The Maulers just couldn’t build a winning streak this weekend. Coming off of their first win last weekend versus the Stars, Pittsburgh came right back down to earth in a crushing 24-20 home defeat against the Birmingham Stallions.

This time around, the offense was actually capable of scoring. Sure, 20 points isn’t a whole lot, but lots of players had career days. Troy Williams passed for 217 yards, rushed for 63 yards, and scored a touchdown. Bailey Gaither reeled in six catches for 69 yards. But unfortunately, their traditional run game continues to allude to them. Nobody besides the quarterbacks crossed the 20-yard rushing mark.

The Maulers held the lead following their lone touchdown score in the fourth quarter but immediately gave up a touchdown to the Stallions’ special teams unit as Deon Cain returned a 91-yard kick. The Maulers’ defense had one takeaway all game, and the Stallions’ offense just dominated.

It was a better day for the Maulers, but unfortunately, sometimes your best just isn’t enough in this sport. This was the case in Canton, Ohio. The Stallions were league champions in 2022. The Maulers were 1-9. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and good football teams aren’t built in one off-season. There’s a way to go for this Maulers team. But there’s a lot of good to take away. Chris Blewitt is still nails, the offense is waking up, and the defense is capable of giving this team chances to win. But there’s work to do.

The Maulers look to next week when they take on the Michigan Panthers at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday. The Panthers are 2-2, coming off a 29-10 loss to the Memphis Showboats at home. So somebody will be looking to rebound fast.