Steeler Nation has turned its back on “Renegade.”
At least that was the appearance given when the popular Styx anthem was booed lustily by fans at Acrisure Stadium in the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The Steelers had just turned the ball over on downs following a failed fourth-and-2 run from the Buffalo 7 with 10 minutes, 11 seconds left and the home team trailing by 16 points.
The scoreboard screen went black, queuing up the song that is played to pump up the defense. The song usually is greeted by wild cheers from Steelers fans.
Related:
• Rodgers’ return doesn’t help as Bills send Steelers to 5th loss in past 7 games
• Steelers vs. Bills: What they’re saying in Buffalo after win
• Steelers’ Cam Heyward ‘ticked off’ at Bills’ Josh Allen for ‘kneeing’ him in the midsection
• ‘Fire Tomlin’ chants ring out at Acrisure Stadium late in Bills’ blowout of Steelers
Not this time. With the team en route to its fifth loss in seven games, the fans began booing. Later in the game, “Fire Tomlin” chants became audible throughout the half-empty stadium.
“That was a boo-worthy performance,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “I understand the frustration.”
So did coach Mike Tomlin.
“I know how restless and frustrated I was,” Tomlin said, “so I assume they were in the same state we were in.”
The Styx song also didn’t have its desired impact on the defense. The Bills went on a 14-play, 72-yard drive that ended with a field goal to establish the final margin.
