Offense is Important, but Defense Wins Championships

This title just about sums up the Steelers' season opener against the Patriots. Although their offense was far from perfect, it was their defense that seemed to ruin their chances of ever winning the game. From the eyes of a dedicated NFL fan it seemed as if the entire Steelers defense had never played with each other before. Several miscommunications resulted in or contributed to three Patriots touchdowns. On one specific play, Rob Gronkowski, the tight end for the Patriots, simply caught the ball and walked into the end zone. WHERE WAS THE COVERAGE?! This play in particular was not simply a lack of communication. It was a lack of football knowledge in general. This leads Steelers fans to question the young and hopefully upcoming defense. Can they actually get it done this year?

As of right now, the Steelers are flashing one of the youngest defenses in the league. This lack of veteran experience could possibly be the root of all their problems. With the retirement of Steelers long time safety Troy Polamalu, it seems as if no one has stepped up to the plate and filled the defensive leadership role. This is coupled along with the fact that the Steelers have a new defensive coordinator this year. This transition most likely isn't helping the situation at all.

However, Thursday night's game was not a total loss of hope for Steeler fans. The offense did in fact show some promise. They beat the Patriots in rushing, passing, and overall yards. The only falter appeared to be that they could never find the end zone.

Without a question, the breakout player for the Steelers this game was DeAngelo Williams. The Steelers picked up the long time Carolina Panther and veteran running back in the offseason. The hope was that he could provide a running game for the Steelers during Le'Veon Bell's two game suspension. This is precisely what he did! Williams looked as if he had just taken a gulp from the fountain of youth. Defenders were simply unable to stop him. His quick cuts and massive strength allowed him to run over and juke defenders at the same time. All these factors taken into consideration make him the Steelers player of the week.

Nevertheless, this is partly due to the fact that nobody else shined for the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger had a less than stellar performance throwing for only one touchdown, late in the game, along with a poorly thrown interception.

Overall, this performance was just truly one to forget for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Who knows, perhaps it was the lack of air in the Patriots footballs that caused the Steelers to lose. Whatever the case may be, there were very few positives to take away from this game for the Steelers. At this point it appears that their only option is to regroup over the long week they have ahead. Perhaps they need to focus their practices on defense a little more, because as of right now the Steelers are never going to win that championship this year.