Steelers' Patrick Peterson Believes "Good Teams Don't Lose Twice In A Row"

Following the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns, the energy around the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding fans alike seems different. Currently, most analysts believe the Steelers are pretenders, but Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson believes Week 12 gives the team a perfect opportunity to forget about their embarrassing Week 11 loss. Despite the offensive struggles, Peterson believes the team's Week 11 loss wasn't indictive of the team's overall season.

On Monday, Peterson was available to speak to the media. Peterson was asked if he believes the team can bounce back following the embarrassing loss. Peterson believes their loss shouldn't make fans lose faith in the now 6-4 Steelers. 

"Like coach said, this is a time when contenders and pretenders start to separate themselves." 

Peterson would then go on to quote one of his former coach's, Bruce Arians.

"Bruce Arians told me good teams don't lose twice in a row." 

Peterson finished his answer by implying the Steelers' Week 12 matchup vs the Cincinnati Bengals will be the game that decides if the Steelers are contenders or pretenders. 

"So, we'll see where we are following this week."

So far following the Steelers loss, the media and fans have been ruthless with criticism all across the board. But where do the true problems lie for the Steelers? The loss against the Browns on Sunday shined a light on one major problem. The quarterback play of second-year signal-caller, Kenny Pickett. 

Pickett, who threw for just 106 yards along with a 53% completion rate, looked completely rattled during the game. Pickett, who is used to leading fourth quarter comebacks, looked as if the "Kenny magic" had finally ran out. Many players have since then voiced their frustration with the offense's performance, including running back Najee Harris, and star wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

Constantly this year, the Steelers have relied on their defense to cause turnovers in order for the team to score points. The defense racked in one interception in the Week 11 game by slot cornerback Chandon Sullivan which put the Steelers in first place for most takeaways (19) this season. Sadly, the offense wouldn't capitalize on their golden opportunity this time like they usually do. Instead, the offense would quickly punt the ball right back to the Browns. 

Then, the Steelers would receive the ball with under two minutes to play in the game with a chance to win as the game was at the time tied. The Steelers offense would have exactly 1:42 left in the game at their own 30-yard line. With Pickett's history of late fourth quarter comeback wins, this one was sure to be exactly that. Instead, the second-year quarterback would throw three straight incompletions. And on second down, completely throw it over 10 yards from the nearest receiver. Their drive would last all but :14 seconds. As we all know, the Browns would then drive into field goal range and kick a last second winning field goal. 

What Can Help The Steelers Offense Bounce Back?

Looking ahead after an embarrassing loss to a team can be hard. Especially if your team already receives criticism for being a so called "fraud." It could be even harder for a second-year quarterback who has done nothing this year but regress. Pickett, who only has 6 passing touchdowns on the year through 10 games, has looked like a completely different quarterback then his rookie year which he then looked like he would have a promising future. 

Now, Pickett's future with the Steelers could be uncertain, following calls from former players, fans, and media to move on from Pickett. Some going as far as suggesting benching Pickett. Obviously, this year has been nothing but a disappointment for the Steelers quarterback as well as the offense. But in the loss shined one promising factor. Jaylen Warren.

It's clear now that second-year undrafted free agent signing Warren is the real deal. Following his best game yet where he racked up 129 (career high) rushing, Steeler Nation can hope the Steelers begin to rely and give Warren more touches. Every time Warren touched the ball on Sunday, he would seemingly be able to find a crease and bring up a big chunk of yardage. For the Steelers offense to be more successful in the future, regardless of quarterback play, we can infer the Steelers will begin using Warren more not just only in the rushing game, but also in the short to intermediate passing game.

What does Steeler Nation believe? Can the Steelers bounce back following a tough Week 11 loss? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments! 

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