Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) hits Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (years old) picks up a first down. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
PITTSBURGH — Styx’s classic rock song “Renegade” has been a staple at Acresure Stadium for two decades.
The intro is always the same. The videoboard goes black for a moment, the audience falls silent, and lead singer Tommy Shaw’s voice booms out, “Oh, Mama, I’m in danger of losing my life in the long arms of the law.”
What typically follows is an explosion of sound set to the highlight of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense crushing their opponents, synchronized with the track’s iconic drumbeat.
In theory, everything is designed to intimidate. Not so much at the moment.
Rather, the song’s lyrics about a criminal about to be captured and executed are emblematic of a team whose once promising season is numbering.
A month ago, the Steelers held a near-comfortable lead in the AFC North and had an outside chance of securing one of the conference’s top two seeds.
Currently, Pittsburgh (10-7) enters the playoffs riding a four-game slump, but has shown little evidence that it is ready to end a postseason championship drought that dates back to 2016.
The defense no longer creates turnovers at the rapid pace that got the Steelers to a 10-3 start.
The offense, which had steadily improved throughout the fall, took a step back. And the optimism that flourished not too long ago has faded considerably.
Coach Mike Tomlin is trying to stay upbeat, mainly because he has no other choice.
“We’re a mentally tough group,” Tomlin said. “It’s okay to learn from these lessons and remember what created this. There’s nothing mystical about it.”
That’s perhaps the most unpleasant aspect of his team’s swoon. Pittsburgh doesn’t necessarily beat its own team. In fact, the Steelers are just losing.
They haven’t led a game since the final game against Cleveland on Dec. 8, and have often looked underdogs against the kinds of teams that have been in the playoffs (Philadelphia, Baltimore, Kansas City, Cincinnati). Ta. These 10 years.
The Steelers were also part of that group. If they play in Houston or Baltimore next weekend, it will be their fourth postseason appearance in the past five years.
The last three trips have all ended in the same way, with a lopsided loss in the opening game.
Every move Pittsburgh has made over the past 11 months has been designed to end that losing streak. But instead of taking a step forward, the Steelers will likely end up staying put.
Pittsburgh is certainly respected, but rarely feared.
Evidence of that could be heard echoing from Cincinnati’s locker room late Saturday night, when the familiar opening verse of “Renegades” blared from a portable speaker after the Bengals kept their postseason hopes alive.
Maybe it’s a good fit.
Because it certainly looks like the jig is up at the moment. The news is out.
The Steelers are struggling.
what is working
No matter what Cam Heyward is doing. The 35-year-old defensive tackle made his seventh Pro Bowl appearance last week. It’s hardly ceremonial. The longtime captain put together the best season of his 14-year career, adding to his Hall of Fame resume. He recorded eight sacks and completed a career-high 11 passes, including three on Saturday night.
things that need help
Isn’t that true of everything? Gone is the sense of dignity the offense exuded, most evident in the shootout victory over the Bengals on Dec. 1. First-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s approach to certain plays (particularly the toss to running backs, which has been ineffective all season) is to shift the talent group instead of keeping the best playmakers on the field at all times. His efforts at mixing remain as puzzling as his efforts.
stock up
The Steelers invested in Pat Freiermuth in September when they gave the tight end a four-year term, making him one of the 10 highest-paid players at the position. It certainly looks like money is being put to good use. Freiermuth set a career high with 65 receptions, and his seven touchdown grabs matched his previous high set during his rookie year in 2021. Perhaps just as importantly, Freiermuth is becoming increasingly comfortable being a respected voice on a team that counts on some of its younger players. Take on a leadership role.
Out of stock
George Pickens endured perhaps his worst game as a professional at the worst possible time. The third-year wide receiver caught just one pass for zero yards and was recorded with a few drops, but even though his temper has caused him headaches, who knows? It was an unusually sloppy performance for a player who hates losing and is physically gifted. In his position in the league.
But come next week, the Steelers will have to make an important offseason decision with Pickens. He will be entering the final season of his rookie contract, and not offering him an extension could spell trouble.
injury
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of Pittsburgh’s swoon is that the Steelers are relatively healthy. Starting cornerback Donte Jackson and his brave back were out Saturday night, but will likely be available for the playoffs. Rookie guard Mason McCormick injured his left hand late in the game. Otherwise, the Steelers should be able to give it their all no matter where they play.
Main status
0 — Number of touchdowns on opening drives by the Steelers this season. This is emblematic of a team that often takes time to “warm up for games,” as Tomlin has said repeatedly over the past four months.
next step
It will be interesting to see if they can shake off the dark clouds in time to advance to the playoffs for the first time since the divisional round in 2016.
