Nov 29, 2014 4 min read

Many rejoiced when the Steelers dipped heavily into free agency for the first time in several years last offseason.

Given the team’s back-to-back 8-8 finishes and the fact the Steelers have been more inclined to cut salaries than add them, it was understandable.

But the returns on Pittsburgh’s drve into the free agency pool have not been great.

Not counting James Harrison, a former Steelers star brought back after one season in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh signed seven veterans as unrestricted free agents. Safety Mike Mitchell, defensive end Cam Thomas, linebacker Arthur Moats and cornerback Brice McCain each have started a game. They’ve all had their good moments. But as a group, they’ve hardly been a driving force behind the Steelers’ 7-4 record. In some cases, they’ve been a distraction, with the since-released Blount being a prime example of how the new guy didn’t fit in.

One of the reasons the Steelers have been reluctant to be big spenders in free agency – in addition to the money issues – is that you’re dealing with a player who was no longer wanted by his previous team.

The Steelers did the right thing by ridding themselves of Blount. But, if they are going to make a push for the playoffs, they’ll need more from their free-agent class than just a play here or there.

Mitchell, in particular, needs to be better.

The Steelers gave Mitchell a five-year, $25-million contract because they thought he could make a difference in their secondary as he did last season in Carolina, where he recorded four interceptions and 3 1/2 sacks.

He’s got a big goose egg in both of those statistics this season. In Mitchell’s defense, the Steelers have him playing center field than the Panthers did.

But Pittsburgh needs some turnovers from of the free safety position. The Steelers need Mitchell to be more than just a big hitter. They need him to show up in a big way down the stretch.

Today’s game against the New Orleans Saints would be a good time for that to happen.

Pittsburgh figures to take a similar tact in this game to the one it did in home games against Indianapolis and Baltimore. To win this game, the Steelers will try to outscore a high-powered opponent. A takeaway or two from its defense would certainly help.

And New Orleans has been turnover prone, committing 20 in 11 games.

If they can take advantage of a bad New Orleans defense, which is ranked 25th and 26th in scoring and total defense, respectively, and force a turnover or two, the Steelers could win this game going away.

If not, expect both teams to march up and down the field and put plenty of points on the board.

Pittsburgh is a 4½-point favorite, and it’s time for Mitchell to come up with a big play against a team he faced twice last season. I’ll go with the home team.

Take the Steelers, 37-27

I’ll go with Aaron Rodgers at home over Tom Brady, but it will be close.

Take New England to cover in a 38-35 loss

Did both teams get caught looking ahead last week?

Take Denver, 26-20

You can hit the snooze button on this Monday night non-classic.

Take Miami, 24-10

Colt McCoy vs. Andrew Luck? There’s no way this is close.

Take Indianapolis, 31-10

The losses keep coming for the NFC South.

Take Arizona, 23-20

Chargers were beaten 37-0 at Miami in their last trip to the Eastern Time Zone.

Take Baltimore, 27-20

Buffalo made a deal in the spring with the Browns to move up in the draft to select Sammy Watkins. He’ll be the difference.

Take Buffalo, 26-21

A pair of teams badly in need of a victory.

Take the Giants, 23-17

History says teams struggle when they play three consecutive road games. This is Cincinnati’s third consecutive road game.

Take Tampa Bay to cover in a 24-21 loss

A win could put the 3-7-1 Panthers in first place in the NFC South. Nope.

Take Minnesota, 20-17

The Raiders got their victory last week.

Take St. Louis, 31-17

The old Oilers versus the new ones. Or something like that.

Take Tennessee to cover in a 23-17 loss

Last week: 4-10 ATS; 10-4 Straight up

Overall: 78-84-1 ATS; 106-59 Straight up

F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.