The classic Bill Murray movie ‘Groundhog Day’ isn’t for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Murray or not you probably know the story so seeing it likely doesn’t mean much. The basic principle of the movie is what matters and I can’t help but think the Pittsburgh Steelers (or maybe we fans) are living through Phil Connors’ nightmare.
The reason I’ve come to this realization is that it really does feel like I’m living in the same Steelers’ season that I’ve lived in for the last ten years. It’s usually right around week two or three where the “Fire Tomlin” calls come out. This is due mostly to the team looking ‘flat’ and ‘unprepared’ which they most certainly did on Sunday.
There’s Much More Than That
While the “looking flat and unprepared” is one thing, we fans have also become accustomed to poor tackling. Need proof? Look no further than this social media post. That’s Seattle RB Kenneth Walker III leaving three Steelers in his wake.
This looks a lot like when a father is playing backyard football with his son and neighborhood kids. He’s just demolished all three of them and he’s headed for touchdown glory. He will also do his best ‘Lynn Swann over the shoulder spike’ before breaking into the worm. Should I also mention that number 76 will pretty much bury that Steelers’ defender somewhere in the fourth row?
Communication Issues
Phil Connors woke to the same song (I Got You Babe) and the same DeeJay every, single morning. Our version of this is hearing post game interviews with players who talk about “cleaning things up” and having “communication issues.” At what point do we finally admit we’ve reached insanity? This has been going on for YEARS and despite all of the talk and all of the promises to get things fixed, it never gets fixed!
The Lines
How many more times are we going to wonder when the offensive line will finally click? Asking if Broderick Jones will live up to his first round draft status has become as common as asking about the weather. The offensive line has shown no improvement since last season and it has shown no improvement since the preseason started. OL Coach Pat Meyer must walk into the coaches meetings each week with a new “idea” for how to get these guys going as if he’s a mad scientist. Every one of these guys upfront was a standout and dominant player in college. Did they all of the sudden forget how to play?
And then we have the defensive line and defense in general. The last time the Steelers held a team to less than 100 yards rushing was Cincinnati in week 18 of last year. In fact, six of their last eight games have seen the defense surrender 100 yards rushing or more. There was once a time when a Steelers’ defense would have been insulted to give up 60 yards rushing in a game. Those days are gone.
Maybe as Steelers’ fans we all need a good cleansing. Phil Connors finally changed his ways and was able to not only get out of the loop that kept him on February 2nd, but he also got the girl too. Perhaps some good natured behavior is what we need in order to wake up with a playoff win next to us. That would surely be as welcome as Andie McDowell was wouldn’t it?
