After watching last night's loss against the Browns, one has to wonder what is REALLY going on with the Pittsburgh Steelers? The Steelers, coming into Cleveland, have now lost five games in a row. You read that right.. the Super Bowl Champs have lost 5 games in a row. Included in those 5 loses are to teams like the Chiefs, Raiders and Browns, all teams you won no more than 3 games coming into their contest against Pittsburgh.

The Steelers went to Cleveland with a 6-6 record, a 12 game win streak over the Browns and in hopes of keeping their playoff chances alive. Instead, they left with a 6-7 record, Big Ben's first loss to Cleveland and a very slim chance to make the playoffs.



What exactly is going on with the reigning Super Bowl Champs??? The 2006 Steelers also had a Championship hangover after their 2005 Super Bowl win, going for an 8-8 record. But Steelers apologists will always point at the motorcycle accident that Roethlisberger suffered prior to the beginning of that season. So what is it this season that's holding them back for a repeat?!

One thought is the loss of Steelers S Troy Polamalu and DE Aaron Smith . The defense is really struggling with the loss of these two players. Most would only point out Polamalu's loss, which IS huge, but I think that Smith's loss is just as big. Without Smith, teams have had more success running against the defense. And without Polamalu's presence on the field, it shows a disturbing truth that the Steelers secondary is really not that good without their All Pro safety.



Others might suggest a recent divide in the locker room. Hines Wards went public not long ago, telling Bob Costas that the team was "50/50" on Ben being able to play for the Ravens game, one that he sat out for because of a concussion he received the week prior. While fans and media have made fun of Ben in the past by calling him a "drama queen", one has to wonder if the team views their starting QB one as well, and is tired of it. Ward was doubtful up until game time for the Browns game, with a hamstring injury. While Ward did end up playing, you have to question if this was a way for Ward to "learn" his QB a lesson? I know Steelers fans will call this theory asinine, but is it really?! Especially if you are a player that's fed up of your teammate's shenanigans.

Whatever the reason may be, this isn't the Steelers team that fans saw when they demolished the Denver Broncos, or the team that gave the Minnesota Vikings their first loss. For whatever reason, the Steelers are not in synch and look uninspired on the football field. The Steelers have the Packers, Ravens and Dolphins to end the season, all teams that are in the playoff hunt. The Steelers need to win out and then pray that the cards fall their way in order to make the playoffs themselves.

What happens from here, we'll see. But this is one interesting story to watch.