The Good-Truth be told, Mrs. Black-N-Gold didn't even expect the Steelers to finish as good as they did. She thought it was a stretch for them to go 10-6 this season, let alone 11-5 and win the AFC North title. And although QB Ben Roethlisberger had a very sub-par game, going 31 of 45 for 334 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions for a 79.3 passer rating, Ben did put together a Pro Bowl season. As did WR Antonio (Best WR in the NFL) Brown, RB Le'Veon (Team MVP) Bell and C Maurkice Pouncey. Kudos to those gentleman for their wonderful seasons. Also, take heart, Black-N-Gold Lovers, 11-5 is certainly something to build on for next season. Don't forget some of the youngsters who came on during the year to make the future look bright: WR Martavis Bryant, DL Stephon Tuitt, LB Vince Williams, and CR Antwon Blake.
The Bad-Unfortunately, there was plenty of "bad" to go around. After looking so good in the final games of the regular season, both the offensive line and the defense fell apart. The O-Line surrendered 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 5 QB hits. It seemed like they regressed. Speaking of regressing, the offense that pasted Baltimore back in November could only muster 1 touchdown in this playoff tilt. True, they were without Bell, but what happened to the next man up mentality? The Steelers could never get the running game going, turned the ball over and could not get open against a banged-up Baltimore secondary. The defense was no better. Missed tackles and ridiculous penalties allowed the Baltimorons to score on the Steelers at will. The coaching also placed the Steelers in a precarious position as they were playing not to lose, instead of playing to win.
The Ugly-Mrs. Black-N-Gold can't help but wonder what could have been. Had the Steelers not suffered ugly losses to Cleveland, Tampa Bay, the Jets and New Orleans earlier in the season, they could have secured themselves a bye week and we wouldn't have suffered through last night's indignity. Losing ugly to losing teams is a hideous trait for a football. The Steelers have worn their inconsistency like a badge of honor for far too many seasons. The organization, the coaching staff and the players are all responsible. It's time for a makeover. Not necessarily a major overhaul, but something definitely needs to be done to correct this blemish on the face of the franchise.
In closing, the Steelers now must go forward without some of the many greats who helped them to 2 Lombardi trophies. Prepare for some changes in the offseason. S Troy Polamalu, CB Ike Taylor, LB James Harrison and DL Brett Keisel may have all played their last games in Black-N-Gold. TE Heath Miller may not be far behind. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau may make way for some new blood, too. There are also those who didn't contribute enough during their tenure to warrant a return. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley, S Mike Mitchell, LB Jason Worilds, DL Cam Thomas, OL Marcus Gilbert, OL Mike Adams and CB Cortez Allen may want to update their resumes.
The Steeler do have a foundation on which to build. The defense has LB Lawrence Timmons, and DL Cam Heyward. The offense has Bell, Brown, Bryant, Pouncey, OL Ramon Foster and OL Kelvin Beachum. The Steelers are expected to bring back Roethisberger, as well. There are also players that need to decide whether they're a boon for the Steelers or a bust. I'm talking to you LB Jarvis Jones, WR Markus Wheaton and LB Ryan Shazier. It's sad to see the season end but excitement is in the air for what lies ahead. Let's wipe away our tears with our Terrible Towels and wave them wide and high next year. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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