Losing the Turnover Battle

Win the turnover battle and you'll win the game.

This statement is discussed weekly by coaches, studio analysts, and broadcasters. It's nearly accepted as fact.

The 2009 Steelers are doing their best to disprove the theory. The team is 4-2. Their turnover differential is -4, which is good for 27th in the league. It hasn't won the turnover battle in a single game:

Tennessee: 3 Turnovers - 2 Turnovers Forced: -1 Differential

Chicago: 2 Turnovers - 0 Forced: -2 Differential

Cincinnati: 1 Turnover - 0 Forced: -1 Differential

San Diego: 1 Turnover - 1 Forced: 0 Differential

Detroit: 1 Turnover - 1 Forced: 0 Differential

Cleveland: 4 Turnovers - 4 Forced: 0 Differential

The good news - it's getting better. The last three games have been a stalemate in terms of turnovers.

The bad news - each side of the ball has its issues. Until this week against Cleveland, the defense has struggled to create turnovers. Perhaps, with Troy back, that will stop. Offensively, the Steelers have turned the ball over in every game.

This trend needs to stop soon. The Vikings are 4th in the league with a +8 turnover margin. It would be nice to bring that number down this week at Heinz Field.