[screech]

I understand the "culture of winning," but it always comes off as arrogance. Can't believe I'm going to compliment them, but at least Yankees fans can admit defeat.

I know Troy's absence makes teams play differently, because I've watched it. Opponents have taken advantage of him not being there and the guy in his place not stepping to the plate.

How is the "better opponent on a particular day" (big qualifier) not so cut and dry? Last night, the Browns were the better team. Last week, the Raiders were the better team. The Steelers have lost their last five games because, in each, their opponent was the better team.

I'm not saying to accept that they lost to the "better team overall," because the Browns and Raiders respectively are not. I'm saying that Steelers fans could be a little more open-minded (i.e. good sports) when it comes to their team (specifically playing poorly, but on the other side too).

Blaming a player or official or whole unit is ridiculous. If one player makes a mistake, there are ten others who should step up for it. If an official happens to make a mistake, well the team should score enough so calls don't cost games. If a whole unit "shuts down" (like Special Teams) the Offense and the Defense should make up for that.

I live with Steelers fans and every week they lose I hear excuses. It's never "We got beat by the better team today," which is the best thing to say after a loss (if sportsmanship is important, which it should be to any fan). "They didn't beat us, we lost that game" is one of the most ridiculous statements anyone can make.