A look back over the Steelers' 15 game season that ended after a second half slide knocked them out of playoff contention.

As the former starting ball carrier nearly ran himself out of town by sitting still, he is taking the proper steps to climb out of the pit that he dug for himself.

Ben Roethlisberger has suffered through two consecutive poor Decembers. Despite an offense being implemented this year that was supposed to protect him, he suffered a more significant injury this year than he did last year. Has he recovered?

What goes around comes around in the NFL, and two Bengals players who factored in hugely to their 13-10 win over Pittsburgh in Week 16 had run-ins of sorts against Pittsburgh in the past.

Fans have been waiting for the 2012 Steelers to show their true dominance. However, after 15 games and a 7-8 record, it's pretty obvious the team's true identity has been on display all along, and that's one of a mediocre football team.

The Steelers had six sacks and three interceptions in their 13-10 loss to Cincinnati in Week 16 - a loss that eliminated the Steelers from playoff competition. But the performances from some of the younger defenders gives them a sense of optimism.

Excuse the real fans for not being overly excited about the difference of a draft pick a spot or two lower than where it would be. We want to see the Steelers beat Cleveland, so if you're leaving, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Another late Roethlisberger turnover dooms Steelers, eliminated from playoff competition in Week 16.

In which we find out how December football is supposed to be played.

The Steelers' young offensive line gives plenty of reason for optimism in the coming weeks and years, but a few missed opportunities haunted them in a Week 15 loss at Dallas.

Two words stand out not just for this past game, but for much of the season as well: lackadaisical and lax.

After any difficult loss, especially those with serious playoff implications, everyone starts playing the blame game; even quarterbacks. Perhaps the one in Pittsburgh should put some of it on himself.

After another heartbreaking loss on Sunday, the Steelers continue to do their best 2009 impression. A performance that will surely keep them out of the postseason if they don't clean up their act over the final two weeks.