Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth seems to agree with the latter, which is why he doesn’t think it has changed at all. “I don’t,” Freiermuth said. “We understand ‘The Standard.’

One of the biggest factors holding the Pittsburgh Steelers offense back this season has been the lack of weapons in the passing game. The front office and coaching staff thought wide receiver George Pickens, tight end Pat Freiermuth and a gaggle of mid-tier players could be an effective group but it hasn’t panned out.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are enduring some tough criticism, and head coach Mike Tomlin is not immune. Tight end Pat Freiermuth stood up for his coach after the loss.

A veteran reporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers beat projected the Week 1 starting lineup, and his prediction included a new wide receiver.

To Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't stuck. To be stuck, he said Tuesday, would insinuate the organization is helpless, and he doesn't feel that. So does that mean he's optimistic about the direction of the team after a fifth consecutive one-and-done postseason foray?

Kirk Herbstreit questions the Steelers fight in the first half of Saturday night's loss and a brutal Mike Tomlin stat.

The Steelers still have the foundation of an elite defense intact. T.J. Watt continues to play at an All-Pro level, even if nagging injuries limited him down the stretch. Alex Highsmith is a valuable counterpunch on the other edge. Cameron Heyward returned to form and paired with Keeanu Benton to create a beef-tastic, disruptive core up front.

Favorites of at least nine points are 15-1 outright and 13-3 ATS in wild-card games. The only loss was by the only road team to be that big a favorite (2011 New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks, -10). Double-digit favorites are 10-1 outright and 9-2 ATS in wild-card games (double-digit home favorites are 10-0 outright and 9-1 ATS).

The swooning Steelers visit the soaring Ravens in the second of Saturday’s NFL wild card games. Follow along for live updates, scores and analysis.

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins finished 8-9 and didn't make the NFL playoffs, meaning general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel need to reshape the roster. But there's a problem.

Tyreek Hill wasn’t part of the Miami Dolphins ... Hill and the Dolphins remain comfortable doing business together. Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said last week on Pat McAfee’s show ...

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins’ search for a quality backup quarterback will no longer include Skylar Thompson. Thompson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his agency announced Tuesday.