Steelers Defense Faces Historic Struggles Following Bears Upset
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2023 NFL season with hopes of being a contender, backed by a roster that carries significant talent. Moments of brilliance have been showcased throughout the season, such as their impressive wins against the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, signaling potential for greatness. However, the reality has been far more sobering.
Consistency Issues Plague the Steelers
At the core of the Steelers’ challenges lies a troubling inconsistency, particularly on defense. Despite possessing the highest-paid defense in the NFL, the unit has struggled to deliver a reliable performance week in and week out. The latest setback came during their nail-biting 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears, marking the fifth time this season that the Steelers have allowed 30 or more points. This alarming trend ties head coach Mike Tomlin’s career high for points allowed in a single season, a statistic that weighs heavily as they move deeper into the campaign.
Historically, the Steelers have only faced this level of defensive vulnerability twice since the AFL-NFL merger. In 1988, under the legendary Chuck Noll, and again in 2002 during Bill Cowher’s tenure, the Steelers permitted 30 or more points six times in a season. Given that the Steelers have six games remaining, Tomlin is perilously close to joining this dubious club and may even surpass it, achieving a negative milestone that neither of his predecessors experienced.
Challenging Road Ahead for Pittsburgh
Looking ahead, the Steelers face a daunting schedule filled with offensive powerhouses. They will contend with the Baltimore Ravens not once, but twice, as well as facing the formidable offenses of the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions. The Ravens, led by the dynamic Lamar Jackson, have shown that they are playoff contenders and present a significant threat. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to predict that the Steelers could find themselves on the wrong side of another high-scoring affair in at least one of their matchups with Baltimore.
The Detroit Lions, equipped with explosive talents like Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, along with reigning league MVP Josh Allen from the Bills, will certainly test the Steelers’ defensive capabilities. As these matchups loom, the pressure intensifies for Tomlin and his squad to turn things around and restore a semblance of pride to a once-storied defense.
The Steelers’ path forward is fraught with challenges, and the looming specter of historical embarrassment hangs heavy as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
