Pittsburgh got a much needed win Sunday night putting up 38 points against the San Diego Chargers.
The offense was clicking on all cylinders as Ben Roethlisberger threw for 333 yards and the Steelers rushed for 177 yards led by Rashard Mendenhall’s 165 yards on the night.
What was most impressive about the Steelers offense Sunday night was that they kept trying to score in the 4th quarter.
Also, last night showed Mike Tomlin doesn’t read the papers or listen to the media. Tomlin was questioned for not punting the ball late in the first half against Cincinnati when the Steelers had a 4th and 3 at Cincinnati’s 38 yard line. The Steelers turned the ball over on downs and Cincinnati got a field goal to end the half.
Against San Diego Tomlin was aggressive all night and didn’t back down. Up 14-0 in the second quarter, Tomlin went for it again, this time on fourth-and-inches from his own 30. Roethlisberger rushed for 3 yards on the play for a first down and the Steelers scored minutes later on a Rashard Mendenhall touchdown to the put the Steelers up 21-0.
While the offense had a breakout game, the defense faltered in the 4th quarter for the third consecutive game. The Chargers mounted a comeback scoring 28 second half points and got within 7 points before the offense put the game a way with a 46 yard Jeff Reed field goal.
The Steelers have now been outscored 45-10 their last three games in the 4th quarter.
Some of the Steelers issues have been related to Troy Polamalu being out of the lineup but some fault has to go on their defensive schemes late in games.
They are playing too conservative and older veterans like James Farrior are wearing down late in games.
With Detroit and Cleveland up next, 4th quarter collapses likely won’t be an issue but the Steelers must change their defensive scheme when holding onto a lead.