In a game that left football fans scratching their heads, the Arizona Cardinals pulled off an unexpected upset against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The match took an unforeseen turn, both in terms of the weather conditions and the events of the opening half. However, what stunned fans even more was the injury that sidelined Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett for multiple weeks.
With Pickett out of the game, concerns arose about the rhythm and flow of the Steelers’ offense. Arizona capitalized on the opportunity, ultimately securing their third win of the year as a 5.5-point underdog. The Cardinals triumphed convincingly with a two-touchdown victory, finishing the game 24-10.
For Pittsburgh Steelers backers, this loss raises significant concerns as the NFL regular season enters its final month and a half. The Steelers had high hopes for this game, but the outcome was nothing short of devastating. It’s the kind of game they should have easily won, facing an opponent many considered a “layup,” given their recent struggles.
Despite the return of Kyler Murray for the Cardinals, it was believed that the Steelers’ defense, led by the likes of T.J. Watt, would put up a strong fight. The expectation was that the Steelers’ offense, despite its struggles, would be able to exploit Arizona’s weaknesses. Whether they wanted to run or pass, it was assumed the Steelers could dictate the game’s pace.
However, the reality was far from these expectations. Kenny Pickett’s early exit from the game, with a stat line of seven completions on ten attempts for 70 yards and an 89 passer rating, didn’t seem to be the sole reason for the Steelers’ poor performance. Across the board, Pittsburgh struggled in all facets of the game.
Furthermore, the game’s multiple delays disrupted any chance of the Steelers regaining their rhythm, but it should be noted that none of these factors excuse the embarrassing loss suffered by Pittsburgh at home against the Arizona Cardinals. In a crucial playoff positioning matchup, this defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Steelers fans.
In the postgame press conference, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin summed it up succinctly. The Steelers had a golden opportunity to assert their dominance and make a statement, but instead, they were blown out in a game that very few saw coming.
This unexpected loss serves as a stark reminder that in the NFL, anything can happen on any given Sunday, and no team can be taken lightly, regardless of their recent form. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s back to the drawing board as they seek to rebound and secure their spot in the playoffs.
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