There was one series in particular during the Steelers-Patriots game Sunday night that showed what happens when a team gets rid of its most talented players.
It was the second quarter, and the Steelers were facing a 2nd-and-2. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a pass to receiver Ryan Switzer. He went one yard.
On third-and-one, they ran James Conner. He was short. He couldn't get a single yard.
Against the Patriots, that won't cut it. You won't come close unless you can make those plays, and the Steelers didn't make the plays or come close, losing 33-3 at Gillette Stadium.