TD or two instead of settling for FGs.

But no matter how you slice it, the D gave up 16 points fairly easily in the 4th quarter. They were awesome for three quarters. Not so much in the 4th (Shazier's play notwithstanding).

Except, they did force a fumble that gave us a chance to win the game...

[raycafan]

Since Baltimore the offensive magic from the streak of games earlier is non existent. Ben is not using all receivers, like say Seattle, he has become to singular focused on one receiver, not taking what is given. But the defense is and will always be this season unpredictable. But they are far more exciting to watch than the more recent seasons. They really do fly around the speed from youth is what makes it fun to watch, has I choke on the lump in my throat watching.

[NorthCoast]

Yes lets just be happy.....Go Steelers yahhhhhyeeeeee
Mike Mitchell is pretty terrible in coverage.Plays so deep it's something i cant understand. Its like we play 10 vs 11 sometimes.
On a blitz i saw he was so late, AJ got rid of the ball before he got to the LOS.
Blake did have a decent game but dont get too excited about that INT that was an injured duck.
Mitchell continually fails to make a play on a ball because his head is down looking for the big hit.
Sorry Slappy if this deflates your rah rah time period.
This week Gay had cushionitis.

I agree pitt. I caught a few post game analysis and they commented they don't think Mitchell knows how to play safety in coverage. They say he often takes up wrong positions, plays too far off, and is too slow in reacting. They said they had no idea what Mitchell was trying to do on AJ Green's TD but he was basically in no mans land on that play.

[SidSmythe]

The Defense was victim of an ineffective backup QB putting them in bad situations.

[RobinCole]

Can't we be at least 51% happy until the medical reports come in?

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Except, they did force a fumble that gave us a chance to win the game...

That's why I said, "Shazier's play notwithstanding." Might want to check your reading glasses.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

I agree pitt. I caught a few post game analysis and they commented they don't think Mitchell knows how to play safety in coverage. They say he often takes up wrong positions, plays too far off, and is too slow in reacting. They said they had no idea what Mitchell was trying to do on AJ Green's TD but he was basically in no mans land on that play.

Mitchell was improved this year, but he's a liability in coverage. He isn't great at diagnosing what the offense is doing.

Steelers could use an offseason upgrade of 3 positions in the defensive backfield.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Can't we be at least 51% happy until the medical reports come in?

I'm way more than 51% happy. Gutty performance with some amazing plays vs. the Bungles.

But I'm also looking ahead. It's what a lot of fans on message boards do.

[Slapstick]

That's why I said, "Shazier's play notwithstanding." Might want to check your reading glasses.

I was merely making the point that you can't exclude a single play, especially when it is the biggest play of the game...

You have to take the good with the bad with this D...

[Slapstick]

Mitchell was improved this year, but he's a liability in coverage. He isn't great at diagnosing what the offense is doing.

Steelers could use an offseason upgrade of 3 positions in the defensive backfield.

I agree. I wouldn't mind seeing the Steelers make a serious play for Eric Weddle and moving Mitchell to Strong Safety...that upgrades both positions, IMO...

Then, I would like to resign both Gay and Boykin if I could, but I doubt that'll happen...

Blake can get on with his life's work...hopefully his playoff tape can help him land a job somewhere...

Perhaps a premium pick spent on a CB to go along with the youngsters, Cockrell, Golson and maybe even Grant if he can take a step forward in year 2...

[pittpete]

I agree. I wouldn't mind seeing the Steelers make a serious play for Eric Weddle and moving Mitchell to Strong Safety...that upgrades both positions, IMO...

Then, I would like to resign both Gay and Boykin if I could, but I doubt that'll happen...

Blake can get on with his life's work...hopefully his playoff tape can help him land a job somewhere...

Perhaps a premium pick spent on a CB to go along with the youngsters, Cockrell, Golson and maybe even Grant if he can take a step forward in year 2...

Holy crap i agree with ya Slap...LOL
Mitchell is not a ballhawk

[Eich]

Are you kidding me? The defense played well. This Steeler offense is highly, highly, overrated.

I'm not sure I'd use the word "overrated". To me, it's inconsistent and I'm not sure why. One reason has been Ben. He has games where he's unstoppable. Look what our offense did against the best defense in the NFL - the Broncos. Ben was 40 of 55 for 380 yards and 3 TD's. That supposedly was not possible against that D. But then he has multi-pick games against far inferior D's.