PITTSBURGH - So far we know this much about the 2012 Pittsburgh Steelers: They tend to fold in the fourth quarter, they haven't won on the road, and their injury list is as long as the Bellwood phone directory.
They're 2-3, but it seems worse. Maybe that's why linebacker Larry Foote suggested all these crises will seem funny in the rear view mirror after another 10 weeks.
It's also possible that the Steelers just aren't very good. The NFL system works against sustained success with drafting order and salary cap issues that come from having accomplished players. That's the way it's supposed to happen. The league doesn't want dynasties; it wants to sell hope in every market.
Cleveland aside, darned if they aren't doing that. New England goes to Seattle and loses. The Bengals look like they're finally going to do something. Then they lose to the Browns.
This morning seven of the 16 teams in the AFC are 3-3. If the Steelers beat the Bengals tonight, they'll have the same record. If they lose, they still won't forfeit their chance to spend the holiday season chasing a wild card spot.
You don't have to be great to be a playoff contender in today's NFL. You just have to avoid being awful. The Steelers haven't decided which way they're headed on that, but it's hard to imagine a team with Ben Roethlisberger and that group of receivers being awful.
It would help if the defense could stop someone once in a while. (Paging Ike Taylor).
The Steelers haven't looked good, but they have plenty of company in that department. It may wind up being a lousy year, but that determination is still a long way off.
Low class
Delmon Young of the Detroit Tigers was named MVP of the American League championship series.
Jackie Autry, widow of Gene Autry, presented Young with the award on behalf of the league. In making the presentation, she proclaimed Young "a class act."
In April, Young was arrested in New York at 2:40 a.m. outside the Tigers' hotel. He was accused of shouting anti-Semitic remarks to a man he then pushed the ground. The police report said Young was highly intoxicated. He was suspended for seven games, and faces a Nov. 7 hearing on those charges.
As a minor leaguer in 2006, Young was suspended for 50 games for throwing his bat at an umpire.
There must be a different definition of class in the American League.
Mehno can be reached at johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com.
