Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Thursday.
The Kickoff
With all due respect to Phil Collins and his classic 80’s track “Sussudio,” I’m taking the liberty of changing it to ‘Ru-Ru-Rubio’ in honor of Steelers’ rookie Gabe Rubio. Doesn’t every new guy need a nickname anyway? After going the first four weeks without a helmet, Rubio got one on Sunday with Derrick Harmon on IR. Rubio did not disappoint. Despite just 14 snaps, Rubio helped shut down the Colts’ running attack especially in short yardage situations. The two things that stood out were his ability to anchor in the face of double teams and his ability to move up and down the line while engaged. I’m not ready to anoint Rubio of anything other than to say he performed well. If that continues for the next few weeks then it’s a good problem to have if you’re the Steelers.
The Latest Podcast
We will air episode 494 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc tonight at 10pmET on our YouTube channel. We’ll discuss the key performances and big moments from the win over Indy and look ahead to the trip to Tampa.
QB Envy
Remember when last year’s Quarterback class was going to be the one that offered the Steelers a chance to find their franchise QB? That actually fizzled out quickly didn’t it? This year’s group doesn’t seem to be fading like that. While Dante Moore has struggled behind a weak line at Oregon, he’s also been knocked out and unable to play. Drew Mestamaker, the Oklahoma State signal-caller is shooting up most draft boards and is currently Dan Brugler’s (The Athletic) number one QB. Trinidad Chambliss is very much part of the equation as are guys like Sam Leavitt, CJ Carr and Darian Mensah. The most intriguing question however is this; Do the Steelers believe they have their next franchise guy already in Drew Allar? If they do then the entire process changes leading up to the 2027 Draft.
Congrats
Jaylen Warren was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his work against the Colts. Well-deserved!
Trade Talk
T.J. Watt’s name popped up on a popular website this morning as someone who could be traded at the deadline. I’m not going to “pooh-pooh” that report but I will just say that the Steelers will have to be losing games and going nowhere and right now that doesn’t look like it will be the case. While Nick Herbig is as active as ever as a pass rusher and run stopper, he still doesn’t have a sack yet this season. Were he sitting on four or five then maybe the discussion around Watt would be different.
Wideout Shortage
It seems likely the Steelers will head to Tampa with just D.K. Metcalf, Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen as their receiver options yet I’m not sure I agree with that. Brandon Smith got about 16 snaps on Sunday. He was clearly preferred over Wetjen once Wilson and Ben Skowronek left the game. Some of that strategy could have simply come down to the game situation. Smith is clearly a better blocker than Wetjen and running the ball with Jaylen Warren was a top priority. This doesn’t mean Mike McCarthy will deploy the same strategy against the Bucs.
Random Reads
I think the Steelers are definitely looking at their options at wide receiver but I wouldn’t expect any kind of a trade… I’m glad the President has chosen to not attend the game Sunday. His presence affects everything for the fans, the broadcast and even the headsets of the coaches… It sure does sound like Joe Buck and Troy Aikman’s time together on Monday Night Football is coming to an end… My money’s on Jason Kelce to replace Aikman… Acrisure Stadium will be getting new grass for the November 1st game against the Browns. I thought the newer surface was supposed to eliminate the need for this… Keannu Benton popped up on the injury list this week with an ankle issue. Ugh.
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