STEELERS = POORLY COACHED

The Steelers are poorly coached. The evidence is overwhelming.

Nothing that's bad gets better.

The offensive line is Exhibit A.

The offensive line has a first-round pick at each tackle, a second-round phenom at center.

But it stinks. Can't run-block. Can't pass-block.

The Steelers have the NFL's highest-paid defense, but the pieces don't fit.

The defense has allowed an average of 386 yards per game, fifth-worst in the NFL.

In Sunday's game, New England went 4-of-5 on fourth-down conversions.

The Patriots had drives of 77, 92 and 88 yards.

They rushed for 119 yards.

How does all that talent get paid all that money and still get gashed?

The offense has no identity beyond Aaron Rodgers being clutch.

The offense looks the same with Arthur Smith as its coordinator as it did with Matt Canada as its coordinator: Chicken and uninspired. (But with more tight ends.)

With the Steelers, the whole isn't greater than the sum of the parts. Or even equal.

That's bad coaching.

But that will be hotly denied from now 'til the Steelers once again finish in the middle. And even after that.