Steelers Have Lost Their Turnover Culture
PITTSBURGH — During their loss to Kansas City on Wednesday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t generate a turnover or even a sack.
It was a far cry from what the Steelers’ defense was able to do earlier in the season.
“We regressed in terms of our turnover culture,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. “In terms of maintaining possession of the ball and getting the ball, we’ve been a plus group in most instances, and that’s really been a catalyst for us in terms of the games unfolding the way that we desire. The last two weeks in particular, we haven’t been plus in that area. We’ve been minus in that area, so the results are what they are.”
The Steelers entered the matchup with the Chiefs with more takeaways (31) than any other team in the NFL. Their 15 fumble recoveries are also the most in the league. Pittsburgh has forced a handful of loose balls over the past two games, but hasn’t been able to fall on them.
Minkah Fitzpatrick had what felt like a key interception against Baltimore. Marlon Humphrey’s pick-six of Russell Wilson shortly after did its part in slamming the door on the Steelers. Wilson threw a red zone interception and Pat Freiermuth coughed up the ball as Patrick Mahomes and company had no blemishes,
The Steelers are now 2-14 in games in which they lost the turnover battle dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season.
“The formula to beat those guys is getting turnovers against them,” Highsmith said. “We didn’t do it. We had balls on the ground — just like last week — and we didn’t get on them. They had two turnovers (caused). That’s definitely a big difference in the game.”
“Obviously we didn’t get the ball today, so it’s not good enough,” edge rusher T.J. Watt said.
Tomlin is fixed on restoring a turnover mentality on the defensive side of the ball, even if that means personnel looks different going forward.
“We don’t blink,” Tomlin said. “In terms of the schematics, in terms of the division of labor, I’m open to whatever change is necessary in an effort to change the outcome.”
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