With a chance to capture the AFC North title, the depleted Steelers got steamrolled by the Ravens 34-17. Not much has gone right for the Steelers over the past two weeks. Losses to the Eagles and Ravens have put them behind schedule. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh has to flush it and move on quickly as they prepare to host the 14-1 Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day for their third game in 10 days.

Steelers Struggles On Offense Continue

Without George Pickens, Pittsburgh’s offense has a low ceiling. It leaves Russell Wilson with no easy completions. Not having Pickens limits the playcalling heavily, throwing a wrench into the whole game plan. Missing out on multiple chances to trade for a high-end pass catcher is biting the Steelers. Wilson can’t cook with these ingredients. An old friend just became available who could help out.

Russell Wilson got sacked three times and had a costly fumble and a pick-six that sealed the Steelers’ fate. He threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns, but the turnovers were too much to recover from. The two touchdown passes found the hands of Mycole Pruitt and Cordarrelle Patterson, just like everybody had on their bingo card. 

The offensive highlight of the game from Pittsburgh came on a 44-yard completion to Calvin Austin that had shades of Tony Toe Tap on the sideline. Auston led the team in receiving, catching four passes for 65 yards. Pittsburgh’s running back duo came to play. Jaylen Warren led the way with 48 rushing yards and 44 receiving yards on 17 touches. Najee Harris only carried the ball nine times for 42 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. 

Lost without Pickens, the offense had nine different players catch a pass. Chris Boswell made his only field goal attempt, bringing him to 39 field goals on the season. He needs five in the final two games to tie the single-season record. While the Steelers chase the division crown, Boswell is chasing history at the same time. 

Depleted Defense Falls Short

The Steelers were a mess when it came to attempting to tackle against the Ravens. Derrick Henry rushed for 162 yards and caught two passes for 27 yards. Mark Andrews finally found the endzone against Pittsburgh. The Steelers allowed 34 points, the second-highest total this season. They allowed 38 to the Bengals but won the game 44-38. Minkah Fitzpatrick finally got the money off his back, grabbing his first interception in 26 games. 

Lamar Jackson passed for 207 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception but positioned himself closer to winning his second consecutive MVP award. He’s only thrown four interceptions this season, with two coming against the Steelers. Jackson finally beat the Steelers for the second time in his career. Fitzpatrick wasn’t the only one to get a monkey off of his back. 

The absence of DeShon Elliott, Larry Ogunjobi, and Donte Jackson was back-breaking for Pittsburgh in week 16. Joey Porter injured his knee against the Ravens, and the severity of the injury is unknown. If the Steelers want to compete with the Chiefs on Christmas, they need those guys to return. Jackson had fun attacking that depleted secondary. Patrick Mahomes will not be an easy assignment. 

End Of My Pittsburgh Rant

If the Steelers can get healthy quickly, they still have a chance to win the division. They have made life hard for themselves, needing to win both final games. The Chiefs and a Bengals team that could be fighting for a playoff spot won’t be easy wins, but a healthy Pittsburgh team has a chance. Luckily, they have already clinched a playoff spot, but a home playoff game is ideal. It’s an uphill climb from here for the Steelers.