Steelers try to keep playoff hopes alive as Titans visit
PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger still believes the Pittsburgh Steelers have what it takes to be a playoff team.
Time is running out, however, to prove it.
“We've got to make a run,” Roethlisberger said.
At this point, one step in the right direction would be considered progress.
The Steelers (6-6-1) have been spinning their wheels for more than a month heading into a visit by AFC South-leading Tennessee (9-4) on Sunday, mired in a five-game funk in which they've won just once and been bullied in a way they haven't been bullied in decades.
A defense that finished third in the league last season is now in danger of finishing in the bottom 10 for the first time in 30 years. While Roethlisberger and the rookie-laden offense have had their fair share of issues, it's what's happening on the other side of the ball that's been far more alarming.
Three times in the last month the Steelers have found themselves trailing by at least 17 points. Twice they put together rallies to make it respectable, but respectable margins don't count in the win column — though it's telling of how wide open the underwhelming AFC North is that Pittsburgh finds itself in the mix as Christmas looms despite just two victories since Halloween.
“You can't spend a lot of time looking at big-picture perspective,” Tomlin said.
Maybe because the smaller picture is so daunting. The Titans are in a position to win their second straight division title even without star running back Derrick Henry, who hasn't played since October due to a foot injury. Tennessee has found a way despite having 50 different players start at least one game. Only New Orleans has had more.
When outside linebacker T.J. Watt is healthy and available, the Steelers are dangerous. Pittsburgh is 6-2 when Watt plays a full four quarters and 0-4-1 when he is limited or out entirely. Watt left the loss to Minnesota in the first half with a groin injury but there's hope he'll be available on Sunday.The Titans have been leaky along the line. Tannehill has absorbed 37 sacks and any chance the Steelers have of pulling the upset will rely heavily on if they can get to Tannehill and force him to make mistakes.
