Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Victory Monday.
The Kickoff
I’m not one who usually gets into those “must win” games in October but beating the Colts yesterday really was needed. With road trips to Tampa, Paris(New Orleans) and a home date with Cleveland before the BYE, going 3-1 in this stretch at worst is a must. After the BYE? Two games with the Ravens await as do trips to Cincinnati, Jacksonville and Philadelphia. So was yesterday a “must win” game? Not necessarily but in my book they needed to beat a very average Colts team and they did. Here’s more on the 34-22 win.
Offense
-Like so many running backs that have played in this league, Jaylen Warren(21 touches 188 yards 2TD) is better when he’s the bell cow. Oh he still makes plays when being in a backfield rotation but there’s no doubt the last two weeks have proven that when he’s the man, he’s better.
-Aaron Rodgers (22/31 235 yards) threw for three scores in his third straight game tying Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger for that record. The plan was clear; get the ball out of his hands quickly. Largely they were able to do just that. Rodgers also made some plays with his feet too. The concern is the hits he’s taking.
-With Michael Pittman, Jr out it was a great chance for Germie Bernard (6 Rec. 80 yards) and/or Roman Wilson to step up. Score one for Germie who had six receptions for 80 yards while Wilson had no catches and left with a dislocated finger before halftime.
–Roman Wilson was a non-factor Sunday and when he got his first touch of a ball he dislocated a finger. This is likely going to cost him a few games. Ben Skowronek also left with a calf injury which means our wide receiver depth is in serious trouble.
-Imagine if Arthur Smith had used Pat Freiermuth like this? Five catches for 44 yards and two scores.
-The offensive line is a work in progress. There were some solid moments and some that were anything but. This group feels like it’s coming together though and that’s huge. I trust them in the run game right now much more than I do in pass protection.
-D.K. Metcalf takes a lot of crap(deservedly so at times) from all of us but he blocked his ass off especially on Warren’s long TD reception.
Defense
-The Steelers’ edge rushers have been largely absent the last couple of weeks. Nick Herbig still has no sacks through five games. It’s just not acceptable. T.J. Watt was double-teamed a good portion of the afternoon which means two things. Herbig and Alex Highsmith have to get home more often and the interior of the defensive line has to get more push as well.
-The secondary will benefit from the return of DeSean Elliott but until then, the ups and downs will continue. The Colts frequently found holes in the zone and were oh so close on several other deep shots as well.
-The good news is that rookies Daylen Everette and Robert Spears-Jenkins are getting tons of reps.
-Jalen Ramsey is often a polarizing guy but he made several more big plays yesterday. Props to him.
-I wouldn’t classify Asante Samuel, Jr as a textbook style corner but he makes plays and gets himself into position to make plays too. He’s going to get beat at times but he’s going to win his fair share too.
-Did the defense do better in terms of tackling than they showed in Cleveland? Yes. Still too many misses and I don’t need to point out from whom.
Special Teams
-I’m telling you right now the kickoff team scares me. They are giving up way too much yardage.
-Kaden Wetjen wouldn’t have been fine as a free agent signing. The fact that the team used a fourth round pick on him is disappointing. He just isn’t providing anything as a return man.
Random Reads
I didn’t think Minkah Fitzpatrick’s hit yesterday against the Browns was “dirty.” If Concepcion pops back up no one says a word. What are DBs supposed to do? Let guys catch the ball, land and get a running start? Sheesh… What is happening in LA with the Chargers? I see firings as early as today… Same for Washington. You cannot let that happen as a coach or a QB… The field at Acrisure seemed to hold up pretty well considering the rain and usage this weekend… I think Darnell Washington is still blocking a Colts’ DB as I type… I’ve never seen people happier than when Lane Kiffin loses… On to Tampa where the Bucs are in the exact same spot we were Sunday. They have a home game coming off a road trip on Thursday night.
Hot Reads is presented by
