The Steelers couldn’t rally from a disastrous first quarter as their season ended with a crushing 48-37 loss to the Cleveland Browns, who we replaying without their head coach, several of his assistants, and some key players.
It started on the first play from scrimmage, when center Maurkice Pouncey launched a shotgun snap high over the head of quarterback Ben Roethlsiberger, which the Brown’s recovered for a touchdown. That was the first of five Pittsburgh turnovers, including four interceptions by Big Ben, as the Browns built a 28-0 first quarter lead and were never really threatened.
Coach Mike Tomlin says the problems went deeper than the turnovers.
After sitting dejectedly on the bench for a long time after the game, Big Ben gathered himself and in his post-game comments put the best light on it that he could.
Roethlisberger threw for 501 yards and four touchdowns in addition to the four picks.
Defensive end Cam Heyward was at a loss for words after the game.
After starting 11-0, the Steelers staggered to the finish line, losing four of their last five games, and now they enter an offseason in which there will be many changes. The team has a long list of unrestricted free agents and Big Ben has one year left on his contract, if he decides to come back and play and if the team decides it can afford to keep him.
Among the big names who will become unrestricted free agents are Bud Dupree, James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Matt Feiler, Alejandro Villanueva, Tyson Alualu, Mike Hilton, Robert Spillane, Avery Williamson, and Cam Sutton. Others on the list are Chris Wormley, Marcus Allen, Zach Banner, Jordan Dangerfield, Sean Davis, Cassius Marsh, Jordan Berry, Jarone Elliott, Danny Isadora, Jerald Hawkins, and Josh Dobbs.
Tight end Vance McDonald is not technically a free agent, but he is subject to a club option, which is not likely to be picked up.
The NFL Divisional Round will feature the Ravens visiting the Bills in the AFC and the Rams at the Packers on Saturday. On Sunday, the defending Super Bowl Champion Chiefs will host the Browns and the Saints will host the Bucs.
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