For the Steelers, There is A LOT Left to Play For

Not Much to Smile About at 0-4

The Pittsburgh Steelers are at an all time low right now.  Sporting their shiny new 0-4 record and coming off a bye week, the Steelers face the daunting task of trying to slowly claw their way out of the cellar in the AFC North.  At one time, that didn't seem like it would be that difficult.  However, the AFC North has gotten it's act together and now there is a 3 way tie at first place with the Browns, Ravens, and Bengals all standing at 3-2...then there are the Steelers.  Goodness gracious, just typing 0-4 makes my blood boil.  Alot of Steelers fans have already put a can on the season and said that playing for draft picks is the way the Steelers should go at this point.  I am NOT one of those fans.  There is still alot this organization has to play for throughout the duration of the final 12 games.

PRIDE - This should be atop the list, and its the reason why it is first.  If you are a competitor, then you have a pride about you.  That pride is exactly what keeps teams playing hard until the schedule doesn't show anymore games coming up.  There are 12 games remaining on the Steelers' schedule, and don't think for a second that pride should be challenged if the team folds it up and goes home (not literally I hope).  If the players don't have that competitive streak, then that speaks volumes about them not only as people, but the people that brought them on in the scouting department.

JOBS ON THE LINE - Lets be honest, if the Steelers stumble their way to a 4-12 record, its probably safe that no one's job is safe...and that includes coaches and general managers.  The only person that can't get fired would be the owner of the football club.  The players are the ones that should be stressing the most.  Alot of players have their contracts coming up and the Steelers need to move.  Whether thats extending the deal, or simply letting that player move on...movement is necessary.  Players like Ryan Clark, Ike Taylor, Emmanuel Sanders, and others are all playing for their futures with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

COACHING CONTINUITY - The Steelers coaches are going to be in some turmoil if this roller coaster continues to nose dive.  Do I think Mike Tomlin is on the hot seat?  Not necessarily.  Do I think the coordinators are in trouble?  Yes, and that includes Dick Lebeau.  You have to remember that Art Rooney II is now calling the shots, not Dan Rooney.  Art Rooney II running Bruce Arians out of town is the perfect example of the fact that he isn't as patient as his father or grandfather were.  If the defense struggles, you might see Dick Lebeau "retire", and if the offense continues to be underwhelming Haley might get the axe.  I wouldn't be surprised if any of these decisions happened, and it might be time for a change (especially on defense).

These 3 reasons and then some are reasons why the Steelers still have alot to play for, but notice Playoffs wasn't on the list.  It would take a Christmas miracle for this team to be able to claw their way into postseason discussions.  The Steelers have showed by signing OT Levi Brown that they are not giving up on the season (they might be giving up on Mike Adams), but another loss and move to 0-5 and you might see the wheels start to fall off.  SteelerNation needs to rally around this team and just hope they can win a few games to be respectable.  Crazier things have happened...