PHILADELPHIA -- In the aftermath of the Steelers' 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, coach Mike Tomlin gestured dismissively at the podium as he downplayed the question in the visitors' interview room at Lincoln Financial Field.
How does he stop his team from snowballing after Sunday's loss and get it back on track with the playoffs looming?
"It's a loss," he said, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. "Let's not be dramatic."
It's true, not all losses are created equal, and Sunday's against a nonconference opponent isn't the worst-case scenario.
But though they're guaranteed a spot in the postseason thanks to losses by the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers' ability to stop a snowball from becoming an avalanche will go a long way to determining how long they'll keep playing.