Now that it's blown over a little...

..Let's take a look at what this loss means and what went wrong.

1. First thing's first, Limas Sweed is looking more and more like a bust in important moments. I want him to succeed for the team's sake, but he is proving we can't count on him.

2. Ben Roethlisberger is still amazing. He threw one interception because Holmes ran the wrong way (Don't believe me? Ben didn't even look for a target. He took the snap and threw the ball to a spot. That's a timing play and Tone was breaking downfield instead of being where the ball was going) and it's hardly the QB's fault if the defender manages to run it back. Beyond that, his passes were all just about perfectly on target. His mobility is as strong as ever and when he gets outside the pocket we should just start expecting TDs.

3. What was with the early penalties on Hines Ward? Refs sending him a message perhaps? I don't know what that was about, but congratulations to the man for picking up his 10,000th career yard.

4. You've all heard about the defensive collapse and I'm sure you don't want me to make you re-live it either. Let's face it, the short passing game is destroying the defense. Teams have taken note and we can expect it to work all season. Our normally dominant pass-rushers won't have time to get any pressure if the secondary can't take care of those short inside routes. San Diego is probably going to run this system on every single snap next week. Antonio Gates and Darren Sproles as middle/underneath options? Yikes.

5. This season is looking like a test for Tomlin. We saw how he handled success for two years, but how will he handle a potential losing streak? Will he be able to focus his team and rebound? Obviously I say yes, but I have nothing to back that with.

6. Also, yeah, Tomlin went for it on 4th and 4 and didn't make it. Shut up about it already. If the Steelers convert that, Mike Tomlin is a genius who plays aggressively early to win. But they didn't so now Tomlin is a fool who makes bad decisions and may not be able to lead a football team. Let's get some consistency here, guys.

All things considered, this isn't panic mode yet. The Steelers are only 1-2. They could still mathematically finish 14-2 and the playoffs aren't in jeopardy until loss #5 or 6, really. This will not be an easy season, but has anyone ever had that luxury? All we can do is stay loyal and root for the Steelers to pull through.

Here We Go.