The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a nailbiter in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. The game went down to the wire, with the Steelers having a chance to drive down and either tie or win the game with less than two minutes remaining. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get the job done. Bryant McFadden was critical of the defense after the Steelers’ 31-28 loss.
“I need more from the Pittsburgh Steelers defensively,” McFadden said after the game on CBS Sports HQ. “When you’re playing with your backup quarterback, you need to up your ante in terms of what you need to do because one would think the offense wouldn’t be flowing at its best when you have your backup quarterback.”
McFadden isn’t wrong to criticize the Steelers’ defense. That unit made a few plays, most notably T.J. Watt’s strip-sack that got recovered for a touchdown. However, it wasn’t consistent enough overall.
For example, Watt’s sack was the only one the Steelers recorded. While the Bears’ offensive line has been solid, only allowing 16 sacks this season before playing the Steelers, Pittsburgh’s pass rush is supposed to be elite. It didn’t have much of an impact, though.
Watt’s play was huge, but the Steelers needed more. Kyle Dugger had a chance to pick off Caleb Williams near the end of the first half. Instead, the ball went through his hands. The Bears proceeded to put a field goal on the board. With Chicago winning by three points, that moment looms large.
However, the Steelers’ defense stepped up when it was needed most. Mike Tomlin opted to have his team punt on 4th down with two minutes remaining in the game. It was a questionable decision, but the Steelers’ defense proved Tomlin’s faith in the group correct. It forced a quick stop, only allowing the Bears to run 24 seconds off the clock.
While McFadden is right that the Steelers’ defense needed to be better, that loss isn’t entirely that group’s fault. The offense was just as bad, especially in the second half. The Steelers had two chances late to win or tie the game, but their offense couldn’t move the ball.
Still, giving up 31 points doesn’t meet the Steelers’ standard on defense. They looked like they were turning a corner on that side of the ball recently. However, this week saw some of the same ugly flaws hold the Steelers’ defense back. It allowed the Bears to go 7-of-13 on 3rd down, had coverage issues in the red zone, and didn’t generate consistent pressure. That unit will need to improve quickly with the playoffs steadily approaching.
Recommended for you