Two weeks ago it all seemed so perfect. The Pittsburgh Steelers were 7-4 and they were coming home for two straight games against teams with a combined record of 4-19. After tonight, they find themselves losers of two straight with three of the their last four on the road. The Steelers fell to New England 21-18 on Thursday Night Football. Here are my thoughts as the game moved on.
Offense
-A decent start for the offense on the first drive which resulted in a field goal. Until Mitchell Trubisky found Diontae Johnson with three minutes left in the half, the offense had been a mess. Trubisky threw on official interception and had another nullified by a penalty.
-More mental errors. A illegal formation in week 13 is just ridiculous.
-George Pickens had one target in the first half. And frankly? He has every right to be upset for being targeted so little. That doesn’t mean he should act a fool, but I understand his frustration.
-Fourth and two and the game on the line and Trubisky throws deep to Diontae Johnson. Please make it make sense.
-The Steelers really need to self-scout better. The constant runs on second down are as obvious as the sun coming up.
-If you had any concerns about Mitchell Trubisky playing better than Kenny Pickett thereby causing a QB controversy you can forget it. If anything, you have to wonder if Mason Rudolph doesn’t get a chance.
-The Steelers ran for just 82 yards on 29 carries. Not shocking considering how good New England has been against the run. I don’t understand Jaylen Warren getting just seven carries.
Defense
-The Steelers were already shorthanded with Elandon Roberts less than 100% and Blake Martinez seeing his first action but the both T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith got dinged early. Watt was able to return but Highsmith was not.
-If you’re an opposing tight end you can pretty much bank on having a good game against Mike Tomlin’s defense.
-I do not understand for the life of me why Teryl Austin is playing Minkah Fitzpatrick as a box safety. Bringing up to the line of scrimmage once in awhile is fine but that’s not where he truly excels.
-The defense played much better in the second half shutting out the Patriots but the damage was done.
-I’m still not sure how Mykal Walker didn’t take that interception to the house. Kudos to Ezekiel Elliott for the hustle but Walker has to get into the end zone there.
-Nick Herbig, who basically played the entire game after Alex Highsmith left in the first quarter with a neck injury, led the Steelers with seven tackles.
-I wouldn’t be surprised if T.J. Watt were concussed on that first play of the game. He wasn’t a factor at all in the game and just didn’t look like himself.
-Joey Porter, Jr had a really nice game this evening. Yeah, he still gets his hands on receivers a lot but he didn’t get called for it tonight and that’s all that matters.
Special Teams
-Chris Boswell was 1/1 on his field goal attempts with a big 56-yarder.
-Pressley Harvin III just isn’t the guy. He’s just not consistent or reliable enough.
Coaching
-There is ZERO excuse after last week for Mike Tomlin’s team to come out and play the way they did in the first half.
-The decision to not kick the field goal in the third quarter is easy to nitpick but they would not have blocked the punt down there either because it came off of the ensuing possession.
Officiating
A well-called game was ruined when the officials decided to call Christian Kuntz, the Steelers’ long snapper for a false start because he raised his head quickly. Really poor call.
Up Next
The Steelers will play the Colts in Indianapolis on Saturday at 4:30pmET.
Feature image courtesy Sporting News
