The first half is in the books and there is one team playing like they haven’t won a game all season. And it’s not the Miami Dolphins. In what has become a broken record during head coach Mike Tomlin’s tenure with the Steelers, Pittsburgh has come out flat against an inferior opponent and fallen behind early. The Steelers trail the Dolphins 14-10 at the half.
The return of quarterback Mason Rudolph makes you wonder if he’s really clear of the concussion he suffered 22 days ago. Rudolph has 138 yards passing in the first half thanks to a 45-yard touchdown to wide receiver Diontae Johnson but he’s has had more bad throws than good ones. The only player who seems to care if the Steelers win is James Conner who is running strong with 58 yards.
Aside from one late interception by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, the defense has not done their part. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler has spent far too much time with his secondary sitting back in zone and Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has just picked them apart.
The score might only be 14-10 but this game hasn’t been that close. The Steelers get the football to start the second half. Hopefully, the Steelers can make some adjustments and come out in the second half with more energy and efficiency building on that late touchdown.
