Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Monday.
I realize we aren’t supposed to overreact or get too up or down over the preseason (see 2023) but after two games the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t look so good. Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt haven’t played. Minkah Fitzpatrick played a few snaps but overall, everyone has pretty much seen time now. While I’m far less concerned about the defense, the offense is another story and that’s where I’ll put the focus today.
BJ77
I was hard on the guy (and the team) yesterday but I didn’t really know what else to say. I know he has a knee brace on his elbow but what I saw Saturday night was concerning. He lacked confidence and he lacked aggression. The Bills’ Greg Rousseau treated him like a free agent trying to make the team rather than a second year first rounder. Yes, it’s still the preseason but if you aren’t concerned by his performance then I got nothing for you.
Herbig, the Offensive One
Sounds like Guard/Center Nate Herbig is going to miss significant time with a bad shoulder. It’s believed he has a torn rotator cuff but is seeking a second opinion. Zach Frazier immediately becomes the starter. The problem is who the backup is. Spencer Anderson and Mason McCormick are thought to be the two most likely candidates. James Daniels has plenty of experience but his name doesn’t seem to be coming up. Oh and if you’re thinking that Mason Cole could return, forget it. He’s dropped about 50lbs since last season.
Warren Out
Running Back Jaylen Warren is out for 2-4 weeks with a hamstring injury. He could and I stress “could” be back for the season opener but I’m thinking he probably sits week one. Hamstrings are just so sensitive. Have to give them time. I would think this means a few more carries for Cordarrelle Patterson??
Social Media for today… Danny can drive me crazy at times but how can you not love a guy who chews this much gum???
This man chews gum like nobody we’ve ever seen!
This was one of the first requests @SteelDad ever threw our way, the legend that is Danny Bubble was tee’d up. #HereWeGo
We might just need to bring that one back from the vault! https://t.co/GWK8h9rwHO pic.twitter.com/X7e0GIsoN9
— DC4LCustomTees.com (@DC4LCustomTees) August 18, 2024
Payton Wilson
I have to admit, I cringe every time I see him get up slowly or as was the case Saturday, not get up period. He has such a distinct injury history that I can’t help feel for the guy. So when he struggled getting up I thought the worst. It turns out he’s dealing with a possible concussion. As Bob Pompeani said on the broadcast, you are almost glad it’s a head injury versus a knee of something else that keeps a guy out longer.
Perspective
I’ve seen a lot of analysis of Justin Fields’ deep shot to newly signed T.J. Luther. The play resulted in an incompletion but it’s created a lot of conversation. Did Fields throw a bad ball? Was it Luther’s fault? From my perspective there were two things that happened here. One, Fields could have led him more but really this was on the receiver in my opinion. I’ll let Cris Carter explain it.
Not a good route by Wr- hesitates on post move and loses his momentum. https://t.co/eyzhgZyPzF
— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) August 18, 2024
I would take it a step further however. Luther needs to keep running rather than almost coming to a complete stop to jump up and try to get it. Always about perspective in these situations.
The Countdown
A week from tomorrow all 32 NFL teams will need to cut their rosters down to 53. While there are several spots still up for grabs, much of the 53 and resulting Practice Squad will be dictated by injuries. Hard to believe we’ve already gotten to this point in the summer.
Random Rumblings
I said this on the podcast this past week but the old saying is that when you have two quarterbacks you actually don’t have any. I’m really concerned about this after seeing both QBs so far in the preseason… Omar Khan is running out of time to add a viable second wide receiver but at this point, I’m not sure it matters. Ask yourself, would Brandon Aiyuk matter right now when the blocking is so bad?… I have no idea how Tom Brady will be as the number one color guy for FOX but I have a feeling he isn’t going to hold back. He flamed NYG QB Daniel Jones while just giving an example this weekend… I haven’t seen the new ‘Deadpool’ yet but I will.
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