TAMPA, Fla. -- Forget the distractions. Forget the drama. The Steelers just want a win.
Some might think Antonio Brown's sideline dust-up last weekend, followed by what he called a "stupid" tweet and then not showing up for a team meeting would be a distraction. Maybe all of that was, along with Le'Veon Bell's status and everything else.
But it also could have been just what this group needed to keep its collective mind off the other elephant in the locker room: The Steelers are 0-1-1, their worst start since 0-4 in 2013.
"It's just a game we want to win. We don't look at it was a must-win," Cameron Heyward told me of the Monday night matchup with the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. "Every game is important like that. Obviously, we're 0-1-1, last in the division right now, but let's climb on out and start playing football."
The Steelers fell into sole possession of last place in the AFC North when the Browns defeated the Jets on Thursday night. And no matter what happens Monday night, the Steelers will still be in last place in the division. But there's still a lot of football left. In 2013, they followed the 0-4 start by winning the next four games and wound up 8-8, nearly making the playoffs. In 2002, the previous time they lost their first two games, they wound up 10-5-1, winning the AFC North.
There are some similarities between the 2018 and 2002 seasons. In both instances, the Steelers went 13-3 the previous season only to lose in the playoffs at home as favorites. And in both instances, pass defense and turnovers were an issue in the team's slow start.
In 2002, the Steelers turned the ball over 10 times in losses to New England and Oakland. And the Patriots and Raiders went with pass-happy offensive attacks to beat the Steelers.
The Steelers turned the ball over six times in their season-opening loss two weeks ago, then allowed a team-record-tying six touchdown passes to the Chiefs last week.
Now, they face a red-hot Tampa Bay offense led by Ryan Fitzpatrick, who leads the NFL with 819 passing yards and 10 touchdown passes, and a talented receiving group led by speedy DeSean Jackson and 6-foot-5 Mike Evans.
"I think all of us who are competitors in this business, you get fired up about staring adversity in the face, and particularly the adversity you created coupled with the natural adversity that the game of football provides all of us," Mike Tomlin said.
How they handle that adversity remains to be seen. But more was expected of this team, to be sure. It's only been two games, but nobody expected an 0-1-1 start.
Now, all that remains to be seen is what the Steelers are going to do about it. One thing working in their favor is that the game will be played in prime time. The Steelers have won their past 10 prime time games, including their last five on the road.
"We just want to win," Ben Roethlisberger said. "Every game for us is a must win."
But the question among fans, in particular, is this: How can this team recover from this start?
Heyward wasn't ready to tell everyone to relax, as Aaron Rodgers famously did a couple of seasons ago with Green Bay fans.
"Just watch," Heyward told me. "We'll get to work and we'll correct stuff. Don't expect the same performance. Our job is to respond and do so accordingly. We expect our fans to be mad and want us to win because they care a lot."
THE ESSENTIALS
• Who: Steelers (0-1-1) at Buccaneers (2-0)
• When: 8:15 p.m.
• Where: Raymond James Stadium
• TV: WTAE, ESPN (national)
• Radio: 102.5 WDVE, ESPN Pittsburgh, Westwood One
• Satellite: SiriusXM channel 226 (Internet 826)
• Forecast: 77 degrees, 50% chance of rain
• Lots open: 4:45 p.m.
• Will call open: 6:45 p.m.
• Gates open: 6:45 p.m.
• Boxscore: NFL Game Center
• Media notes: Steelers | Bucs
• Odds: MyBookie.AG
THE INJURY REPORT
Steelers: G David DeCastro (hand, doubtful), RT Marcus Gilbert (hamstring, doubtful), S Morgan Burnett (groin, doubtful)
Buccaneers: DT Beau Allen (foot, out), DT Vita Vea (calf, out), CB Marcus Williams (hamstring, out), S Chris Conte (knee, questionable), CB Brent Grimes (groin, questionable)
THE KEY VARIABLE
Is the Steelers' defense the unit that helped the team earn a tie in Week 1 at Cleveland despite the offense turning the ball over six times, or is it the unit that allowed the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes to throw for six touchdowns last week?
The answer is probably somewhere in the middle. At least that's what the Steelers hope. They don't need a shutdown defense, but they need to produce some stops. And perhaps more important, some takeaways. There have been just two in the first two games, and that hasn't been enough to balance off the big plays they've allowed.
The defense isn't allowing the huge plays it did a year ago when it permitted 14 plays of 40 or more yards, but it has given up an NFL-high nine passing plays of 25 or more yards. Six of those came last week against the Chiefs when the Steelers had a number of busted coverages trying to match up against Kansas City's multitude of pre-snap motion while continuing to disguise things against Mahomes in his third career start.
It obviously didn't work.
Now, the Steelers might look to make things a little more simple, if just to keep the busted coverages and communication problems from happening. With starting corner Joe Haden out last week with a hamstring injury four new starters on the defense and three others playing new positions, it might have been a case of too much, too soon.
Haden will be back this week, though Artie Burns could be replaced by Coty Sensabaugh at the other corner spot.
Keith Butler could scale things back this week.
"I think simplifying the game plan, letting us line up and make plays, line up to what we see (could help)," said Haden.
Will that affect the pass rush? Perhaps. But the Steelers have recorded eight sacks in their first two games and have a pressure rate of 40.5 percent, second best in the NFL through two games. This after leading the league with 56 sacks a year ago.
Fitzpatrick has been sacked just twice this season, but right tackle Demar Dotson and left tackle Donovan Smith were both limited all week in practice by knee injuries.
Fitzpatrick is averaging a ridiculous 13.43 yards per pass attempt -- not completion. He's thrown four touchdown passes of 50 or more yards in two games. He had one such throw in his previous 50 games. Jackson has four catches of 35 yards or more in two games. He had one all of last season.
Obviously, it takes extra time to get the ball downfield. But some of Fitzpatrick's throws have been catch-and-runs.
"This is where rush and coverage have to work together," outside linebacker Bud Dupree told me. "Fitzpatrick gets rid of the ball quickly. So we need the corners to make him hold the ball that extra half second. He wants to throw on rhythm."
HISTORY LESSON
The Steelers lead the all-time series against the Buccaneers, 8-2, and have had some memorable matchups against them, from Kordell Stewart crying on the sideline after being pulled in the midst of a loss in Tampa in 1998, to Lee Flowers calling the Bucs out as "Paper Champions" following a 17-10 Steelers' win there in 2001, to Mike Glennon leading the hapless Bucs past the Steelers, 27-24, at Heinz Field in 2014.
But instead of focusing on what's happened between the Steelers and Buccaneers, let's instead take a look at another facet of the game -- officiating. The Steelers have been penalized a league-high 24 times this season. Their opponents thus far have drawn 23 penalties, which also is a league-high.
To say the officials have been a little flag happy in games involving the Steelers thus far would be a fair statement.
Enter Pete Morelli and his crew, who will work this game Monday night.
For those who aren't familiar with Morelli's work, here's a little reminder:
That play occurred Jan. 15, 2006 in a Divisional Playoff game won by the Steelers 21-18. But Morelli's decision to overturn the interception with 5:33 remaining and the Steelers clinging to a 21-10 lead set the stage for what was nearly one of the biggest gaffes in league playoff history.
Jerome Bettis would fumble at the goal line later in that game, with the Colts recovering and returning the fumble to midfield, where Roethlisberger made a game-saving tackle.
Mike Vanderjagt then missed a potential game-tying field goal to send the Steelers to the AFC Championship.
In 2015, Morelli's crew got into hot water with the league for allowing 18 seconds to run off the clock following a touchback on a kickoff in a 24-20 Steelers win against the Chargers in San Diego.
The Steelers won that game on a touchdown run by Le'Veon Bell with no time remaining.
Side judge Rob Vernatchi was suspended over that incident and Morelli's crew was later pulled off a prime time game between the Steelers and Colts for numerous mistakes that season.
Morelli's crew this season has called 34 penalties for 343 yards through two weeks, an average of 17 and 171.5 yards per game. That's over 2 1/2 more penalties and 47 more yards than the league average this season.
It's not all bad for the Steelers with Morelli. They do own a 10-3 record in the 13 games in which he's been the lead official.
THE MAIN MATCHUP
Roethlisberger has been money on Monday nights, winning 14 of his 17 starts. And despite his home-road splits in recent years, being on the road hasn't bothered him in Monday night games.
In his past five road games on Monday night, he's averaged 298.5 passing yards and led the Steelers to wins in all five. In fact, the Steelers have won their past 10 Monday night games and are 12-2 in those games under Tomlin.
Those numbers don't bode well for a Tampa Bay defense that has allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 77.4 percent of their passes in their first two games. Yes, the Bucs have won both of those games, but even a simply above-average day by Fitzpatrick -- who has averaged 206 yards and 1.34 touchdowns per game in his career -- will probably add up to a loss for Tampa Bay.
"He's one of the best we've seen to play the game," said Tampa Bay defensive tackle Gerald McCoy of Roethlisberger. "He believes he can make every throw. And as a future Hall of Famer, all respect to him."
But, the Steelers have been overly reliant on Roethlisberger early in this season as his 110 pass drop backs are the most in NFL history according to Pro Football Focus. Roethlisberger has attempted 101 passes, been sacked five times and has scrambled on four others.
He's on pace for 808 pass attempts, which would shatter Matthew Stafford's record of 727 set in 2012. The Steelers would like to be more balanced, but it could be awfully tempting to allow Roethlisberger, who attempted 60 passes against the Chiefs last week, to attack Tampa Bay's secondary.
"That would be stupid," Ramon Foster told me.
Stupid?
The Bucs are allowing 377 yards passing per game and a passer rating of 115.6. But the Steelers are winless this season and 17-31-1 in Roethlisberger's career when he attempts 40 or more passes.
Working against the Steelers right now is history. Roethlisberger's career record in the month of September is just 21-21-1. Once he gets out of the first month of the season, he's 115-44.
The Steelers would rather be smart and efficient with their passing game rather than just having volume.
That's what they haven't necessarily been to this point. Brown entered Week 3 with an NFL-high 33 targets, while JuJu Smith-Schuster was sixth with 27. Despite that, they have 18 receptions each, meaning Roethlisberger has completed 60 percent of his passes when throwing to his top wide receivers.
Tampa Bay allows an NFL-high 78.3 percent of passes thrown to receivers to be completed.
"We’re striving to throw every ball complete, throw it to the right person, protect it and then find a way to put the ball in the end zone," Randy Fichtner said. "I know that’s a simple answer, but that’s kind of how we approach it."
THE QUOTES
• "He’s a fun guy to be around. Fitz is a fun guy to be around. Most of your team is in their early twenties and Fitz is older, but he relates to everybody. He relates to the young players, he relates to the old players, he relates to the coaches. He’s just got an easy manner about him. He’s witty, he’s quick to make you laugh, he’s sharp. He makes everybody feel comfortable and that’s just one thing. Also, right now, he’s backing it up with his play." -- Koetter on Fitzpatrick
• "I’m pissed off. We’re losing. We suck.” -- Brown on his current mood
• “They’re not the only ones that messed up in this game. We messed up as coaches too.” -- Butler on what happened against the Chiefs
THE TEN DATA POINTS
• Tampa Bay head coach Dirk Koetter was the high school coach at Highlands High School in Pocatello, Idaho when he had a young running back named Merril Hoge. Hoge would go on to play at Idaho State, where Koetter's father, Jim, was head coach from 1983 through 1987. Hoge was a 10th round draft pick of the Steelers in 1987, spending seven seasons with the team.
• Conner entered Week 3 of the season as one of just two running backs with 150 or more rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Rams' Todd Gurley was the other.
• In his past eight games against NFC opponents, Brown has 70 receptions for 885 yards and seven touchdowns.
• Smith-Schuster has 27 receptions for 383 yards and two touchdowns in his past three games.
• Smith-Schuster is second in NFL history in receiving yardage (1,157 yards) before turning 22-years old, trailing only Randy Moss (1,313 yards). He still has eight games to play before turning 22.
• The Steelers are 14-3 in Monday night games started by Roethlisberger, including 8-3 on the road.
• After a successful two-point conversion last week against Kansas City, the Steelers are 18 for 29 (62 percent) on conversions since the start of the 2014 season.
• With his 14-yard touchdown catch last week on his only catch, rookie James Washington joined Brown (2010), Martavis Bryant (2014) and Smith-Schuster (2017) as recent Steelers receivers who have turned their first NFL touch into a score.
• Fitzpatrick last week joined Dan Marino (1984) and Billy Volek (2004) as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for 400 or more yards and have at least four touchdown passes in back-to-back games. Marino threw for 340 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions in his next game after accomplishing the feat for the Dolphins. Volek, playing for the Titans, threw for 111 yards with two interceptions in his next game.
• Of the 37 rushing attempts against the Bucs this season, 37.8 percent (14) have resulted in a first down, the highest rate in the league.
THE FANTASY FREE PLAY
There are so many to pick from in this game, but we'll go with Conner. The Buccaneers have allowed a rushing touchdown in eight consecutive games and have allowed four this season in two games. Tampa Bay also has allowed opposing running backs to catch 16 passes -- on 20 attempts -- for 173 yards and a touchdown this season. Conner has 10 receptions for 105 yards in the Steelers' first two games and figures to be a big part of the offense in this one after rushing for just 17 yards on eight carries last week. Conner should post more than 125 total yards and at least one touchdown.
THE STAFF PICKS
Our football coverage team offers predictions:
Dale Lolley: It's back-to-the-wall time for the Steelers just three games into the season. When the schedule came out, this was a game that figured to be a win. And that was before Fitzpatrick was forced into the starting lineup in place of suspended Jameis Winston. The Bucs have gone 2-0, beating New Orleans and Philadelphia, in their first two games. Are they going to go 3-0 against three teams among the favorites to go to the Super Bowl this season? That doesn't seem likely. And, as mentioned in the data points above, Fitzpatrick is just the third QB in league history to have back-to-back 400-yard, four-touchdown games. He's a lot closer to Volek than he is Marino. That's not to say the Bucs won't move the ball. They have weapons. But they also have no running game to speak of. With both offensive tackles banged up, the Bucs might have some issues protecting Fitzpatrick, as well. Plus, Roethlisberger just shines on Monday nights, averaging 295.8 yards per game in his past five road Monday night games -- all wins. Steelers 31-28
Chris Bradford: Taken at face value, there is precious little to like about this matchup. The Bucs are the hottest passing team going and the Steelers just gave up six passing TDs to a 23-year-old QB -- albeit a pretty good one -- making his third career start. All the news this week out of the South Side has been about Brown and all negative. But then there is this: Fitzpatrick is 0-5 lifetime against the Steelers, the only opponent he's never beaten when facing someone at least three times. It's Monday night and, well, the team that puts the fun in dysfunctional doesn't lose in prime-time. The Steelers have won their past 10 in a row on 'MNF' and are 12-2 under Tomlin. With their pride -- and maybe season -- at stake, the Steelers put together an inspired effort to come away with their first win. Oh, and AB? That guy's never met a (national TV) camera he's doesn't like. He has 25 career TDs in 32 night games. Steelers 31, Buccaneers 24
Christopher Carter: The Buccaneers may be hot right now, but Fitzpatrick has been one to play hot and cold throughout his career. He will rely on shot plays to break open with Jackson and Evans deep down the field. The Steelers' defense will need to be in position to limit those big plays and force Fitzpatrick to sit in the pocket and let the pass rush get after him. Patrick Mahomes averaged less than three seconds per pass last week, which negated anything the Steelers' pass rush tried. Fitzpatrick holds onto the ball a lot more, but his offensive line is also a really talented bunch. Look to see Keith Butler dial up the blitz, while the Steelers' offense gets going against a banged up Buccaneers' defense. Without Beau Allen and Vita Vea, the Buccaneers' stout defensive line is hurting for depth at defensive tackle behind their star, Gerald McCoy. Look for the Steelers' offensive line to establish authority late in this game. Steeelers 34, Buccaneers 20.
Matt Sunday: The Steelers will be clearly desperate for a win. If Baker Mayfield had played Week 1, they very well may be desperate for a tie. I have no doubts that the front of this Steelers defense is going to be fired up and extremely active. It's not the front of the defense I worry for, though. Evans and Jackson have the capability of being elite contributors like the Steelers haven't seen yet this season. I think the Steelers have a chance, even on a Monday night in Florida, but I can't see the Steelers putting up 30+ while keeping Fitzmagic under 30. Buccaneers 34, Steelers 27
Dejan Kovacevic: There isn't much to like about a matchup of the NFL's top two offenses, when one of the defenses did what the Steelers did against the Chiefs. It's outright ominous, actually. Tomlin's teams have long had a tendency to bounce back from adversity, but this turnaround -- from miscommunications, missed tackles, botched assignments and injuries to both starting corners -- will test way more than their tenacity. Which means the offense will have to produce ... what, even more than 37 points? I'm expecting Ben and AB to reconnect and for James and JuJu to provide real options. But tell me who's going to stop Fitzpatrick and Co., and I might conjure up more reasons why this group will come up with what would be a huge road victory seemingly out of thin air. Buccaneers 34, Steelers 28
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