Steelers HC Mike Tomlin says this is a ‘put up or shut up game’

It feels like the Pittsburgh Steelers have been playing must-win games since September. After a stunning opening-week win over the Cincinnati Bengals things have spiraled out of control with only an upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to break up the losses.

So when head coach Mike Tomlin told the media on Tuesday this was a “put up or shut up game” it really made me wonder how long these games have qualified for that title.

Pittsburgh’s season has been a comedy of errors, especially on offense. The team has yet to have a 20-yard rush and is No. 31 in the league in averaging only 15 points per game.

But what makes this game even more weighty in terms of the rest of the season is the Steelers are coming off of the bye, taking on a New Orleans Saints team playing on a short week and will be getting its best defensive player back. If this confluence of circumstances doesn’t culminate with a win on Sunday there might not be any hope going forward.