The Pittsburgh Steelers entered yesterday’s game already down three starters on defense. Defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt was on the Reserve/Injured List, while linebacker Devin Bush and cornerback Joe Haden were ruled out in pre-game warmups.
Over the course of the game, they also lost lineman Tyson Alualu, who suffered a fractured ankle and thus may have perhaps played his last down. Star edge rusher T.J. Watt succumbed to a groin injury and did not return. That left the unit down about half of its starters, particularly in the front seven. But that can’t be an excuse.