STEELERS BLACK -N- GOLD POST A Pittsburgh Steelers Blog from the heart of Steelers Nation.

by Ramona Dye

Although our Steelers outgained the Chargers 497 to 251 in total yards, our defense let the Chargers score 21 points in the fourth quarter. Jeff Reed kicked a 46-yard field goal to seal the win, 38-28

Asked whether Polamalu's absence made a difference during San Diego's comeback, Tomlin said, "I'm not going to dispute that, but at the same time I'm not going to use that as an excuse."

Still, our Steelers miss Polamalu badly with his versatility and his ability to take away the middle of the field from opposing offenses.

Maybe it's because our Steelers defense are out of character without Polamalu involved in blitzing schemes. Defense coordinator LeBeau has not blitzed nearly as often or as effective. This might be where his absence affects them the most.

Players and coaches have offered some reasons. Said Casey Hampton, "Guys have got to do what they're supposed to do. The plays are being called and guys just aren't getting it done. You can't point your finger at anyone, We're just not getting it done. That's uncharacteristic of us." Coach Tomlin said "We've got to do a better job of making the opposing teams quarterback hold onto the ball a little longer."

Many have questioned whether or not this is the same defense of last season.  Last season, our Steelers outscored opponents 104-75 in the fourth quarter . Even though our defense has allowed only 30 points in the first three quarters this season, opponents have outscored them 48-13 in the fourth. Also, our Steelers defense have a scant eight sacks through four games, compared to 15 a season ago.

Last season, our Steelers had the NFL's best pass defense. Now they're in the middle of the pack at 15, allowing 218.2 yards per game. The average was 156.9 last season.

Give them time to work out their problems and get a healthy Troy Polamalu back on the field. As much as we miss Polamalu and want him back playing now, hopefully, our Steelers know they can't rush him back and risk a season ending injury.

We have relatively easy games coming up the next two weeks. We need to limit Polamalu in the next few games, that is, if he returns. We need Troy ready to go against the highly explosive offense of the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7

Running back Willie Parker has a left toe injury and may be held out of practice Wednesday. Safety Ryan Clark is suffering from a strained lower back, linebacker Andre Frazier has a sprained right shoulder and left guard Chris Kemoeatu has a sore left ankle. 

Tomlin hasn't decided how the carries will be divided between Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall once Parker returns. Mendenhall ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers defense, a team ranked 24th overall on defense, 14th against the pass and 28th against the run. 

All said, our Steelers defense cannot afford to play like they did Sunday against San Diego and still win games. Our Steelers defense must play a full game and not let opponents back in the game in the fourth quarter all the while Big Ben and company keeps on putting points on the board.

As Always, Here We Go!!!