The Steelers really had to tie the Lions, huh? In an alternate universe, the Steelers would be waking up Monday with a spot in the playoffs, despite their gut-wrenching loss Thursday night.
Instead, they’re on the outside looking in. It’s a shame, too, because the AFC North is up for grabs.
If the Steelers beat the moribund Lions Nov. 14, they would own tiebreakers over the Bills, Broncos and Browns. Instead, they’re behind each club. A record of 6-6-1 is quite unsightly.
Granted, it’s hard to imagine the Steelers will win out, meaning their tie to the Lions could eventually be rendered meaningless. They have games against the Titans and Chiefs on tap. Now way they’re going undefeated there.
But still, the Steelers find themselves in an excruciating position. Despite their mountain of flaws, they should still be a playoff team. The AFC North is wide open, especially given Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury. The Ravens have survived injuries to seemingly their entire defensive and offensive backfields. Losing Jackson, or even playing a comprised Jackson, would likely be a step too far.
While the Ravens briefly held the No. 1 seed, they’ve been far from dominant. It took them a miraculous 66-yard field goal from Justin Tucker to beat the Lions, and they often play from behind. The Steelers, lest we forget, beat the Ravens last Sunday. T.J. Watt owned Jackson.
The Bengals have owned the Steelers this season, but are also out of the playoffs with their loss to the 49ers. Baker Mayfield is still a battling shoulder injury, and will need surgery after the season.
The Steelers’ tie against the Lions was one of the sloppiest games of the season. They turned the ball over three times and didn’t score a single touchdown in the final three quarters. Their hapless performance was the perfect representation of Mason Rudolph’s mediocre run.
Ben Roethlisberger showed Thursday he still has some magic left. The future Hall of Famer was one sensational defensive play away from completing his best comeback ever. Too bad the Steelers allowed Dalvin Cook to tear them up for 205 yards and two scores.
Too often this season, the Steelers just haven’t taken care of business. It will be remembered as a year of blown opportunities, with the tie against Detroit looking worse by the week.
