The Pittsburgh Steelers hadn't thrown the ball into the hands of the other team's defense since the game against the Philadelphia Eagles before the bye week. Wide Receiver Steven Sims says he's to blame for that streak ending when Mitch Trubisky threw a pass between him and Pat Friermuth that was picked off by Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Roquan Smith.
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) attempts completion in 16-14 loss vs the Baltimore Ravens / Steelers.com
The second-year Steelers pass catcher had a chance to review the film and told Brian Batko of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the way he ran his route led to Trubisky's completed pass to his former Chicago Bears teammate, Smith.
"It was definitely my fault," Sims said of the costly mistake which led to the first of three interceptions for Trubisky. "I just should've went under, in front of him, rather than behind him. Kind of got caught up getting my initial depth coming off the ball."
https://twitter.com/BrianBatko/status/1602371605459615760
Trubisky told the media in his own post-game press conference what he saw on the play that led to his first turnover on an afternoon where, the former Pro Bowl quarterback wasn't afraid of being aggressive, even more so than Head Coach Mike Tomlin would've liked.
"They did a good job of collisioning Pat (Friermuth) at the line of scrimmage and I stuck with him," the 2017 second overall pick said about what unfolded on the throw that stopped the Pittsburgh offense at Baltimore's 17 yard-line. "I could've done a better job with my eyes looking off when it takes a little longer and there's two guys in the same spot. Linebacker made a good play, that's on me."
Sims is appreciative of his signal caller taking the blame for one that he says is on him. Trubisky even admitted the throw was "probably forced" but it can't help to have the receiver running his route wrong.
Other Steelers Most Costly Mistakes
While Sims is admitting to one mishap on Sunday that likely cost Pittsburgh any hope at a playoff spot with the record at 5-8 and 1-3 in the AFC North, it was three other miscues, including a pair more turnovers, that doomed its fate at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers Chris Wormley (95) makes a tackle on Baltimore Ravens Gus Edwards (35) in a 16-14 loss at Accrisure Stadium. /Photo Credit: Karl Roser. Steelers.com/
Down 13-7 with 1:03 left to play in the first half, Trubisky and the offense quickly moved the ball downfield. With throws to Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Gunner Olszewski, Pittsburgh advanced to the Baltimore 24-yard line and called a time-out with 26 seconds left.
Then Trubisky locked in on Friermuth and missed Ravens Linebacker Patrick Queen, who snagged his first pick of the season and ruined Pittsburgh's chances for any points on a promising drive.
"I think we were moving the ball, and the problem was I was turning it over down in the redzone," the quarterback said. "I've got to be smarter with my decisions and not be forcing it down there."
The offense is not the only group to earn some blame. The team entered the fourth quarter down 13-7 starting with the ball. After a Ravens sack and a Trubisky throw toward Johnson was incomplete. An unnecessary roughness penalty called on Raven's Defensive Back Marcus Peters got the team into a usual gimme-range field goal.
Ravens' Patrick Queen (#6) and Roquan Smith (#18) work together in practice. | Credit: Baltimore Ravens
They lined up at the Baltimore 22 and Calais Campbell got up over J.C Hassenauer to get a hand on the football. While the Steelers were able to rally and score the one touchdown late, the final drive on defense sealed the deal and probably any last playoff aspirations.
So, Steeler Nation, who do you think is to blame for the first interception? Do you think they share some blame if they're both taking it?
Let us know in the comment section below or on our social media feeds.
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