1)The Good-The best part about this game is that it's over and the Steelers don't have to worry about facing the Baltimorons again until November 2. Also, they now have more than a week to prepare for the next opponent, Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, next Sunday night. Other than that, I don't see much of anything for the Steelers to hang their hat on. Demoralizing defeats like this will do that to you.
2)The Bad-Space and time limitations prevent me from listing all the bad. I'll have to hang the "Bad" tag on the defense. They did not record a sack of Baltimoron QB Joe Flacco. By not pressuring the quarterback, that does not help setup the defense to force their opponents into making mistakes. Through 2 games the Steelers have just 2 sacks and no turnovers. The veterans look "slow and old" to quote Warren Sapp. The youngsters look unfocused and lost. We knew that the personnel changes to the D would lead to growing pains but it's just painful to watch. Is it Coach LeBeau's schemes or is it the players? Maybe it's both.
3)The Ugly-Don't worry, the offense isn't blameless in this one. Especially when they haven't scored a touchdown in 6 quarters. T Marcus Gilbert looks like a revolving door as he's allowed QB Ben Roethlisberger to be sacked twice in each of the first 2 games. Ben suffered a brutal hit at the hands of LB Courtney Upshaw early in the game and was not himself the rest of the night. The offense couldn't find a rhythm. WR Justin Brown fumbled away the Steelers opening drive. The usually reliable TE Heath Miller fumbled over a late drive, as well. All in all, the offense failed to sustain any meaningful drives and put significant points on the board. The few opportunities they gave themselves ended in turnovers or settling for field goals. Where is the promise and potential that this unit showed in the first half of the Cleveland game? The cries of "Fire Haley" are sure to get louder if the offense doesn't start to perform.
Ugly honorable mention goes to the fans in the stands at this game that were wearing Ray "Wife Beater" Rice's jersey and the players that dedicated this win to him. This only reinforces my thinking that there are Baltimorons in Maryland.
It may be too early to push the panic button but if the Steelers continue to (under)perform, that button better be darn close. The coaches need to get this team prepared and focused and set them up for success. If the players don't take that game plan and execute to the best of their abilities, it could be another long offseason as the Steelers will be home for the playoffs. Back to the drawing board, boys. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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