Monday, October 7
The small details: Calvin Austin III sat at his locker at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Monday afternoon, shortly before going to watch film of Sunday night's loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the closing seconds.
And one thing he knows even without watching the film, is some of the things that caused the loss were self-inflicted wounds that have led to the Steelers record going from 3-0 to 3-2 after the Cowboys and Colts losses.
"It's still very early in the season, and we know we kind of beat ourselves in each of these losses," said Austin. "It is frustrating for sure. In the record book, it just shows up as a loss. But we know that we kind of caused it ourselves.
"That's the frustrating part because you can't get it back and you can't do anything to change it. You work all offseason and work so hard to kind of prevent those mistakes, and when they show up it's frustrating.
"It's a part of the game and we've just got to stay together and get closer and learn from it. It's early in the season and we've got a lot more games left. We need to evaluate the film, look in the mirror and just come back better."
The Steelers scored just three points in the first half, before putting 14 points on the board in the second half. It was a similar situation in the loss to the Colts, with three points in the first half and 21 in the second half.
Getting out to a fast start is something the offense has been focused on, now it's just a matter of doing it.
"It's just execution," said Austin. "It's a lot of small details when you look back at it that can be traced to that slow start feeling. Just going back and cleaning up those small details can create bigger plays at the beginning to get us going."
A rare opportunity: When you lose, it's tough to look at some of the bright spots.
There is no doubt, though, defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk provided a bright spot against the Cowboys.
Loudermilk blocked Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey's 38-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter, giving the steelers the ball at their own 47-yard line.
It's a play that doesn't happen often in the NFL, and while Loudermilk would trade the block for a win in a heartbeat, he was still happy to make an impact play.
"It felt good," said Loudermilk. "It's always good to make a play like that for the team. It kind of hypes everyone up. It got me going a little bit too.
"Plays like that are always fun to make and go celebrate with the team quick. It always feels a lot better when you can make a play like that and come up with a win."
Loudermilk's block was the first field goal or extra point the Steelers have blocked this season, and the first one the Cowboys have had blocked.
And it's not for a lack of trying.
It's just a tough play to make.
"That's one of the plays that's a rare play to make," said Loudermilk. "A blocked field goal, you don't see it happen a whole lot.
"But at the same time everyone's always rushing every single time. Every single play, someone's trying to get there, and it doesn't happen often.
"When someone does get there, it's like an explosion of energy just because it's something that doesn't happen often. But when someone can get it, it feels good."
Special teams captain Miles Killebrew gave Loudermilk his props, because he knows how tough any type of block is on special teams. Killebrew has blocked three punts since 2021 when he joined the Steeles, and four in his career.
"He's the block king," said Loudermilk. "He's a big guy on special teams blocks and stuff. Everyone kind of looks to him, especially in punt situations, to get those blocks."
Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.
