Last week I talked about how the Steelers seemed to have found their identity. This week finds them still hopelessly looking for it.
Not only were the Black & Gold never in the game, they were humiliated in their own house. Eddie George was unstoppable as he rumbled for 153 yards. At no point in the game did it appear that the Steelers could control him. On the other side of the field, Jerome Bettis was held to his lowest output in a Pittsburgh uniform. A team that prides itself in running the football, and shutting it down on defense, found themselves on the wrong side of the coin on this forgettable day.
When the statistics of the game are looked at, you would think this was a blowout in the Steelers favor. Courtney Hawkins set a Steeler record with 14 receptions. He also had a touchdown. C.J. added another 9 receptions for 115 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kordell was 23-32 for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns. But his 3 interceptions were his undoing.
I, for one, will not buy into the argument that Tomczac should be the starter. Kordell is one of the most talented athletes in the game today, and he needs time to get out of his slump. Apart from the mental lapses on the interceptions, he had a pretty good day. I blame the majority of his mistakes on an offensive line that seems to be using different personnel every game. If the team ever gets some stability out of this unit, I think you will see Kordell's problems disappear. Mind you, Tomczac did play exceedingly well, and he did give the faithful hope for a comeback, but I think the Oilers were so far ahead that their intensity had diminished.
Too much has been made out of the lack of output by the Steeler offense this year. The term has always been "winning ugly". I think they would trade their offensive outburst for an ugly win anyday. This Steeler offense lives and dies by the run. Controlling the game, and the clock, is what makes this team tick. On Sunday, they were a victim to a team that shoved their own philosophy down their throats.
Special teams was still a joy to watch, as they had 2 successfull onside kicks. Too bad none resulted in any points. In hindsite, maybe Cowher should have tried for the first down instead of having Norm Johnson attempt a 52 yarder. The field goal that came up short stopped any momentum previously gained by the bold onside kick. But you can't really blame the call. It was a kick Johnson should have made. 3 points would have put the team right back in the game.
Next weeks game should let us know if this team has hope for the post season. If the team can pull up their socks, and somehow slip by the Packers on Monday night, it just might give them the confidence to go payback the Oilers in Tennessee the following week.
Any hope for the rest of the season rides on our defense getting healthy, and putting this debacle behind them.
