The Steelers had several defenders exit the field toward the end of the game, which curtailed what they could run. Both players and coaches acknowledged that after the game, and contributed to the big blown play Payton Wilson hunted down. While injuries are not an excuse when you live by the “next man up” credo, it certainly makes things harder.
By game’s end, the Steelers lost CBs Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Brandin Echols on defense. They already had injuries elsewhere before the game, with CB Joey Porter Jr. and OLB Alex Highsmith still out. To replace starters during the week is one thing, but doing it multiple times in a game is…rough.