Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Monday.
The Kickoff
It’s officially time to hit the panic button. Too early you say? Nope. There’s still too much of the season left? That doesn’t matter either. The only way this team can win games is with near perfection on offense and numerous turnovers created on defense. When those things don’t happen, this team has no chance. It’s really that simple. And it isn’t going to get any easier considering the schedule. Trading for a wide receiver isn’t going to help much either. Save the draft pick Omar.
Schematically…
Why does Mike Tomlin keep talking about “looking at things schematically?” The scheme is NOT working Coach. The same problems that have persisted in the secondary have continued for years. There is zero creativity. Listen to the post game comments from the players. Even they know what they are doing is insanity.
Embarrassing
The home field advantage in Pittsburgh is officially dead. Green Bay fans willingly bought up tickets sold by the Steelers season ticket holders who apparently can stay awake past nine in the evening. The “Go Pack Go” chants were as loud as any opposing team’s fans I’ve ever heard in Pittsburgh. The fact that the Steelers’ PR decided to play “Renegade” when things were unraveling was further proof that the song – and the entire routine – is played out. The Steelers should be embarrassed today. From the top of the organization right on down to the bottom.
It’s Time To Talk About Watt
We discussed many times on the SCB Steelers Podcast this past summer about whether it was smart to sign T.J. Watt to a huge deal. The fact is, he’s been largely invisible through the first seven games of the season. On nine days rest, he was a non-factor. On the same day that Myles Garrett recorded five sacks in a blowout loss, Watt didn’t come close to having an impact on the game. The excuse about being chipped and having extra linemen pop out is valid only to a point.
Why???
The Steelers ran for 81 yards in the first half against the 2nd best run defense in the league and then Arthur Smith apparently forgot he could call running plays. The Steelers would carry the ball just three times in the second half. Once the Packers pulled ahead it became a moot point but what in the world happened?
Tired of Repeating Myself But…
Where would this team be without Chris Boswell?
The Hospital Ward
Isaac Seumalo left the game with an injury. Pat Freiermuth left and returned but he was clearly in some pain. Daniel Ekuale left in the first half and didn’t return. DeShon Elliott’s injury however may be the most significant. His knee/leg Benton in a direction that it just isn’t supposed to and you could see the pain and anguish on his face. His absence created immediate communication problems in the secondary that Green Bay took advantage of.
Random Reads
Burn these throwback uniforms. They’re ugly and have a horrible reputation now… The NFL has an officiating problem. All day long Sunday there were horrendously bad calls. From another ‘tush push’ debacle to the completely missed offsides call last night, the NFL officials are just plain bad… I know I’m hard on Watt, so it’s also fair to ask where is Cam Heyward? His season is nothing like his 2024… I agree with Aaron Rodgers. D.K. Metcalf has to catch that ball… Remember when I said this division is far from over? Told you so… The Packers moved Micah Parsons all over the formation last night. The Steelers had Watt pretty much coming from the left every time. Coaching matters… I really hope Art Rooney II was listening to the crowd last night. He should be as embarrassed as the team… I fully expect we will see a huge effort on Sunday when the Colts come in. I don’t think it will matter though…
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