Night and Day. That’s the best way to describe the 2015 Steelers. The team has been on every end of the spectrum this season: and in one game, nearly hit both dynamics. Despite the obstacles, I said all they’d have to do is just win baby, and that’s precisely what they did.

But at times, that result wasn’t a given.

At times, it got downright ugly.

To date, the ugliest part of this season had been the lack of offense. That lack is partially attributed to the loss of QB Ben Roethlisberger, and other role players, for multiple games. After a typical “feeling out” game after Ben returns from an injury, expectations were high for Sunday’s game. Sunday would show a preview of what could be for the remaining schedule.

Before a snap was ever played in 2015, the offense was supposed to be one of the most explosive units in the entire league. Those weapons contributing to the explosion, had been limited to a mere 16 total snaps. On top of missing Ben, Le’Veon Bell was now lost for the season. The hope was this offense could still come to fruition, and DeAngelo Williams would carry the load for Bell. Likewise, Antonio Brown had not be himself: a player who had been unstoppable had all but disappeared over the course of the last month.

On Sunday, both Williams and Brown would exceed expectations, combining for the duo in history with 300 and 200 multipurpose yards. Brown broke franchise records for both receptions and yards. Williams added 2 scores.

Yet, that almost wasn’t enough to defeat Oakland.

Before our very eyes the impossible was becoming possible:

• K Chris Boswell (who was perfect all year) missed a field goal.
• Ben threw an interception.
• Ben got carried off the field; ruled out for the game due to an injured left foot.
• Antonio Brown fumbled a punt

The story was all too familiar to the 2015 Steelers, who have set themselves up for failture, were setting up a Raiders comeback.

The defense, who should be applauded for forcing 3 turnovers (including an interception in the endzone) also surrendered 35 points: the most given up by this unit to any offense this season (including the league’s top 3 scoring offenses.)

The Steelers had difficulty getting to Derek Carr all day. In fact, the only sack registered in this game was by the Raiders: that sack sends Ben Roethlisberger back to the sidelines for several weeks. It’s an unfortunate occurrence that is becoming far too commonplace this season.

Which leads me to the ugliest part of the game: six flags were thrown against the Steelers in the final five minutes. Two of those penalties were declined, which means 4 of the 5 accepted calls against Pittsburgh happened during this span. I’m not sure are the Steelers losing focus late in games, trying to beat themselves, or someone at Buffalo Wild Wings hitting a special button. Maybe it’s a little bit of both.

On a Raiders 3rd and 6, Ryan Shazier gets flagged for a roughing the passer call on Carr. Right or wrong by letter of the law, the flag is frustrating when Roethlisberger was hit in a much later, much dirtier, and much more dangerous manner in week 3’s Rams game (with no flag.)

Then, with an opportunity to close the game at the end of regulation, special teams nearly botched the game-winning field goal by committing a false start penalty (which would’ve sent the game into overtime.)

It’s instances such those mentioned above, with flags and injuries, that have made the 2015 season more frustrating to watch than any other season in memory. Perhaps it’s because of the potential of this team consistently being pulled away for various reasons. Perhaps it’s both games that shouldn’t have been lost and games that shouldn’t have been won.

And perhaps it’s the fear of the unknown.

For what it’s worth, this win was a big one, regardless of what it took to get it done. The Steelers improve to 5-4 on the season, collect another AFC conference victory, and a possible (and important) head-to-head win over another playoff hopeful.