Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Friday.
The Kickoff
I’m always amazed at how quickly moods and narratives change in the NFL. A week ago, Mike Tomlin was as good as gone (not really) following back to back losses. But then Sunday came and a win in Baltimore suddenly changed everything. The hyenas were forced back into the shadows and the birds around the North Shore were singing happy tunes. So what happens if the Steelers lose Monday Night to Miami? Are the torches and pitchforks back? Are the “Fire Tomlin” chants to be heard once again? In all honesty, nothing has changed. The only way and I stress ONLY way things calm down is with a postseason win. None of us are naive enough to think a playoff victory will cure everything but that has clearly been the focal point of most fans’ ire. So regardless of what happens over the next four games, none of it will matter unless Mike Tomlin gets a much needed playoff win, which would be amazing.
The Latest Podcast
Episode 451 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc aired last night. We recapped the win in Baltimore, discussed the Dolphins and much, much more.
Watt
I am not a doctor and I don’t play one on TV but it certainly sounds like whatever is going on with T.J. Watt is pretty serious. At this point – and I hope I’m 100% wrong – I don’t think he plays on Monday night. When you hear words like “he’s comfortable” that isn’t a ringing endorsement. Let’s hope he’s healthy first as a person and then as a player. UPDATE:
Latest Update on Watt
Michigan
As some of you know I’ve been a long time fan of Michigan. Not like I was as a kid, but I guess they’re still my “college team” along with alma mater of Western Michigan… What has transpired there over the last 48 hours is sad and is affecting way more people than you can imagine. I’ve seen comments about how this is a “gift” for UM to have Coach Moore fired. Sure, it could be, but a gift doesn’t come with all of these horrible side effects. A real shame for many.
Steelers History
This week in our Steelers History segment, Gordon went back to the mid-1970’s for a classic AFC tilt between the Dolphins and the Steelers. This once featured big days from Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier.
Tua
Most of you are aware that Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa struggles in colder weather. His record as a starting quarterback in temperatures below 45 degrees stands at 0-7. The latest weather forecast is for 20 degrees and winds around 10mph so that gives the Steelers a decided advantage. However… Miami has rallied in recent weeks behind a strong running game. That’s not good for a Steelers’ defense that has been run over in recent weeks like a banana peel in a parking lot. I have no doubt that Mike McDaniel is prepping his offense to be ‘run first’ on Monday night.
Random Reads
I think a lot of fans see how Nick Herbig plays and they correlate this to “he’s better than Alex Highsmith.” His overall game is not better. He’s a more consistent pass rusher, I grant you that, but he doesn’t do nearly as well as Highsmith when it comes to run stopping and setting the edge… I think Diego Pavia will win the Heisman… Since week 10, no defense has given up more years rushing than the Steelers… Joey Porter, Ben Roethlisberger and Maurkice Pouncey will be inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor on Monday Night… The team will wear their color rush uniforms as well.
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