Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Victory Monday!
The Kickoff
There are two major conversation topics coming from yesterday’s 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns. One is the fact the team has now moved to 10-3 on the season and is in a great position to win the North and maybe… a first round BYE. The other topic is George Pickens and whether or not he was really hurt. I want to be up front and tell you that I have gained zero knowledge that tells me Pickens was being punished for his recent behavior. But I can also tell you that Tomlin has punished players in the past with very similar tactics. Using an injury designation as a way to get a message across is not new for Tomlin. Again, I’m not saying this is the case, but there is precedent. Either way, I expect him back on Sunday and kudos to the rest of the receivers who stepped up and made some pretty damn good plays.
UPDATE: Gerry Dulac reported this morning that Pickens has a grade tear hamstring injury which is usually a tear. Unlikely to play in Philly.
Ageless Cam
I don’t know if it’s the file he keeps on his phone that’s filled with negative comments about him or if it is something else. Whatever it is, Cam Heyward is playing well, probably better than most could have expected at this point in his career. He has eight sacks after collecting two yesterday. He would join some pretty select company were he to get to 10 sacks. Interior guys like Chris Doleman, Trace Armstrong and Steve McMichael got to double-digits and beyond at this age so it’s more than possible. At this point, I think he’s a shoo-in for the Pro Bowl.
In Praise Of…
Here’s a laundry list of guys who deserve some serious attention after their performances yesterday. DeShon Elliott led the team in tackles and has been one of the most consistent guys on defense all season… Mike Williams, Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller. Not exactly household names but all three had big contributions yesterday in a variety of ways… Dan Moore gave up a sack at the very end of the game. Otherwise, Myles Garrett was a non-factor… Patrick Queen was all over the place yesterday and it appeared they have him covering tight ends a bit more now which looks like a positive move.
The Running Backs
I do not understand Arthur Smith’s fascination with throwing the ball to Cordarrelle Patterson especially on wide plays. If he wants to give CP some straight ahead dives I’m fine with that. He’s good for a few yards there. I really think Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are starting to hit their stride again. Both guys reeled off some impressive runs and receptions yesterday. That has to be a constant going forward.
Fun Fact
This comes courtesy of Ian who probably knew this rather than having to look it up…
Offense Total Yards – KC 4397, PIT 4395
Defense Total Yards Against – KC 4031, PIT 4032
The Chiefs are obviously a good team but I don’t think they should be seen as something ‘once in a generation.’ A three-yard difference between them and us is pretty surprising.
Random Reads
Give credit to Arthur Smith. His play-calling through most of the first half was pretty bad but he rebounded nicely especially with the two scoring plays… Corliss Waitman had a couple of great punts yesterday, one from pretty much his own end zone. What a revelation he has been since Cam Johnston went down in the opener… If you’re surprised there’s controversy over the College Football Playoff then I would ask “Why?” Whether it’s four teams, 12 teams or 64 teams, there’s always going to be controversy… I saw online where you can get a Snoop Dogg Christmas ornament with him dressed in all Steelers’ gear. I’m assuming he has those for the other 31 teams too. Fake fan!
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