I have been a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 30 years.
When you first become a fan of the Steelers, it is a very bewitching feeling. The normal colors of blue and green, suddenly become clouded by constant visions of black and gold. It is a sensation unbeknownst to outsiders. The game of football becomes more than just a game, it becomes a way of life.
Although the loss to the Jaguars was not unexpected, the play of the team has left me somewhat bewildered, and that bothers me. They haven't played with a sense of urgency all year long. It is like they expect the victories to just fall on their laps. A once proud team that played with a vicious intensity, now has to scratch and claw for a measly 5 yard gain. The same teams they once dominated, now can't wait to add another nail to their coffin. The swagger is gone, and a way must be found to get it back.
What this team needs, is a Defensive leader a la Greg Lloyd. When he was on the team no one messed with us. He struck fear into Quarterbacks throughout the league, and messed with their heads. Quarterbacks never felt comfortable knowing he was roaming the field looking to knock their block off. With his presence, the Steelers were the Intimidators. Now they are the intimidated.
Another thing he did was to get on the case of the Offense if they weren't doing their jobs. And that seems to be the biggest problem with this team. No one on the Offense is doing their job! Not the Lineman, not the Receivers, not the Running Backs, and most importantly, not the Quarterbacks. This unit goes out there week in and week out expecting to fail. And they sure have been living up to that expectation. I wish Levon Kirkland would walk up to these offensive prima donna's and kick some butt! Greg Lloyd would have.
Someone has to step up and be the vocal leader. I'm tired of hearing how people are leading by example. I'm tired of hearing the Defense say it's not the fault of the Offense. It's a team game. We're in this together. Bull crap!
It IS the fault of the Offense. The Defense has played admirably all year long. The Offense sucks! Somebody has to step up and tell them that. Let them know that the Defense is tired of carrying their sorry butts every game. Piss some people off. I'm not sure if that vocal leader can be found on this team. If not, they better find one in the off season. Maybe then the team will start playing with the intensity I am accustomed to seeing.
I really do believe this team has enough talent to win. The desire doesn't seem to be there. I really hope it can be found before the season ends, so we can have some hope during the down time. Play offs are out of the question, but some good can still be found through the remaining 4 games. Playing with a little more confidence, pride, and intensity against Baltimore would be a good start.
This fast slide from the top has really left me bewildered, but my faith in this team has not wavered. It is still my way of life. I may not be smiling as much as I once was, but my confidence of a turn around keeps me going. I am sure they will somehow find a way to end the mediocrity. I still think Cowher is one of the premier coaches in the NFL, and he will find a way to halt this slide. Hopefully sooner, rather than later.
by SteelerGil (Dec. 4, 99)