Pittsburgh Steelers Once Again Failed the Patriot Test

No team has so thoroughly owned the Pittsburgh Steelers over the past two decades quite like Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Every time the teams have met in big games, playoffs or regular season, the Patriots are always the ones to come out on top. It was true in the AFC championship game last season. This time Pittsburgh had all the opportunities in the world. A win would secure them valuable home field advantage for the playoffs and build some momentum in case of a likely rematch down the line.

Instead it was the same old story. People will complain about the catch made by Jessie James that should’ve been a touchdown. It’s a fair complaint but the fact of the matter is that complaint doesn’t erase the fact that they gave up a 10-point lead in the second half to give the game away. Blame the referees all day it doesn’t change the fact that the Steelers couldn’t close the door when it mattered.

Antonio Brown issue only magnifies Steelers problems

What makes this defeat even worse is Pittsburgh could be staring down the barrel at going to the playoffs without their best player. Wide receiver Antonio Brown not only left the game with a leg injury, but left the stadium. It was last reported he had to go to the hospital for treatment of the as yet unknown ailment. While the length of absence remains unclear, something that involves a hospital trip can’t be good.

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So not only did the Steelers lose out on likely their best chance to get by the Patriots in the playoffs, they also lost one of their most vital weapons. Truth be told Pittsburgh is in an unfamiliar position. They’ve long been considered the cream of the NFL crop. For years they’ve continued to prove that, except against the one team that matters most. Until they’re able to exorcise that Patriots demon, the “yeah, but” crowd is going to be deafening.