I could have not watched this game and probably written the script of how this game would go. Games like these are slowly becoming the blueprint for the 2009 Steelers.

The Steelers did whatever they wanted to on offense for a quarter a half and looked like they were well on their way to a blowout victory over the hapless Lions.

Then Ben Roethlisberger made an ill-advised throw and the Lions had a quick TD and were back in the game. Roethlisberger threw a couple TDs after that and the rout was on again.

Until the 4th quarter rolled around and the Lions dominated both sides of the ball, nearly coming back to tie the game.

Week after week, the Steelers flash the dominance that you'd expect them to show. But it's only in bits and pieces and a lot of mediocre football shows up between the good times.

Ben Roethlisberger is playing the best football of his career. Rashard Mendenhall dominated for the second week in a row. James Harrison tore apart the Lions offensive line.

There's a lot to like about the win.

But there is just a sinking feeling that this team is lacking the killer instinct that it had last year in big situations. You can get away with taking your foot off of the gas pedal against the Chargers and Lions, but if this isn't fixed, it will be the Steelers downfall.

Grades on the way the next couple of days...

The Steelers put on an offensive clinic in all phases of the game Sunday night. The offensive line was dominant and all of the skill players performed at the high level we've come to expect. It's hard finding much to criticize after such a big time performance, but after the jump we hand out some grades to the offensive position units...

I had this whole thing already typed up and done during the 4th quarter. But the Steelers near choke job (again) put a bad taste in my mouth and made me redo the entire thing.

But before we get into the bad finish by the Steelers, there was a lot of good.

I've always  said there's no such thing as a must-win game in Week Four. But this is about as close as you can get.

The prospect of being 1-3 four weeks into the season isn't something we even want to think about.

Phil Rivers is one of the best QBs in the game and has been lights out this year. Darren Sproles has potential to be very elusive and dangerous as well. The Chargers potent offense against a Steelers defense struggling to get pressure and collapsing late in games could be a disastrous matchup.

But the Chargers haven't won in Pittsburgh in forever. And the Steelers always play best when their backs are against the wall.

This is definitely a huge game for both teams. New England missed the playoffs last year with an 11-5 record. A 1-3 start just isn't something you want to mess with.

What they are saying...

Bolts from the Blue:

For me, this game rests on the shoulders of Marcus McNeill.  Although I criticized him last week, I was told his flu was quite severe and that he lost a lot of weight during the week leading up to the game.  If he's healthy again, and can handle James Harrison, I feel like the Chargers cannot lose.  If Harrison is causing all sorts of problems for Rivers, it's going to be hard to move the ball downfield and Norv will have to rely on the big passing plays again (always a risky gameplan).

San Deigo Union-Tribune:

The Chargers have been pathetic in the red zone the past two weeks, scoring just one touchdown in 11 opportunities. Whether the return of Tomlinson is the ticket, or different play calls, or wearing different socks something has to change. The good news for the Chargers is Pittsburgh hasn't been lighting up the scoreboard either. Last week the Steelers had three goal-to-go situations and scored one TD. Whichever team gets the red-zone problem worked out becomes the favorite to win.

BoltHype:

So really it comes down to two teams with issues, both struggling to avoid mediocre (or even disappointing) starts this season. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, the Chargers ability to win this game is entirely in their hands. Turn those engines up a notch and eliminate the mental mistakes and stupid penalties, and they can win this game in Pittsburgh.

Predictions...

Bam says: The Steelers offense will probably put up the same performance we've seen from them throughout the year. They will be able to score points, but not enough to win the game themselves. This game will come down to pressuring Philip Rivers. If the Steelers don't get a lot of pressure, Rivers will eat them up. He is a lot better QB than Jay Cutler and more explosive than Carson Palmer these days. I feel sick picking the opposition for the second week in a row, but like last week's game, this looks like a bad matchup to me. Chargers 24 - 17.

Norm says: It should be a hard fought game. Jeff Reed will win our hearts again on a last-second field goal. The Steelers will take advantage of the Chargers week rush defense and Rashard will rush for over 80 yards. If the Steelers can't stop the pass, then the Chargers will come out on top. Steelers 21 - 18.

The yinzers get their wish. Redman will be dressed for Sunday night's game.

It's doubtful Redman will see a lot of carries since he's still behind Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore on the depth chart, but he could definitely get some looks in short yardage situations.

A lot of fans have been adamant in saying Redman is the solution to the Steeelers running game woes. I've said all along that the offensive line is the problem and Redman won't fair any better than Parker or Mendy have. I've made it clear before that I don't have high expectations for Redman and see him as filling Gary Russell's role for this year's team at best.

He also needs to learn to play some special teams because, as it stands, he's a one-trick pony. You can't afford to have backups who don't play special teams in positions like running back.

Though I may not think Redman will be a world beater out there or even a solid NFL running back, I certainly wish him the best. Commentors have dropped some knowledge about Redman's past in our comments and he's overcame a lot to make it this far. And Steeler fans certainly believe in the guy, often comparing him to a young Bettis.

Congrats to Redman and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what he can do on Sunday.

The Steelers are 1-2. The sky is falling.

Blame has been widespread. People are already wanting to make widespread changes. I've read lots of theories why the Steelers aren't winning football games. Lots of people know how to fix this team:

Fire Mike Tomlin. Fire Bruce Arians. Bench Limas Sweed. Bench Willie Parker. Abandon the running game. Use a fullback every down. Blitz more.

Whatever. Maybe these people are right. But I have a much simpler solution to fixing the Pittsburgh Steelers: play better football.

I know, Captain Obvious reporting for duty. But I don't think that the Steelers need to implement any widespread or radical changes at all. They just need to execute better.

Hit read more to see why the Steelers aren't that far from being 3-0 and why things should improve in the near future for the black and gold...

Bam and I were split on how this game was going to turn out. I thought it was going to be a complete blowout from the start by the Steelers and they would never turn back. Bam thought it was going to be a close game with the Steelers giving it up at the end. When the Steelers jumped out to a 13-0 lead, it looked like I would be right. The Stees were just marching at will on the Bengals. They were stopping everything the Bengals were giving them. They had their running game going for the first time this season. It looked over.

Then the second half started.

The teams looked like they switched positions. The Steelers only had one drive of more than 10 yards in the second half. The Steelers defense was picked apart again. The last two Bengals drives of the game, each resulting in touchdowns, were 85 and 71 yards, respectively.

There will be so many fingers pointed after this game, especially since this is the first time they’ve lost back to back games since 2007, and it’s the first time they’ve lost to the Bengals in forever. I’m sure you’ll hear “Super Bowl hangover” more than once in the upcoming week. But there’s no reason to give up all hope just yet, there’s still a lot of season left to play.

On to the grades…

Well, this one should be interesting.

Last year, the Steelers pulverized a weakened Bengals team twice and Hines Ward broke Keith Rivers' jaw.

Now, the Bengals look to be much improved. They aren't elite by any means, but a healthy Carson Palmer and an improving young defense makes them a lot more interesting than they were last year with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center.

The Steelers are coming off a demoralizing loss at Chicago. Cincinatti just had the best win in a while over Green Bay.

Does any of this matter?

We'll tell you at 4:15.

What they are saying...

Bengals Gab:

Working in the Bengals favor is the fact that the game is at home, and this will be their third straight game against a 3-4 defense. Steelers pro-bowl safety Troy Polamalu will be out and his backup, Tyrone Carter, is gimpy. Their running game has been weaker than in years past, and their offensive line is a clear liability again. The Bengals running game has been surprisingly effective so far, their passing game has been much improved, and the pass rush is leading the NFL in sacks.

Nevertheless, the Steelers are still the Super Bowl Champions, and until further notice, the rulers of the AFC North. If Marvin Lewis’ charges truly are prepared to make a run, they must prove they can win this game. They must face the schoolyard bully and take his best shot. They must hold serve at home. They must continue to prove they are not your typical Bengals.

To be the best, you must beat the best as the old adage goes. The time is now. It’s Steelers Week.

Cincy Jungle:

"Everybody thinks they can call the plays."

Ron Cook used that line once in a column about Ken Whisenhunt. Bruce Arians said it again this offseason. And it's true.

Come Monday morning, Pittsburgh is full of masterful offensive coordinators who think if they could pull out their Madden playbook, the Steelers would never lose a game.

This past Sunday was the Steelers' first loss of the season and predictably, an old whipping boy come back to the forefront: Bruce Arians.

Never mind that Jeff Reed missed two field goals. Never mind that Santonio Holmes dropped at least 4 catchable balls. Never mind that Dick LeBeau never figured out how to stop Chicago's quick passing attack.

Nope, none of that matters. It's all Bruce Arians' fault.

It's easy to be a fan when your time is winning playoff games and Super Bowls.

This week? Not so much.

This is the first loss for the Steelers since December 21st of last year. It's been a long time.

Strangely enough, I'm not too upset about it. The reason the Steelers lost today wasn't because Chicago was a better football team so much as it was the Steelers didn't execute. Dropped passes. Blown coverages. Missed kicks.

These kinds of things catch up to all teams at some point and Chicago's ultra-conservative game plan made the Steelers mistakes killer.

Whatever.

It's week two of the season and if you are wanting any drastic changes go root for the Cowboys.  Even good teams play bad games sometimes.

Now onto the grades...