A disappointing 34-28 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon has the Steelers at 5-8 on the season and it’s back to looking towards next season.
The theme of the Steelers 2013 season is that they just aren’t good enough in all three phases and that was the case again Sunday. “Not enough playmaking for us in any of the three phases to secure victory,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said following the loss to Miami. “Obviously, there was enough playmaking by them”
*On offense the Steelers put up 21 points and were again plagued by a poor start, seven points in the first half, marking the 11th time in 13 games this season that the Steelers have scored 10 or less points in the first half. The Steelers also lacked a critical big play late in the game, minus the near miracle play by Antonio Brown. Overall this is an offense that is much better in coming from behind when they abandon the running game. Slow starts need to be looked at when evaluating this coaching staff and let’s forget this is the worst clock management team in football.
*A vintage Troy Polamalu pick-6 put the Steelers ahead 21-17 in the third quarter but this defense has been plagued by giving up long drives and big plays all season and that continued vs the Dolphins. Miami had scoring drives of 80, 71, and 80 yards in the second half. Daniel Thomas had 55 yard in the fourth quarter, the 11th play this season the Steelers have given up of 50+ yards. The run set up a Charles Clay 12 yard touchdown pass that put the Dolphins up 28-24 and prior to that drive, Clay had a 40 yard reception that setup a Brian Hartline touchdown for the Dolphins to retake the lead over the Steelers, 24-21. The Steelers defensively need a major overhaul and it could take a couple years.
*The Steelers received no signature play on special teams, especially in the return game. The return game has been a dud this season, minus Antonio Brown returning punts. Just not enough splash plays from this team.
The Steelers are 7-13 in their last 20 games.