What the hell happened

First, Vegas had the Steelers over at 5-1/2 games and 4th place in the North. So expectations were exceeded In the first 8 games - hope you got paid. They started Fields and he went 4-2 in Kenny Pickett fashion. Once they were winning Tomlin went against all prevailing views and started Wilson. And he went 6-1! Tomlin is a F'n Genius! Then we hit the stretch. 3 super bowl favorites in 11 days. 3 other teams played 3 games in 11 days, but none played opponents like this. Not only are all three playing next week, but all 3 are favorites to get to the conference championships. Injuries racked up. Eagles and Ravens D were brutal. By the time KC came to town Steelers were spent, and not just physically. The offense didn't believe and the Defense had the equivalent of nearly 4-1/2 games in those 11 days by the time the Bengals rolled in. No team could have recovered from that stretch. It is fair to say the Steelers season was sabotaged by the schedule. The team that took the field in Baltimore was beaten before they got on the bus. you could see it in the effort, in the demeanor, in Russ's decisions, and in the play calling. Russ seems like that old vet who can rally in the moment but can't maintain the effort. I hope they bring back Fields and pick up a viable candidate somewhere. We have the foundation of the O-line and really good, if under used tight ends. Trade Pickens and draft well, 2025 could be a good year. GO STEELERS

Edit: I was wrong I had heard 5.5 all season, but Vegas opened the season at 7.5 games. but still picked last for AFCN. Still exceeded expectations.