Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Tuesday.
The Kickoff
What are we doing? Marquez Valdes-Scantling again? Sure we could use some more veteran depth but is this just to appease Aaron Rodgers? Recently released by the Chargers, MVS had two receptions for 22 yards. Last year in Pittsburgh he totaled 10 receptions for 80 yards and one score. If the front office really thinks this current team has a chance at something special then go get someone younger and more explosive. I’ll give up a couple of picks – gladly. While MVS is likely to start on the Practice Squad, there’s no doubt he’s back for one reason and it’s the same reason he was here in 2025… Aaron Rodgers. Perhaps Omar Khan isn’t done with his moves yet but if this is the only one then I’m less than inspired.
Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey has had moments in his career that were deemed less than respectable. In the last few weeks however – while dealing with a broken wrist – Ramsey has been nothing short of excellent. He’s currently what the Steelers call the “star” position on defense which typically means he’s the slot corner. But Patrick Graham has him doing a little bit of everything as evidenced by his two sacks and run-stuffing ability. Ramsey is who he is but it is difficult to question the effort and production right now.
Hmmmm…
Mike McCarthy held his weekly presser yesterday and as expected there were questions about clock management.
Big Mike was clearly not in a mood to discuss but that’s part of the job. The media has every right to ask about the thinking that went into that series. “…But those are solid plays” is a cop out. Even if Darnell Washington catches that TD pass the Buccaneers would still have had two timeouts and plenty of time to move down the field. At that point in the game, the clock is the opposition. Now if you run three straight times from the three getting into the end zone is to be expected. If you don’t, at least you’ve forced them to burn both TOs and they’ve got way less time remaining to get a tying field goal. McCarthy would have been better off just saying, “I made a poor choice here. I’ll learn from it and move forward.”
Paris
The Saints have already arrived in Paris – historians feel free to chime in on that – while the Steelers have made the decision to go over on Thursday. The travel arrangements will no doubt be a topic of conversation once the game is over but considering everything else going on in France now, it may not matter. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the NFL hire outside security to protect both teams.
College QBs
As we get ever closer to the Pittsburgh Steelers deciding if they need a first round QB, there is no shortage of guys who may be available. After two straight losses and questionable play period, Arch Manning is not on my wish list. The processing isn’t there and I’m not sure it ever will be. He’s late on too many throws and struggles to ‘throw receivers open’ which is a must in the NFL.
Random Reads
Seems pretty obvious the Colts are on their way to a total rebuild. The GM being fired doesn’t bode well for the head coach nor many of the players on existing contracts. Quenton Nelson and Josh Downs are two guys I’d be interested in… The Jalen Hurts thing is further proof that regardless of how much these guys are paid they are still modern day gladiators expected to show up at all costs… The band U2 is scheduled to perform at halftime of the first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game in LA. Aren’t you glad you know that now?… If you thought college football was the wild west now, wait until this 24-team playoff starts. Will being in a conference even matter anymore? Makes little sense to be in one… Jim Nantz needing an ice pack after ‘punching the ball’ on JJ Watt is on brand.
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