STEELERS 101

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished off this disappointing season by defeating the Cleveland Browns 24-10 in the season finale. Now with no playoffs in the future, the 8-8 franchise can sit back and dissect what might have been in this season of injury and missed opportunities.

For the first time all season, the team took advantage of the oppositions mistakes, and pulled away at the end. Led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who connected on three touchdown passes to Leonard Pope, Antonio Brown, and Plaxico Burress on offense; the real story was again the defense.  This time, the leagues top ranked unit force four turnovers and frustrated first-time starter Thaddeus Lewis all afternoon.

Lewis was solid in his debut, passing for 204 yards one touchdown and one interception. However, the Browns could not truly get into a rhythm in what was head coach Pat Shurmur’s last game.

While Mike Tomlin is not going anywhere for the Steelers, there will be some sweeping changes for the franchise, as they face an uphill climb to get in line with the leagues salary cap. Fortunately, they went through this same ordeal last offseason and likely have a better idea of how to navigate it.

With this roster upheaval in the future, veterans such as nose tackle Casey Hampton, linebacker James Harrison, wide receiver Mike Wallace and offensive tackle Max Starks may have played their last game in the Black and Gold.

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Tags: Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger, Casey Hampton, Football, James Harrison, Leonard Pope, Max Starks, Mike Wallace, NFL, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Steelers, Plaxico Burress

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