Fansided

NFL playoffs 2016: Contenders in trouble

By Russell S. Baxter

Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 47-25. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 47-25. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) and linebacker Justin Durant (56) sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Cowboys won the game, 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) and linebacker Justin Durant (56) sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Cowboys won the game, 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-5)

Following a 4-1 start and with some impressive victories on their resume, many felt the Steelers were the biggest threat to the New England Patriots in the AFC. Thanks to a four-game losing streak (and counting), those feelings are quickly disappearing.

What’s Right: Even with several pieces in and out of the lineup in the first nine games, this team is capable of putting a lot of points on the board.

In his eight games, Ben Roethlisberger has 20 touchdown passes and is averaging just under 300 yards per game through the air. Wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell remain two of the best players in the league at their respective positions. Second-year tight end Jesse James and wideout Eli Rogers have proven to be nice surprises as injuries have limited playing time to Sammie Coates, Markus Wheaton and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

More fansided.com: NFL power rankings, Week 11: Titans rise, Packers tumble

What’s Wrong: The Steelers have had problems on defense in recent years and most notably against the pass. But during the club’s four-game losing streak, Keith Butler’s unit has had its issues trying to contain opposing running backs. We have seen Miami’s Jay Ajayi, New England’s LeGarrette Blount and Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott all enjoy productive outings against this unit as of late. A defense that was fifth in the NFL against the run in 2015 has slipped to 15th this year in the same category. Losing defensive end Cameron Heyward for a few games didn’t help.

So much for a pass rush that should be giving opposing quarterback fits while generating extra opportunities for the offense. One year after totaling 48 sacks and 30 takeaways, Tomlin’s team is down near the bottom of the NFL in quarterback traps (13) and has forced only 10 turnovers. Perhaps a bigger workload in terms of carries for Le’Veon Bell could keep this defense off the field a little longer.

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