During the first half of the 2018 regular season, as the Black-and-gold compiled a 7-2-1 record — taking what once seemed like a commanding lead in the AFC North — it was tempting to overlook the team’s conspicuous flaws and assume that, by season’s end, they’d work out these kinks. But in the wake of three consecutive losses to AFC West opponents, including the latest 24-21 debacle in Oakland, it’s no longer possible to deny a clear and consistent pattern of mediocrity.
Unfortunately for the faithful of Steelers Nation, the Black-and-gold’s current 7-5-1 record is no fluke but — on the contrary — is absolutely indicative of the current state of this team.