Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Tuesday.
In the 24 hours after their week one win, the Pittsburgh Steelers were busy. With Cam Johnston lost for the season, they needed help at punter and ironically they had three former players available in Corliss Waitman, Pressley Harvin III and Brad Wing. Somewhat surprisingly, they went with Waitman. In two career games with Pittsburgh, Waitman averaged 52 yards per punt. During his season with Denver in 2023, he played in all 17 games averaging 46.4 yards per kick. The most interesting part of this signing is whether or not it answers the question of who becomes the holder for Chris Boswell’s kicks. Scotty Miller filled in admirably after Johnston was knocked out of the game Sunday and he could be the guy. The problem with him is that he’s likely to be a “bubble watch” guy in terms of getting a helmet each week. A kicker’s holder is important. Don’t ever discount it.
Edmunds Returns
Former Steelers’ first round pick Terrell Edmunds was signed yesterday off of Jacksonville’s Practice Squad. That means Edmunds has to be added to the team’s active roster. His addition means the Steelers have a lot of safeties. My guess is that he will likely see time as a dime linebacker to start out. I don’t have any issue with bringing him in. He’s an experienced veteran who knows how the team does things and he also has vast Special Teams experience too.
WR Fiasco
George Pickens did all he could as the team’s number one wideout Sunday especially considering he had little help. Combined, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson had two receptions for about a dozen yards. What makes matters worse is that their blocking was a mess. Austin at least gave some effort but at his size he was easily over-matched by bigger corners and safeties. Jefferson looked disinterested at times, sometimes failing to get a hand on anyone. Pickens as we know isn’t exactly Hines Ward as a blocker either but man, this unit was downright bad on Sunday.
Fields Day
Pretty interesting accomplishments for Justin Fields on Sunday. He’s the first Steelers’ QB to do the following:
-70% or higher completion percentage (min 20 passes)
-Passer Rating of 90+
-Rush for 50+ yards
Whether or not that is “impressive” I can’t say but the team won the game and despite a couple of chances, he didn’t turn the ball over either.
Minkah
Steelers Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick didn’t have an interception or fumble recovery Sunday but his presence was felt all over the field. His ability to fly up and attack the run was evident as Kirk Cousins struggled more and more in the passing game. But he also looked a lot “freer” as many of us expected. The presence of DeShone Elliott and two competent cornerbacks on the boundary really allowed him to play much more naturally at free safety.
Random Reads
The 49ers really are a machine at times offensively. Christian McCaffery is a late scratch from the lineup so enter Jordan Mason. Who???? All he did was carry 28 times for 147 yards and a score… This is the only thing I’ll say regarding the Tyreek Hill incident. Both parties could have handled it way better… Don’t be a bit surprised if the Browns try to get out of their contract with DeShaun Watson by citing his off-field issues. There is some language that allows them to do that… I fully expect Chris Boswell to be named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Heck, he might even get ‘Offensive Player’ of the Week.
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