Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Thursday.
The Kickoff
Depending on who you talk to, there is either all kinds of unrest and danger in Paris or all of that stuff is far from the stadium. Again, this depends on who is doing the talking. The Steelers announced earlier this morning that they are cancelling their big “fan event’ for safety reasons. Do not expect any such cancellations from the NFL. This game will be played come Hell or high water. For the sake of all involved let’s hope that things go well for the teams, fans and all others involved.
New Podcast Tonight!
Episode 495 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc will air LIVE tonight at 10pmET. We’ll discuss the game last week, how clock management is changing and look ahead to the Saints in Paris.
Deadline Deals?
The classic question of whether the Steelers will be buyers or sellers at the Trade Deadline is becoming more prominent. The question is a simple one; does Omar Khan believe the team is one or two deals from being a true contender in the AFC? I do not believe they will be sellers because at worst they will be 4-4 and feel like they still have a chance in the North. What if someone wants Patrick Queen? Would Khan say “no” to that? What about T.J. Watt? Crazy as it sounds, maybe a team sees itself as a pass rusher away from contending… As for the wide receiver question, you have to add a guy that will make an immediate impact. Signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling for example does absolutely nothing other than add depth. Stay tuned.
Looking Ahead
The Saints’ defense is not very good. They are 29th overall and are 30th against the run. There is zero reason for Mike McCarthy to do what he did last week which was spread the defense out and throw it. This should be about getting Aaron Rodgers back under center and getting Jaylen Warren early touches. Do not overthink this Coach.
One of My All-time Favorites
Random Reads
Tennessee’s Jordan Elliott was sent packing by the Titans after he went to his car to get a gun. He was upset with a teammate. Remember the days when we would throw a few punches and it would be over? Not anymore. Apparently getting a gun is the first thought now… J.J. Watt is now the full-time color analyst with Jim Nantz on CBS. Not surprised. He’s doing a very good job… Vice-President Vance went to the Bengals’ practice yesterday and apparently wasn’t ‘warmly received.’ Politicians need to read the room. The majority of fans AND players do not want politics invading their lives any more than they already do… The LA Clippers dedicated their opening win to their owner last night. He’s currently banned by the NBA for circumventing the salary cap among other things. Not sure a ‘dedication’ was the right move here… Safety Rayshawn Jenkins was released by the Steelers yesterday. My only question is “what took so long?”
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