After an 0-4 start that saw the Steelers decimated by injuries and looking like they would be drafting in the top 5, they have now won 4 out of 6 and are back in contention for the second wild card spot. In the Steelers latest victory, they shut down one of the best offenses in the NFL for three quarters, except for a 27 point outburst by the Lions in the second quarter. Most of the blame for the way the season has gone so far has been placed on Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley, but in actuality, the Defense has failed this team the most.
In the first four games, all losses, the Offense averaged 17.2 points per game and was plagued by a lack of execution and turnovers. In the last six games, the Steelers have averaged 24.5 points per game and are 4-2 in those six with Antonio Brown and Jericho Cotchery on their way to career years. The Offensive Line, which suffered numerous injuries early on, seems to have stabilized and has been playing better as well.
The Defense has been the biggest issue with the Steelers this season in my opinion, with Dick LeBeau somehow escaping alot of criticism. They have displayed the worst tackling ability I have seen on a Steelers Defense in a long time, while showing little ability to get to the Quarterback and create turnovers. In the first four games this season, the Defense gave up an average of 27.5 points per game during an 0-4 start. During the last four games in which the Steelers have gone 2-2, the Defense has given up an average of 28.25 points per game, including 55 to New England.
As bad as the Steelers have looked, they are still in contention for the second wild card spot, with a favorable schedule the rest of the way. Four out of the six games remaining are division games, with the other two games being against Miami and a Green Bay Packers team minus Aaron Rogers. These are all winnable games that could have the Steelers finishing at 10-6.
Even if the Steelers are able to pull this off, I believe that changes still need to be made. Kevin Colbert has proven he doesn't have the ability to draft a talented roster with depth. Running the table and making the playoffs won't hide that fact, and in fact may prevent the Rooney's from making the necessary changes at season's end. Either way, to see the Steelers run the table would be an incredible finish after a horrendous start.
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