The Pittsburgh Steelers playoff hopes suffered a crucial blow after coming up short the New York Jets in Week 16. Although there were a number of factors that attributed to their 16-10 defeat, head coach Mike Tomlin is not pointing the finger at any group in particular.
Tomlin was not in the business of getting into specifics after the loss, via Curt Popejoy of the Steelers Wire:
“Pick whatever soft spot you want,” Tomlin said.
Although there is plenty of truth to Tomlin's comments, it is safe to say that most of their issues came on the offensive side of the ball. Pittsburgh was once again forced to make a change under center after Devlin Hodges threw two interceptions to start the game. Although quarterback Mason Rudolph was a solid upgrade, it was not enough to get the job done in the second half.
As a result, the Steelers have now effectively lost control of their own playoff destiny with their loss to the Jets. They will now need to beat the Baltimore Ravens in the season finale and hope for the Houston Texans to beat the Tennessee Titans in Week 17 if they are going to make the postseason. Of course, upholding their end of the bargain will be much easier said than done against a Ravens team that has easily established itself as the best in the league this season.
Even if Pittsburgh does not make it, there is no question that they have surpassed expectations with all the key injuries they suffered. Regardless, it is evident that Tomlin is not in the business of going into the offseason with any morale victories.
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