Things are getting ugly with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After facing plenty of preseason hype, the Steelers are now facing an unexpected 0-4 start and not getting better. After losing to the Minnesota Vikings in London, players are starting to see the reality of the type of team they are. According to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh is currently the worst team in the NFL.
"Right now, you could say we're the worst team in the league," Roethlisberger said, via the Associated Press.
That might be a bit of a stretch statement. The Jacksonville Jaugars, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also winless on the season. The Steelers are at least showing signs of improvement, putting points on the board. That is more than the Buccaneers and Jaguars can say.
"We are in uncharted territory and the water is dangerous right now," Roethlisberger said. "It stings. I have to hope and believe we can turn it around. That's the approach I'm going to take this week and next week. I'm going to do the best I can to lead these guys and let them see how I go about my job."
The quarterback was sacked five times on Sunday and faced constant pressure from Jared Allen. He managed to go 36-of-51 in passing for 383 yards and one touchdown. The pass-heavy offense was simply not balanced enough and the defense did nothing to stop Adrian Peterson for having a field day. Now the Steelers are up to their worst start since 1968 when the team with 2-11, losing their first six games.
Head coach Mike Tomlin is trying to preach patience. The team has gotten back rookie running back Le'Veon Bell from injury. Another week of practice and he could really become a reliable weapon for the offense. The Steelers get a week of rest before facing the New York Jets in two weeks. Tomlin understands improvement will come, but he will continue to challenge the job status of players until something better arrives.
"I have great patience," Tomlin said. "The team will work to get better. As long as I see belief and effort and we continue to improve, that's what's going to change the outcome of these games. If I don't, (they) ain't going to be a part of it, whoever it may be. It's that simple."
The game ended with the Steelers in position for the tying touchdown, but Roethlisberger was sacked and stripped of the ball. The ending was fitting for the way the Steelers' season has gone so far. While Roethlisberger is confident the offense made strides of improvement, if the defense remains down, an 0-5 start will happen.