Insider: Steelers A ‘Pretender,’ They’re ‘About To Run Out Of Gas’

Since starting the year 4-1, the Pittsburgh Steelers have lost three of their last four games.

Now, Mike Jones of The Athletic believes the team is among the AFC “pretenders” heading into Week 11.

“The Steelers got off to a solid start and have led the AFC North for much of the season. However, they have the look of a team that is about to run out of gas. Aaron Rodgers’ passer rating and completion percentage have declined over the last five games. The quarterback could really benefit from another receiver opposite DK Metcalf, but they, too, came up empty at the trade deadline,” Jones wrote. “Defensively, the Steelers are far too inconsistent. The unit has turned in some dominant performances, but Pittsburgh has given up 376 yards and nearly 25 points per game. Emerging unscathed from a tough second-half schedule featuring games against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have already beaten them once, the Chicago Bears, Bills, Ravens (twice), Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns feels like mission impossible.”

The national NFL writer said on Thursday that there are only three AFC “contenders”: the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots.

Head coach Mike Tomlin has led the Steelers to 12 playoff appearances in 18 seasons and the team has never finished a campaign with a losing record during his tenure.

Coming off arguably their worst game of the season during Week 10 vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh needs to start turning things around if they want that streak to continue.

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