Mystic Pizza vs. Mystic River: A Question of Identity

Jack Lambert

What kind of identity do the Steelers have?

The fact we're even asking that question says it all. They don't have one. Or do they?

LeGarrette Blount says he wants more carries. Fair enough, and why not? LeGarrette Blount should get more carries, but so should Le'Veon Bell. The Steelers rank 11th in the NFL in rushing attempts. Nobody would say they are a running team.

Offensive coordinator Todd Haley and/or Ben Roethlisberger and/or Mike Tomlin just can't resist getting cute -- like in the red zone against Tampa Bay and Jacksonville -- when they should be getting tough, when they should allow their offensive line and running backs to gain momentum, turn 'em loose, let off some steam, vent, hit, explode, into blocks: roll, downhill, and pound, pound, pound.

That's the identity the Steelers used to have. No more. Now the offense is like most others in the NFL. Eh.

And the defense doesn't scare anybody.  

The Steelers' identity used to be the running game and tough, ferocious defense. No more.

Joey Porter's Pit Bulls miss those days. Do you like "Mystic Pizza" or "Mystic River"? Which is it? Cute and funny, or tough and gritty?