The Pittsburgh Steelers kept their 2023 playoff hopes alive with a 17-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Here are my rapid-fire thoughts as the game transpired.
Offense
-I do not understand why so many NFL play callers feel the need to get “cute” as often as they do. The Steelers’ success running between the tackles was outstanding yet Mike Sullivan kept going outside way too often. He was much better in the last 20 minutes of the game.
-We saw Mason Rudolph of old today. His lack of pocket presence and inability to get the ball out cost the Steelers at least three points in the first half. But… He took full responsibility for those sacks and made the best throw of the game on a 71-yard shot to Diontae Johnson. Rudolph finished 18/20 for 152 yards a a TD.
-Diontae Johnson is a riddle wrapped in a mystery… Ah Hell. Whatever it is DJ is perplexing. He loafed most of the game in some weird moments then catches a monster throw from Rudolph and goes for six.
-The ESPN announcers were BEGGING for a shot to George Pickens as the Steelers got into the Red Zone. I get it but you have to consider the game situation. Burning clock, forcing BAL into timeouts and securing the ball are the priorities there, not a guy’s stats.
-Yes the conditions were bad but you have to hang onto the ball better than we did. Jaylen Warren especially.
-Big kudos to the offensive line. They powered the run game to 155 yards on 39 carries. That’s an average of 4 yards per carry and I’ll take that all day.
-Both Dan Moore and Broderick Jones had a few struggles today in pass protection. Need to clean that up if there’s a “next week.”
-Can’t say enough about hard Najee Harris is running right now. If there has been a big switch from Matt Canada to the team of Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan I would say its that they’ve gotten Najee between the tackles a lot more. He finished with 112 yards on 26 carries. If I were a betting man, I’d say he’s done enough to get his fifth-year option.
Defense
-We all have our breaths held as we await word on T.J. Watt’s knee. Currently being called a hyperextension. When he left the game he had two sacks. And I have no idea why Teryl Austin had him in coverage so much today. UPDATE: Sounds like a Grade 3 MCL sprain which would more than likely keep him out of a playoff game next week.
-Kudos to Elandon Roberts. That guy is clearly not 100% and played his tail off.
-I am becoming more and more convinced that in order for holding to be called on EDGE rushers they have to have committed a felony first. It’s ridiculous.
-Eric Rowe has been a really nice addition. Not only does he come up on runs and short receptions like a rocket but his textbook punch caused a huge fourth quarter fumble. Rowe led the defense with 12 tackles too.
-Terrific effort by Markus Golden to put the finishing touches on the Ravens’ late drive. That is exactly why you sign veteran depth at such a key position.
-I feel bad for Alex Highsmith. That dude was getting held throughout the game. There were at least three or four different times when he was literally being held by the collar.
-One area the Steelers must upgrade in the offseason is at nickel corner. Chandon Sullivan is just kind of average. He’s a very poor blitzer compared to what we used to have in guys like Arthur Maulet and Mike Hilton.
Special Teams
-I have seen enough from Pressley Harvin III. The consistency just isn’t there especially when you need it most. They HAVE to get better here. He did do a solid job on the snap for Chris Boswell’s field goal.
-Terrific return in the fourth by Calvin Austin III. He’s been so close all year and picked a great time for a big play.
Coaching
-Not the best day for the offensive staff. The jet sweep inside the five yard line was not a good call and it was poorly executed. I also thought they abandoned the inside runs way too early in the first half.
Officiating
-I really do appreciate that the officials allowed the players to “decide it on the field” but sometimes when you see something as obvious as a pass rusher being tackled you have to throw the flag. Neither team being called for a holding penalty is ridiculous.
Up Next
-A loss by Buffalo gets the Steelers in. A loss by Jacksonville gets the Steelers in. A tie between the Texans and Colts tonight also gets them in.
