Steelers Couldn’t Stick the Landing; Fly Home Following Loss to the Jets

(Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (GSM) — Instead of flying first class, the Steelers are on standby waiting for their ticket to the post season after falling to the New York Jets 16-10, Sunday.  It was a game that was a must needed win in order to control their own destiny. Now they wait in the wings hoping to land in the playoffs.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on the sideline during the game against the New York Jets on Dec 22, 2019 at MetLife Stadium. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

Head coach Mike Tomlin, not mincing words, said his team just didn’t get it done. “It’s put-up-or-shut-up time, and we didn’t get the job done.” Tomlin said about playing during December football, “We accept responsibility for the fact and the ramifications of it.”

Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates after recording a sack in the game against the New York Jets on Dec. 22 at MetLife Stadium. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

Linebacker TJ Watt had 2 tackles, 1 resulting in a sack said, you win as a team and lose as a team. Nonetheless, everyone is responsible for the outcome of games no matter the position. “Football is the ultimate team game,” Watt said. “This is the Pittsburgh Steelers, we love everybody in the locker room, we believe in everybody in the locker room. It’s just a matter of putting together a complete game”.

 

Devlin “Duck” Hodges during the game against the New York Jets on December 22, 2019 at MetLife Stadium. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

The quarterback carousel continued as Devlin “Duck” Hodges was benched in the first half after throwing 2 interceptions and was replaced by the man he took over for, Mason Rudolph who came in and threw 14-20 129 yards and a touchdown. Rudolph was then injured in the game and “Duck” returned to the game in a losing effort. Hodges says it is unfortunate turn of events.

The 6th seed is still attainable but the Steelers need help to reach the postseason. There is one more game to play for Pittsburgh and it is against AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. In order for the Steelers to make the playoffs however, they MUST beat the Ravens and the Tennessee Titans must lose to the Houston Texans to solidify the final slot in the tournament. There is still a lot to play for as the regular season comes to a close.


BRIAN COOK IS AN EMMY-NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST WHO HAS BEEN COVERING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE SINCE 2005. HE CAN BE REACHED AT BCOOK@GOLDENSKYMEDIA.COM.
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