Pittsburgh Steelers Stutter, Stumble and Stall Against the New Orleans Saints

Steelers Stumble, Stutter and Stall

Sunday night wasn't a night the Pittsburgh Steelers want to remember. They traveled into New Orleans to face the World Champion Saints, and we were all reminded that the Saints are the reigning champions for very valid reasons.

The Steelers fell to a team that outcoached, outplayed and outlasted them for 60 minutes. With a final score of 20-10, the Steelers limped out of New Orleans with their second loss of the season, a loss they could ill afford with their upcoming schedule.

The NFL's stingiest defense looked stagnant as they allowed Saints QB Drew Brees to have a near-perfect second half.

Troy Polamalu blew assignments, and the defense allowed chunk yardage in the pass game, including a 50-yard hook up with WR Robert Meachem that put the Saints in Steeler territory.

Drew threw for 191 yards in the second half, but it wasn't just the Steelers defense that stumbled.

On what looked to be a huge gain, TE Heath Miller coughed up the ball, which was recovered by the Saints in the fourth quarter.

Emmanuel Sanders continues to have fumbling issues, and Big Ben threw an interception during a critical drive late in the game.

In the end, it wasn't any single thing that sealed the Steelers fate, but a combination of errors on behalf of all their units.

The pass defense was exposed, the run defense was solid, but once again LB James Harrison finds his pocketbook being picked for a late hit on Brees.

Polamalu shouldered the blame for the loss, saying he didn't trust his instincts, and it was glaringly obvious he was out of synch.

It was as if the entire night was against the Steelers, they were unable to challenge a call due to replay issues.

The crowd at the Superdome was relentless, keeping the energy in the Saints' favor. On a night that should have (at least on paper) resulted in the Steelers pounding the Saints into submission, their skeletons came out of the closet.

Restart:

The Steelers are now tied for the lead spot in the AFC North; however, Baltimore has the edge thanks to a 17-14 Steelers loss to the Ravens at Heinz Field in Week 4.

If there was a loss that the Steelers can live with, being beaten in New Orleans by the defending Super Bowl champs is definitely on the short list of those losses.

Monday Night Football features the Steelers playing their arch-rival, the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. The Steelers play extremely well in prime time, and they will be seeking redemption.

Last year, the Bengals swept the Steelers, if you combine that with a stinging loss last week, the swagger may be gone, but the Steelers will have a serious chip on their shoulders.

Look for the Steelers to dominate on the ground, and for Big Ben to spread the ball amongst his arsenal of competent receivers.

Rashard Mendenhall should get a fair share of carries against a Bengals defense that has huge holes in it.

On the other side of the ball, Harrison, Timmons and Farrior will be looking to impose their will on that O-line, and make QB Carson Palmer pay for staying in the pocket.

The Steelers will get back on track this game, needing this win to prepare them for the New England Patriots at Heinz Field in Week 10.

Prediction:

Steelers 28 – Bengals 13