Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Tuesday.
The Kickoff
The Pittsburgh Steelers as an organization tend to be patient and often deliberate in how they operate. That should not come as a surprise to you at all. After dropping their seventh straight postseason game however, the time for patience is over. Last night’s 30-6 loss to Houston was the epitome of the season and the epitome of the last decade. It was an embarrassing offensive performance mixed with a defensive effort that provided opportunities but just couldn’t stop the Texans when they needed to. C.J. Stroud gifted the Steelers three different chances to put points on the board yet Arthur Smith’s unit seemingly went backwards every time. Some will argue that the final score was not indicative of how close the game actually was and that’s fair – it was close on the scoreboard. It was never close on the field though and anyone who “knows ball” could see it.
Tomlin
Seven straight playoff losses. Every one of them has been a double-digit loss. Art Rooney II cannot sit there and tell any of us that this is acceptable. It is time for a divorce. When nothing changes over the course of a decade then the relationship has run its course.
The Coordinators
Assuming that ARII will retain Tomlin because “what else would he do…” then a paradigm shift is necessary when it comes to coordinators. First of all, neither deserve to return. Secondly, PAY THE NEW ONES! Thirdly (is that a word? I really don’t care), bring in innovative guys who will be allowed to run their units. I realize I’m screaming into the void but these things need to be said.
Invisible
T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith may as well have been ghosts last night because they were invisible. Neither one made any impact on the game and Houston often found success running right at Watt. Highsmith had been playing some of his best ball recently too. And the “good news?” Watt will be 32, is coming off an awful season and will be paid a ridiculously large amount of money.
Good News for the Future
I’m not the biggest fan of Joey Porter, Jr at times but he probably played his best game last night. He has to be CB1 going forward for this team for the next several years… Derrick Harmon acquitted himself well throughout the season but has to stay healthy. The numbers with him out of the lineup for five games were troubling, but they hit a home run with his selection in the first round… They have to find a way to keep Kenneth Gainwell, the team MVP this year, but it’s likely going to cost them… Darnell Washington should be a priority… Zach Frazier is the center we hoped he would be.
Not So Good…
The Steelers desperately need safety help. Both Chuck Clark and Kyle Dugger were exposed last night and at several points during the season… They need more help on the defensive line. Cam Heyward can’t play forever… Wide receiver! Where do I even begin? What a massively poor plan they had for that position… Quarterback will once again be a major topic of conversation. Welcome back to the 1980’s everyone… Watt’s salary… Will they give Broderick Jones his fifth year option? I wouldn’t…
Dereliction of Duty
There are numerous reasons as to why Arthur Smith shouldn’t return but his refusal to use Pat Freiermuth over Jonnu Smith most of the season is an offense worthy of firing in my book. ‘Muth is what he is as a blocker but he’s better than Smith is and he’s proven that he’s much more capable as a receiver this year as well. Don’t be surprised if Freiermuth requests a trade.
Random Reads
Renegade was not played last night, nor should it have been. The Texans did however, have it on in their locker room afterwards. More reason to retire this bit… D.K. Metcalf was a disappointment this year for the amount of money he was paid… While the offensive line showed moments of improvement this season, it wasn’t nearly enough. Pat Meyer should be gone… I would not bring Aaron Rodgers back. It’s time to go with a youth movement. Trying to bring in guys past their prime all the time is not working… Front offices aren’t perfect and while Omar Khan made excellent moves to bring in Gainwell and DeShon Elliott, he also erred with Watt’s massive contract and the D.K. Metcalf trade among others.
The End
Only one fan base out of 32 can end the year on a positive note. Getting to the postseason is hard. Winning in the postseason is harder and winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate. For us in Black and Gold, it’s another disappointing season. “Non-losing seasons” mean absolutely ZERO to us despite what the national media wants everyone else to think. This season ends like so many others over the past decade and I would love to tell you that significant change is coming but I can’t. Right now, I have little faith that this franchise sees what is happening around the league and they’ll continue to operate in an outdated mindset.
Hot Reads is presented by
