The Pittsburgh Steelers saw their postseason chances take a major hit with a 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Here are my thoughts as the game unfolded.
Offense
-The Steelers absolutely have to upgrade at center. The entire offense is struggling as a result. 220 yards of total offense with all of these “weapons” too. Just awful.
-Mitch Trubisky’s deep shot to George Pickens was a terrible throw but Pickens has to make a better play there. He’s 6’3” and was out jumped by a smaller man.
-I have to think the decision to bring in Mason Rudolph might mean Kenny Pickett will be back next week. Going to Rudy in that spot made zero sense to me.
-I still don’t understand why Jaylen Warren isn’t featured more as the main running back. Najee Harris is a dead man walking. No way he gets his fifth year option. Harris had 12 carries to Warren’s 10.
-Merrill Hoge said this week that our tight ends trying to block was like watching turtles humping. He’s not wrong. They are struggling to set an edge and it’s killing the running game.
-What does Calvin Austin III do besides go in motion all game? He’s zero threat as a receiver. Allen Robinson II has provided little as a receiver as well.
-Any thought that the offense would be different without Matt Canada is wrong. It’s still predictable and extremely easy to prepare for. The route concepts have not improved and it is obvious to any observer when a run is coming versus a pass.
-Both Pickens and Diontae Johnson were more productive tonight but other than DJ’s TD catch they weren’t much of a threat. I don’t put that all on them either. The offensive line was atrocious today.
-Pat Freiermuth has been disappointing. He’s a threat to turn and box out a defender at about five yards down-field and that’s about all he seems to offer anymore.
-It is beyond time to start discussing the offensive line and coach Pat Meyer. There has been little to no improvement from this unit and I’d actually suggest it has actually gotten worse. Bad penalties… Poor fundamentals… You name it.
Defense
-You can’t just wave the injuries aside. They are having a major effect on the unit. These are literally Practice Squad guys being asked to play meaningful downs and they just aren’t producing. But remember, the Colts had some Practice Squad guys out there too and they were thriving.
-The flag on Damontae Kazee was deserved. I don’t like it but it was. The ejection of him was total bullshit. He led with his shoulder as these guys have been told to do. Sometimes there has to be some culpability on the QB. It was a terrible throw and it’s what led to the play. Otherwise, Kazee would have had to just stand there. Can you imagine the reaction had he done that?
-Joey Porter, Jr will learn. Has to get his hands off guys at the right time.
-Zero turnovers created by the defense. That doesn’t help anything.
-Minkah Fitzpatrick getting hurt was the cherry on top of the defense’s performance. It appeared that he was being allowed to play a bit more at his natural free safety spot.
-It feels very much like the defense is starting to feel the effects of the horrible offense. They are worn out and frustrated.
-The Colts ran the ball 14 straight times in the second half. You want to embarrass your opponent? That’s how you do it.
-Alex Highsmith has to take advantage when T.J. Watt draws extra blockers and he’s not. He’s just not getting any consistent pressure.
-If nickel CB isn’t high on the Steelers’ wish list for 2024 then I don’t know what they’re thinking.
Special Teams
-Terrific punt block by Connor Heyward. Exactly the type of play that was needed when your offense can’t produce.
-Chris Boswell was one of two on his PATs and was not given a chance to kick a 55-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. More on that below.
-Pressley Harvin III remains “average” to me. They need to move on.
Coaching
-I’m done listening to Mike Tomlin tell us he isn’t living in his fears. Down 11 early in the fourth quarter, he turned down a chance to kick a 55-yard field goal. He instead punted and his already gassed defense let the Colts go right down the field for a field goal. Boswell made a 56-yarder OUTSIDE last week so I don’t understand the decision.
-Both Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan have done nothing to make me think they can run this offense next year.
-Why will Teryl Austin NOT blitz? The Colts were moving extra blockers over to deal with T.J. Watt which leaves the other side of the formation vulnerable to blitzes. Yet he never brought them.
Up Next
-The Steelers host the 8-6 Bengals in their home finale. Don’t surprised to see a lot of orange in Acrisure Stadium.
