Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Monday.
The Kickoff
After last week’s win over Indianapolis, I said that the formula for the Pittsburgh Steelers was clear. The only way they can win in 2025 is to significantly win the turnover battle. Last night in Los Angeles was further proof. Not only did they not win the turnover battle but they couldn’t have played worse, especially offensively. The Steelers fell behind 25-3 in the second half before losing 25-10 in what could only be described as “an embarrassing loss.” Mike Tomlin certainly wasn’t in any mood to discuss it.
Rodgers
Credit Mike Minter and the Chargers’ defense. They harassed Aaron Rodgers all night long forcing him into interceptions and one poor throw after another. It was easily Rodgers’ worst performance as a Steeler. He sailed one throw after another and forced balls into coverage more than we’ve seen all year. This was the Aaron Rodgers many of us thought we might see more often after his time in New York. Now the question is, can he bounce back?
O-Line Regression
The loss was a major step backwards for an offensive line that seemed to have been improving. Both Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu struggled all night and the interior of the O-line didn’t fare much better. Tomlin has to make a change at OL Coach. Enough is enough. Not getting nearly enough out of this group.
What Happened to Kenny G?
Kenneth Gainwell ran for 99 yards and two scores in the win over Minnesota in Ireland. Since then, he’s become almost invisible. He didn’t have a single carry last night and ended up with two touches offensively. Early on with the offense backed up to its own end zone, Arthur Smith opted for Kaleb Johnson on the first two plays which went nowhere. On the third, Rodgers was sacked for a safety. Gainwell deserves more opportunities than he’s getting.
The Defense
You could argue that the defense did enough to keep the Steelers’ chances alive for much of the game and that’s true to a point. They still surrendered about four yards per carry and almost six yards per play. The Chargers were also two for three in the Red Zone. The Steelers did sack Justin Herbert five times but they didn’t record any turnovers. As T.J. Watt said in his post game comments, “We can’t continue to live and die by turnovers.” He’s 100% right but I’m not sure it will change much in 2025.
The Worst Part?
The more I think about this game the more I look at it as a lost opportunity. Sunday at home against Cincinnati becomes ‘must-win’ in my opinion simply because of who still remains on the schedule. But last night was a chance to create momentum. It was a chance to say “beating Indy wasn’t a fluke” yet the team could not have played worse. Two dropped interceptions, a horrible percentage on third down and Chris Boswell even missed a field goal. This was definitely a lost opportunity for the Black and Gold.
A Bad Mix
Sports always used to be an escape for us. It was a place we could go when the government was a mess, the economy was bad or the nation was in conflict. It is anything but an escape now. Even College Gameday on ESPN is littered with political or religious signs… The fact that FOX Sports gave the President that much air time was sad and I don’t give a shit who the President is. I don’t tune in to a football game for a campaign stop. Go watch CNN or FOX News if you’re looking for that.
Random Reads
How does Darnell Washington have one target? That makes no sense to me… Teryl Austin has been experimenting with three pass rushers and Cam Heyward on the field in passing situations. I’m all for it but don’t be surprised to see teams start running draws and screens to counter it… The Ravens have won three-straight yet suggesting they could still win the division makes me ‘less of a Steelers fan’ according to some. What are you seeing that says otherwise… I appreciated the effort of Jaylen Warren last night. He literally carried the offensive load himself… The Rams and Seahawks might be the two best teams in pro football right now… Catch the ball Calvin Austin III… What an amazing, Steelers-heavy crowd last night and sadly, they were treated to that.
Hot Reads is presented by
