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 2016 AFC Championship Steelers 17 at Patriots 36
 The Steelers struggle early as the Pats take a 10-0 1st-quarter lead and blow the game open in the 2nd half. The Steelers do nothing to disrupt Brady's rhythm, allowing him to stay comfortable in the pocket as he picks the secondary apart for 384 yds and 3 TDs. Le'Veon Bell exits early with a groin injury, and the coaching staff fails to adapt. DeAngelo Williams struggles with just 34 yds on 14 carries, while the passing game falters as receivers drop multiple passes. Cobi Hamilton drops a critical pass in the end zone and later catches one that doesn't count because he steps out of bounds. Sammie Coates drops a deep pass, and Eli Rogers catches a pass but fumbles, leading to a Patriots TD. Antonio Brown is blanketed, with no TDs despite 7 catches. Big Ben throws for 314 yds, 1 TD, and 1 INT, but multiple missed opportunities, including an overturned Jesse James TD and a failed 4th-quarter trip inside the 5, cost the Steelers points. Offensively and defensively, Mike Tomlin's inability to make key in-game adjustments contributes to the Steelers' struggles. Despite solid individual performances, the lack of effective coaching and adaptation ultimately leads to the disappointing loss. |
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