Step one: Beat the Bengals

After the 0-3 start, the Steelers are obligated to beat the Bengals not only to have a winning season but to keep alive their postseason hopes.

The Steelers defense has proven they are talented and they been able to cause turnovers. Keith Butler isn’t that bad after all and we cannot ask more for a defense that’s been effective after three games. Keith Butler doesn’t deserve the blame for the current record of the franchise.

It’s unexplainable, however, after getting five turnovers to not take advantage. That’s the biggest issue the Steeler s need to work out. The gameplan hasn’t been good, especially after losing Big Ben. It’s not on Mason Rudolph either. This is a play-calling issue.

Randy Fichtner is just not a good coach.

How important is it to beat the Bengals?

To get back on track, Pittsburgh needs to start winning, starting with Monday’s game. The Steelers have taken some big risks after trading for Nick Vannet and Minkah Fitzpatrick and because of that Fitzpatrick trade, may miss out on a high first-round pick next year. Of course, both Mike Tomlin nor Kevin Colbert have higher expectations for the rest of the season.

But how do they right the ship?

As mentioned before, there must be a huge change in the gameplan for Monday Night. It’s impossible to with James Conner from the shotgun formation without fullback Roosevelt Nix. If the team is set on running out of the shotgun, it may be more effective to throw Jaylen Samuels into the game. One thing is certain – having Rudolph throwing to the line of scrimmage or one-yard completions won’t get you anywhere.

It’s time for Mike Tomlin to step up and coach this team effectively. He knows how to motivate his unit, and the time has come to show why he still has a job as a head coach.