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The Steelers Need a Defensive Facelift

With Le'Veon Bell sidelined, the world knew the Steelers offense wouldn't look the same as it had all year long. And it certainly didn't -- Ben Roethlisberger averaged 9.94 Passing NEP per game this year, and he only accumulated 2.03 on Saturday night.

Bell could have made a difference, sure, but to assume victory for the Steelers with Bell would be foolish. The fact is, this game was won by Baltimore through the air, as the Steelers' makeshift secondary was completely exposed for what it was all season long: bad.

Joe Flacco averaged 5.58 Passing NEP per game during the regular season. Against the Steelers on Saturday, Flacco had 12.94 Passing NEP, the third best score of the weekend.

The Steelers can't expect to win with such inexperience at cornerback and two safeties who wouldn't start for the majority of NFL teams. Expect a big change on that side of the ball for Pittsburgh this offseason, and it better come quick, as the offense is one of the best we have in the NFL.

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