The Pittsburgh Steelers saw their season come to an end with a 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Here are my rapid-fire thoughts on the game as it unfolded.
Offense
-Let’s be crystal clear here; Mason Rudolph (22/39 229 yards 2TD/INT) gave the Steelers a better chance to win each week than did Kenny Pickett. To deny that is to deny facts and statistics. Whether Rudolph signs back with the Steelers or not is uncertain but if he does, there will be a very open competition for the starting job. Personally, I think neither is the long-term solution.
-George Pickens just can’t fumble there especially when the ball isn’t even hit by a tackler. I appreciate the effort but you gotta hang onto the ball man. Pickens also made some great catches and had a sensational little run on an end around.
-Mason Rudolph’s interception in the front corner of the end zone was on him. I didn’t care for the call but that throw has to be towards the pylon.
-Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris combined for 75 yards rushing and could never get going. Playing from behind will do that to your running game.
-Nice game by Pat Freiermuth who had five receptions for 76 yards. This is exactly the type of production that’s expected of him. I thought he got a bit lucky on that fumble though.
-The offensive line was decent today but not nearly good enough. I’m hopeful they move Broderick Jones back to left tackle and find a new center as well.
-Both Diontae Johnson and George Pickens were targeted exactly how I thought they would be today on shorter routes but neither could break away for a big gain.
Defense
-The Steelers’ defense has now surrendered over 30 points in five straight postseason games. Say whatever you want about the offense and the struggles of that unit but there need to be changes on defense. SIGNIFICANT changes.
-Splendid play by Elandon Roberts to break up a deep shot to the tight end in the third quarter.
-Awful tackling by the Steelers on Khalil Shakir’s TD. Especially in that situation.
-Eric Rowe deserves a chance to make this roster in Training Camp next year. He could be a very nice depth piece if he can play some special teams too.
-I look at this year as a lost one for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Not only did he battle injuries but he also played out of position a lot due to injuries and need.
-Cam Heyward getting a tackle for loss when the game was already settled speaks volumes of his leadership. I’m not sure he comes back at this point or retires but it’s been a pleasure.
-Was the absence of T.J. Watt the reason the defense was so average today? Of course it doesn’t help but I’m not sure the game’s outcome would have been different.
-The defense gave up 179 yards rushing. You aren’t winning many games doing that.
Special Teams
-It’s a broken record but Pressley Harvin III needs to move on. The team needs to find a more consistent punter.
Coaching
-Tomlin’s decision to sit on his timeouts at the end of the first half was a poor one. Buffalo had just seen their punter limp off the field and you had three timeouts with about 42 seconds left. I guarantee he was afraid of Josh Allen hitting a big throw and I get that but you know what that is? Living in your fears.
Officiating
-I would really like an explanation on the play that injured Joey Porter, Jr. He was tackling Stefon Diggs and was drilled in the back by an offensive lineman. Is this not a block in the back? Is JPJ not a defenseless player at that point?
-I probably say it every year but holding isn’t going to get called in the postseason. It’s just not.
-Awful call on Myles Jack for the “personal foul” on hitting Josh Allen. I still have no idea how a player can suddenly stop when they’ve committed to the tackle.
Up Next
-In the next week or two we will hear from Art Rooney II who will give his annual thoughts on the team. The NFL Combine comes up next month.
