The "rose colored glasses" can now be officially taken off. The promises that the
previous four games brought, have been broken. The hopes of a progressively
improving Offense, have been shattered. Optimism, has turned to pessimism. Joy,
has turned to sorrow. Arrogance, has turned to humbleness. The alarm is sounding,
and they must find a way to shut it off.
Losing to the Cleveland Browns will do that.
Although the mathematics say the Steelers still have a shot at the playoffs, in reality, they are not deserving to be there. A 1-3 record at home is unacceptable. A nonexistent passing game is not the cornerstone for post season play. The Steelers are at a point where each individual player has to look inside, and see if they are content with their play, or ready to step it up.
The play calling was atrocious. Early in the game, when they should have been trying to bury their inferior opponent, the long ball was nonexistent. Later in the game, when they should have been trying to run out the clock, they were throwing the short dump passes, and ill-advised screens. I didn't see any plays designed to utilize the athletic ability of Hines Ward, Troy Edwards, or Kordell Stewart. The coaches keep talking about how gifted these guys are athletically, but they won't fabricate a play to let them strut their stuff. A little ingenuity in play calling could make all the difference.
This loss is going to take me some time to get over. The big win at San Francisco had me believing we were on our way. This debacle took all the wind out of my sails. My cousin from Cleveland called me up after the game to gloat. I never should have gotten that phone call. I should have been the one doing the gloating! I was taking this game for granted, and apparently, so were the Steelers.
The only cure for an embarrassing loss such as this, is to go into Tennessee, and administer a good old fashioned butt whooping. Are the Steelers capable? I think the Defense is. The Offense, on the other hand, doesn't seem capable enough to beat a good high school team. What little confidence this team had prior to this humiliating loss, is gone. The only thing that can cure them would be a convincing victory over the Titans. Possible, but not probable.
Is it time to throw in the towel? I don't think so. As long as the mathematics say we can make it, I refuse to give up hope. Maybe this loss will serve as a wake up call, and finally bring the team out of their doldrums. It could be that they are a deserving playoff team, and just had one of those very bad days. (I can dream can't I?) I am going to reserve judgment until after the Titans game.
Hopefully this was just a false alarm.
by Steelergil (Nov. 15, 99)