Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was blunt about his team’s performance after a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. The third straight loss for the Steelers has left them reeling, and Tomlin said it’s not just one or two things that are going wrong – it’s everything.
The Steelers’ defense, once considered stout, has given up an average of 30 points in the past three weeks. They’ve also failed to produce a takeaway, despite forcing a fumble against the Chiefs. The turnovers that once defined the team’s success have slowed, with just three takeaways in the last three games.
Safety DeShon Elliott said the problem lies with individual players not doing their job. “Guys can’t be f—ing wide open,” he said. “Do your job.” Quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception in the end zone, and tight end Pat Freiermuth fumbled on third down, giving the Chiefs a short field.
The team’s giveaways have compounded the issue. They still have the second-best turnover margin in the NFL, but the offense has turned the ball over five times during the losing streak. Tomlin said the Steelers regressed in terms of their turnover culture and maintaining possession of the ball.
Defensive captain Cameron Heyward was equally blunt about his team’s performance. “The last three weeks we played like s—,” he said. “It’s just dumbfounding. We have to get it done on those plays.”
Tomlin said the Steelers are going to find out who wants this – everyone in the room has to want it – and that’s the only way they’re going to move forward. The team has two guaranteed games left, and it’s time for them to regroup and refocus.
The Steelers now have to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the regular-season finale and have the Baltimore Ravens lose their Week 18 game against the Cleveland Browns to capture the AFC North title. Tomlin said the only way they can do that is if everyone wants it, and that’s going to take a lot of effort.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43160222/tomlin-steelers-blunt-struggles-continue-loss-chiefs