Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Wednesday.
The Kickoff
Looking at social media over the last three days, it’s quite clear that my opinion on the spitting incident in Pittsburgh Sunday finds me in the minority. It isn’t that I thought what Ja’Marr Chase did wasn’t reprehensible, it’s that I expected more from a veteran like Jalen Ramsey. Mike Tomlin disagreed and obviously many of you did too. That’s one of the reasons I started doing this many, many years ago. I like to share my thoughts and I like to see other opinions that may differ from mine.
Steelers History
Today, Gordon takes us back to the 1950’s. Names like George Halas, Bobby Layne and George Blanda were part of the NFL landscape. It’s when football was still football!
Who Starts?
Mason Rudolph came in and did a great job replacing the injured Aaron Rodgers on Sunday. Rudolph was 12/16 for 127 yards and a TD pass. Rodgers we are told, wanted to come back into the game, but was told “no” and he remained in the locker room. We learned yesterday that Rodgers has a fracture in his left wrist but will not require surgery. At this point, it will be about whether they can find a splint or brace that allows Rodgers to play as normally as possible. If they can’t then I would expect Rudy to get the start.
As Expected
It was no surprise when Mike Tomlin announced that Darius Slay, returning from a concussion, would move back into his starting role opposite Joey Porter, Jr. Coach T likes his veteran players and always has. James Pierre however has played quite well when he’s given the opportunity and in my opinion, has actually been more effective than has Slay. I am curious to see how long Tomlin and Teryl Austin stay with Slay if he’s struggling on Sunday.
Are They That Desperate?
Odell Beckham, Jr officially came off the suspended list this week which allows him to sign with any team he chooses should they want his services. Obviously, the Steelers have come up in these conversations due to their need for a legitimate number two wide receiver. First, I’m not sure what OBJ has left in the tank. Second, would his blocking be sufficient and third, would he be able to get up to speed? Keep in mind that Marquez Valdes-Scantling is still on the Practice Squad.
Random Reads
Can we officially say that the Jonnu Smith experiment has been a failure? The only reason I’m not going to yet is because Mason Rudolph may have more success with him should he have to play. Otherwise, it hasn’t gone well… Weather should not be an issue Sunday. Sunny and highs in the mid-50s with winds to 10mph. Could be much worse this time of year in Chicago… Can’t believe the amount of people with Christmas lights up already. Perhaps the warm weather has helped? Maybe people just want to feel good… Not surprisingly, some in the media are claiming the Steelers were stupid to trade George Pickens. Maybe they are but once I see him after he gets his second contract then I’ll know for sure…
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