Kirk Herbstreit criticizes Steelers’ poor first half against Ravens: ‘Where’s the fight gone?
Kirk Herbstreit has upset some fans with his opinions over recent years, but he was spot on during this game.
On Saturday night, the Baltimore Ravens decisively dominated their fierce rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading 21-0 at halftime. The game was one-sided, with Baltimore controlling the ball for much of the first half, running 23 more plays, and outgaining Pittsburgh 308 to 59 yards.
Herbstreit, fresh off a Cotton Bowl broadcast where Ohio State triumphed over Texas, sensed a lack of energy in the NFL playoff atmosphere.
“As a Steelers fan watching this first half, I’d be very worried—you’re in the playoffs and getting dominated. There’s no fight or response visible,” Herbstreit remarked.
Clearly frustrated with the absence of effort from this historically strong franchise, Herbstreit continued.
“It’s one thing to lose tactically to a skilled team, but where’s the fight?” he stressed. “This is the Pittsburgh Steelers—we’re seeing them just going through the motions.”
Herbstreit suggested that the Steelers might benefit from giving Justin Fields more playing time in the second half. The former Ohio State quarterback had a few plays, but Russell Wilson still took the majority of snaps.
The commentator also pointed out that the Steelers’ defense needed to improve after a poor performance in the first half.
In the second half, Pittsburgh did show more determination—earning praise from Herbstreit—but unfortunately, it was not enough to overcome the deficit as Baltimore won the game 28-14.
The Steelers will face numerous questions in the offseason, especially regarding coach Mike Tomlin, who hasn’t led the team to a playoff victory since January 2017, suffering six consecutive postseason losses.
This was the first time under Tomlin that Pittsburgh was scoreless in the first half of a playoff match.
On a brighter note for Herbstreit, his NFL broadcasting season has concluded, and he will soon focus on the college football national championship before the offseason kicks in.
So perhaps things aren’t as bleak.
