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Steelers’ offense won’t let team down

4 min read

It’s baffling how the Steelers, with their playoff fate in their own hands last week at Baltimore, found a way to lose.

And that’s really what they did – found a way to lose.

A play here or there would have lifted the Steelers to a victory, despite everything that happened.

Don’t think so?

What happens if Antonio Brown’s touchdown catch on the first play of the first quarter isn’t overturned by replay officials in New York? What if Martavis Bryant doesn’t drop a pass on third-and-15 late in the fourth quarter deep in Baltimore territory, or if Ramon Foster doesn’t trip over Roethlisberger’s foot on fourth-and-1 on Pittsburgh’s opening drive of the game?

Those were all plays the offense didn’t make – just a few of several that could have changed the outcome.

That’s why after this one, Roethlisberger, who did not play well, said it was a game of inches. It really was. And the offense, in particular, came up short.

Blame the defense all you want – and it’s not without responsibility – but the Steelers lost that game because their high-powered offense let them down.

Baltimore scored a touchdown on its opening possession and had a field goal on its second drive, but produced just 10 more points, all of which were set up by Roethlisberger interceptions.

If the Steelers miss the playoffs, don’t put all the blame on a defense that, honestly, wasn’t good in a lot of areas. Blame the offense, which came up small in a big moment.

Which brings us to today. The Steelers are 11-point favorites to win at Cleveland, which they beat 30-9 earlier this season in Pittsburgh.

Given what happened last week, don’t expect them to come out misfiring.

The Browns, quite frankly, are a worse team than Baltimore and the Steelers want to get rid of the stench, as head coach Mike Tomlin put it, after last week’s loss. Will it be enough?

Austin Davis will start at quarterback for the Browns. I’ll take a ticked off Roethlisberger over Davis.

Take Pittsburgh, 31-16

Rex Ryan with a chance to knock his former employer out of the postseason. Steelers will become the 22nd team to win at least 10 games since 1978 and fail to qualify for the postseason.

Take Jets, 24-23

The winner is the NFC North champion and gets a home playoff game, while the loser has to go on the road next weekend.

Take Green Bay, 23-17

Atlanta is just the better team in this situation with neither having anything to play for.

Take Atlanta, 27-20

The Lions are playing better at this time.

Take Detroit, 22-16

Tom Coughlin could be coaching his last game for the Giants, and Chip Kelly already has in Philadelphia.

Take the Giants, 24-20

If the Cardinals win and Carolina loses, the Cardinals get the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

Take Arizona, 27-21

Broncos can lock up a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs with a win.

Take Denver, 26-13

Somehow, I just don’t see the Chiefs, who struggle at times offensively, winning 10 games in a row.

Take Oakland, 23-17

No question about resting players now. The Panthers need a win to lock up the NFC’s top seed.

Take Carolina, 30-17

Banged-up Patriots can fall to the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a loss and Denver win.

Take New England, 27-14

The Ravens won their Super Bowl last week.

Take Cincinnati, 26-13

Brian Hoyer should be back at QB this week for Houston, but might be a little rusty.

Take Jacksonville to cover in a 21-17 loss

Colts are down to deciding between Ryan Lindley or Josh Freeman at quarterback. At least Zach Mettenberger, who will start for Tennessee, has been with his team all season.

Take Tennessee, 13-10

The Rams should win this one to get to .500.

Take St. Louis, 20-13

The playoff-bound Redskins can close things out for the Cowboys with a loss.

Take Washington, 17-16

Last week: 6-8 ATS; 7-7 Straight up

Overall: 117-100-5 ATS; 143-79 Straight up

F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.

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