Is Time Running Out For The Steelers?

     It's been hard to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers lately. Before the season started, I had them winning against the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders and the Tennessee Titans. I also thought the defense would be the reason we won. The Steelers are now 2-3 and in third place in the AFC North. Although the games were mostly close, the Steelers couldn't hold a lead in the fourth quarter.

     I know we have suffered injuries this season, but the amount of penalties, bad play calling and missed opportunities has made them a mediocre team. As Steelers fans we just want to see smart, tough, aggressive play. Show a little enthusiasm and play as a unit. They've proven they can play with anyone, but can they finish? It's not quite time to panic, but time could be running out for the Steelers if they don;t get it together soon!

Penalize Refs Steelers 35 Raider 3

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a nice bounce back win against an Oakland Raiders team that was tied for the lead in the AFC West. Although the Steelers offense scored 35 points and the defense allowed only 3, the game was riddled with penalties. Some of the penalties were pretty ticky-tack and at least two were ridiculous. Five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour was ejected for punching Big Ben in the face.

I know the NFL is trying to crack down on malicious hits, but now they're calling routine defensive stop as blatant, vicious and intentional. When does it begin to breakdown the integrity and intensity of the game? I'm beginning to agree with former Steelers linebacker, Jack Lambert who said "You might as well put skirts on the quarterbacks".

The Steelers set a franchise record of 163 yards in penalties, while the Raiders had only 183 yards of offense. Give credit to the Pittsburgh Steelers toughness as they overcame the penalties and continued to play aggressively. This game was played the way Steeler fans expect their team to play, minus the refferees' total lack of discretion. Maybe the league should penalize the NFL refs after they review this game!