Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Victory Monday!
The Kickoff
The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 9-3 on the season with their 44-38 win in Cincinnati. By my count, the Steelers need one more victory in their final five games to ensure a postseason berth. That would get them to 10-7 but they have to be thinking bigger than that. The only team remaining that is “likely” a loss is Philadelphia. I say that only because the Steelers are 1-10 in their last 11 games there and haven’t won there since 1965. The rest of the schedule (home to CLE, KC and CIN and away at BAL) is favorable. They typically play well at Baltimore and the Chiefs are obviously good but seem to be beatable. Regardless, yesterday’s win was important as they all are.
Sorry, But Here It is Again
With the victory yesterday, Mike Tomlin has now started his head coaching career with 18 straight .500 or better seasons. While the bulk of the fan base really doesn’t talk about it much, the national media eats it up. So yeah, my apologies but here it comes again.
Slim Pickens
George Pickens doesn’t get it. And if he hasn’t by now? I don’t believe he ever will. Therefore, we need to get used to it regardless of how much it irritates us. Yesterday, Pickens was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following a reception. Then, after a big play that moved the Steelers into the Red Zone, he gave the “pulling the trigger” finger move to the crowd. In fairness, I’ve seen other players do it and not get flagged. But Pickens is a marked man. He has to know he’s under a microscope whether he likes it or not.
Marked Man Part 2
No one had a worse day in Cincinnati yesterday – outside of Bengals’ fans – than Joey Porter, Jr. He was nailed four times for either pass interference or defensive holding. He also dropped an interception at the goal line which would have iced the game. First off, he’s not getting benched. The Steelers knew he was grabby when they drafted him and they’re willing to live with the penalties. He has to get better though and he doesn’t even need to be so ‘handsy’ either. He panicked yesterday on a throw into the end zone that wasn’t even close to the receiver. But I will also say, he too is a marked man. Officials are looking for it every single time.
Let’s Hold Off
Lots and I do mean LOTS, of talk about whether the Steelers will give Russell Wilson long-term deal. My very first thought is this; can we just finish the season first? I’m not taking anything away from his superb performance yesterday but the Bengals’ defense is the worst he will see the rest of the season. If this type of play continues against the Chiefs, Eagles and Ravens? Then by all means, we should start talking about a long-term contract. There’s still too many games left for me.
Random Reads
How can you not feel good for Payton Wilson? This guy has played his tail off and was every bit deserving of scoring that TD yesterday… Mike Tomlin has never been good at clock management and it reared its ugly head again yesterday. He seemed to ‘settle’ for the Chris Boswell field goal rather than calling a TO with :12 remaining he let it run down. Not sure why you don’t take a chance into the end zone there… If Cam Heyward is fueled by the haters then so be it! He had a really good performance on Sunday… Larry Ogunjobi concerns me right now. He’s not getting much push against the pass and he’s been getting blown out a lot against the run… Can we please stop planting flags? You won. Go celebrate with your fans and teammates… Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
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