Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Tuesday.
Let’s get something clear. Nowhere in the definition of the word “fan” or “fanatic” does it say anything about not being critical of your favorite team. I think most of you know this but it’s a good reminder for those that don’t. There are few things that have my attention, love and passion quite like the Pittsburgh Steelers do. Oh sure my wife and kids but it’s pretty close although I’ll give them a slight advantage… My point is this; it’s OK to be critical of the Steelers. It’s OK to say that this move hasn’t worked out or this play-call was just plain stupid. You are allowed to be critical! This doesn’t mean you aren’t a fan. It doesn’t mean you’re just a “hater” either. As long as you also give praise when it’s due, it means you’re a realist. Nothing in our lives is perfect. Everything is open to constructive criticism. If all you do is bitch then you probably aren’t a fan. Rather, you’re probably just miserable. The Steelers are 2-0 winning both games on the road. Celebrate this! At the same time acknowledge that there is much work to be done.
Tomlin Tuesday
I mentioned yesterday that I couldn’t recall a time when I’ve seen Mike Tomlin as disappointed with a win as he was on Sunday evening. The penalties and missed opportunities seemed to get to him. We’ll see how he’s feeling today but my guess is, it won’t be much different.
Does Khan Make a Move?
Five receptions for 28 yards. That’s what Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III have produced through two games. That is just not going to get it done and furthermore neither can block worth a darn. So the question is, does Omar Khan make a move for a receiver? If the answer to that question is “yes,” then how much are you willing to give up? My first thought is nothing more than a third rounder and the reason is simple. Is someone brought in for that price going to be that much of an upgrade? Secondly, do Khan, Tomlin et al truly believe this team is a number two receiver away from being in Super Bowl contention? THAT might be the biggest issue right there.
Queen
Did I anticipate Patrick Queen making more of an impact through two games? Yes I did but that doesn’t mean he’s been playing poorly. Queen is extremely active and if you watch him on film he can sometimes overrun plays which leads to arm tackles which leads to missed tackles in general. My guess is they are working to slow him down a bit because he might feel like he has to do everything. My opinion is to just let him be who he is while also coaching him up. I wouldn’t want to limit his speed and athleticism by trying to overwhelm him.
Secondary Success
In two games, the Steelers’ defensive backfield has four interceptions. Cory Trice and Damonte Kazee got theirs Sunday while Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliot collected theirs week one. I expect them to face tougher challenges in the weeks ahead but I like where this group is headed. I’m not totally convinced they have their true ‘nickel’ corner yet but it hasn’t been an issue. Beanie Bishop has been very up and down. He’ll whiff on some tackles and then make a great one.
Random Reads
If you didn’t think the NFL was a ‘week-to-week’ endeavor then you should now. In week one, both the Cowboys and Eagles looked unstoppable. A week later, they both dropped home games to fall to 1-1… I think Shadeur Sanders has a ton of talent but I don’t want him anywhere near the Steelers. It would be like drafting one of LaVar Ball’s kids and we don’t need that chaos in Pittsburgh… I fully admit I missed on Bryce Young who was benched yesterday in Carolina. In fairness, they have ZERO talent around him but I thought he’d be better than he’s been… T.J. Watt will face rookie Joe Alt this week. He’s been pretty good through his first two career games for the Bolts so we’ll see what tricks Watt has up his sleeve.
Hot Reads is Presented by Frank Walker Law
