The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a crushing first-half defeat against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night, leaving fans and analysts stunned by their lack of fight and energy. With a halftime score of 21-0 in favor of the Ravens, the Steelers faced a steep uphill battle as Baltimore dominated the game in every aspect.
The Ravens controlled the ball for over 20 minutes of the first half, ran 23 more plays than Pittsburgh, and outgained them by an astonishing 308 to 59 yards. By halftime, the game seemed all but decided, and the Steelers’ performance drew sharp criticism from broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit, who voiced his frustration with the team’s apparent lack of effort.
“If I were a Steelers fan, the thing that would concern me just watching this first half is, you’re in the postseason,” Herbstreit said. “You’re getting dominated. I don’t see any fight. I don’t see any pushback.” Herbstreit’s scathing remarks highlighted the Steelers’ struggles, pointing out that the once-proud franchise seemed to lack the competitive edge necessary for a playoff game. “It’s one thing to lose X’s and O’s against a talented offense, but where the hell is the fight?” Herbstreit continued. “This is the Pittsburgh Steelers. There’s nothing. They’re just going through the motions.”
Herbstreit suggested shaking things up by giving quarterback Justin Fields more snaps. Fields, a former Ohio State standout, made brief appearances in the first half, but the majority of the offensive plays went to Russell Wilson. With the Steelers’ offense struggling to make any significant impact, Herbstreit questioned why the coaching staff hadn’t explored more drastic adjustments. Additionally, Herbstreit emphasized the need for the Steelers’ defense to step up. “Pittsburgh’s defense needs to find a way to stop the bleeding,” he said, criticizing the unit for its inability to contain the Ravens’ offense during the first two quarters.
The Steelers’ lackluster performance is part of a larger trend of playoff struggles under head coach Mike Tomlin. Pittsburgh has not won a postseason game since January 2017, marking six straight playoff losses. Saturday’s game also marked the first time the Steelers were shut out in the first half of a playoff game during Tomlin’s tenure. Fans and analysts alike have begun questioning the team’s leadership and direction. Tomlin, once celebrated for his consistent playoff appearances, now faces mounting pressure to deliver results in the postseason.
As the Steelers head into the offseason, the team faces numerous questions about its future. From potential changes in coaching to addressing weaknesses on both sides of the ball, Pittsburgh will need to take a hard look at how to regain its competitive edge. For now, fans are left to grapple with the disappointment of yet another early playoff exit. Herbstreit, whose NFL broadcasting duties have concluded for the season, will now shift his focus to the college football national championship before heading into his offseason. His blunt assessment of the Steelers’ performance, however, will likely linger in the minds of fans and players alike as they reflect on what went wrong.
While the Steelers face an uncertain future, the Ravens have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. Their dominant performance on Saturday night showcased their offensive and defensive prowess, leaving little doubt about their potential to go deep into the postseason. For the Steelers, the offseason brings an opportunity to rebuild and refocus. But as Herbstreit’s pointed critique suggests, the road to redemption will require more than just tactical adjustments. It will demand the return of the fight and determination that once defined Pittsburgh football.
