In the wake of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ disheartening 30-7 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers, Coach Mike Tomlin was brutally honest in his assessment of the team’s performance. He didn’t sugarcoat the situation and acknowledged the shortcomings that led to their loss.
1. Struggles on Third Down
Tomlin emphasized the importance of converting on third downs, highlighting the Steelers’ dismal 0-5 start in this critical area. He expressed that winning these “weighty downs” was crucial and that the team needed to improve both in coaching and execution.
2. Offensive Woes
The Steelers‘ offense faced significant challenges, converting on just 5 of 15 third downs. Their struggles extended to the lack of first downs in the first half and a failure to establish rhythm or a ground game. The time of possession heavily favored the 49ers, adding to the offensive woes.
3. Lack of Execution(49ers)
Quarterback Kenny Pickett acknowledged that the team’s problems were more about their own execution than the opponent’s performance. Despite feeling comfortable with the game plan, they failed to execute it effectively.
4. Preseason Success vs. Regular Season Reality
The stark difference between the Steelers’ preseason success, where the starting offense scored touchdowns on all five drives, and their regular-season performance was notable. Pickett recognized that the 49ers’ starting defense posed a more formidable challenge.
5. Bright Spots Amidst Struggles
Amidst the struggles, Pickett’s performance in a two-minute offense before halftime showcased promise. He orchestrated a 95-yard drive culminating in a Pat Freiermuth touchdown. However, Pickett also threw two interceptions and faced significant pressure from the 49ers’ defense.
6. Miscommunication and Learning Opportunities
A notable miscommunication between Pickett and Freiermuth on a fourth-down throw underscored areas needing improvement. Pickett acknowledged the need to work on cohesion and understanding with his receivers.
7. Staying Resilient
Despite the disappointing start, running back Najee Harris remained optimistic, emphasizing that there are 16 games left in the season. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back and maintain a positive outlook heading into their upcoming divisional clash with the Cleveland Browns.
In summary, the Steelers faced a challenging start to their season, but the team remains determined to learn from their mistakes and turn things around in the weeks ahead.
