I understand the comparisons that are being made given “the Patriot Way” and all, but I find the finger pointing of the Steelers players’ attitude to be tiresome. Lev Bell’s contract disputes and tardiness on game day isn’t why they lost. The dude had over 150 yards, nine catches, and two TDs! If I were Tomlin, I’d think about sending him an Uber 30 minutes before kickoff if that’s how he was going to play!
Their offense wasn’t a problem—35 points (I’m ignoring the last TD) SHOULD win you a playoff game. No, the problems were defense and in game coaching decisions. Given their attrition, there’s not much they could do about the defense I guess, but if I were a Steelers fan I’d hope Tomlin learns from his decisions. They (he) seemed to be on tilt for the better part of the second half, especially on the second fourth down.
Beyond that, as much fun as it is to make fun of Omar Epps, according to that smoke-blowing Ringer article on the Pats, the Steelers have the second highest point differential in the league since the Pats started their run, and third highest since 2011. That means they are always “in it” year in and year out. How many franchises would kill for that?
Separately, while it’s certainly gotten better of late, I would love to know how Pitt seems to always correctly evaluate the receiver position in the draft. Damn, do they hit pay dirt every other year...