Unlocking the Steelers’ Struggles & NFL Coach of the Year Insights: Top Week 13 Takeaways from Our Experts

Each Sunday, NFL writers from The Athletic share their insights on the latest games. As Week 13 wraps up, the playoff picture is tightening. Currently, the Chicago Bears lead the NFC, while the New England Patriots top the AFC. Could these two face off in the Super Bowl, just as they did 40 years ago?

After a shaky Week 13, many teams are feeling the pressure. The Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens all faced setbacks. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts fell to the Houston Texans, creating a chaotic scene in the AFC South. Things are just as messy in the AFC North, with the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers tied at 6-6.

### What’s Going Wrong with the Steelers?

The Steelers began the season strong but have now lost five out of their last seven games. Their recent 26-7 defeat against the Bills raised eyebrows. What’s causing their struggles?

Mike Jones points to their weak offense. The Steelers lack a standout downfield threat, reflected in DK Metcalf’s mediocre stats. He’s not converting well on first downs, and tight end Pat Freiermuth isn’t faring much better. Trading George Pickens to Dallas is increasingly looking like a blunder; he now has 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns with the Cowboys, overshadowing the entire Steelers receiving corps.

The offensive line isn’t helping either. It’s been poor in both run blocking and pass protection, making it tough to gain yards—even against a defense like Buffalo’s.

According to Dan Pompei, the Steelers represent a “mushy middle” in the NFL. They can pressure opposing quarterbacks but struggle to shine in other areas. Coach Mike Tomlin has ensured they remain competitive, but they won’t beat teams without a solid offensive game.

Ted Nguyen notes that even when the Steelers had an average offense, their margin for error was slim. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ injury has been a blow. Though he may never dominate a game, he can still guide his team to wins—if healthy.

### Coach of the Year Race Heating Up

As the season progresses, the race for Coach of the Year is getting interesting. Currently, Ben Johnson of the Bears and Mike Vrabel of the Patriots are top contenders. Johnson has transformed the Bears’ offense into one of the league’s most explosive, dramatically changing their mentality.

Nguyen believes Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks is also a strong candidate, as he has shaped a formidable defense in just his second season as head coach. With various teams performing well despite injuries and setbacks, this award is up for grabs.

### AFC South: A Three-Way Battle

After an upset this week, the Texans have emerged as a surprising force in the AFC South, currently on a four-game winning streak. Their solid defense could be a game-changer as the season progresses. Stroud’s performance in December will be crucial if they want to maintain their lead.

Jones is optimistic about the Jaguars, highlighting their strong running game and solid defense. With a favorable schedule, they may well win the division.

### Ram’s Unsteady Performance

The Rams, once considered the best team in the NFL, faltered somewhat in their loss to the Panthers. Even with Matthew Stafford’s mistakes, they are still a competitive team, and their quality wins so far give them hope for a strong finish.

Pompei reminded fans that every team can have an off day. The Rams have proven their worth and need to shake off this game before heading into the playoffs.

### Playoff Chances: Lions, Panthers, or Cowboys?

Recent odds show that the Lions, Panthers, and Cowboys have varying chances of making the playoffs. According to Pompei, the Lions have the upper hand thanks to their winning experience, despite some struggles this season.

Nguyen, however, feels that the Panthers might offer the best chance, given their smoother upcoming schedule and potential for growth. But consistency remains their biggest concern.

### 49ers: The Comeback Kids

Finally, despite a slew of injuries, the 49ers have managed to stay in the playoff hunt. Their resilience makes them a dark horse. In previous seasons, teams like the 2010 Packers and 2011 Giants have found success amid adversity, providing hope for San Francisco.

As the season progresses, keeping an eye on both the teams performing well and those faltering will make for an exciting finish. Each game matters more than ever as we head into the final stretch.



Source link

Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, NFL, Top Sports News