Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Monday.
The Kickoff
Yesterday’s loss felt a lot like deja’vu. As the game unfolded it felt very much like one of those recent postseason losses. We were on the road. Overmatched. Outcoached. And forced to play perfect football. When the latter didn’t happen, it became clear the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t have enough to overcome the Philadelphia Eagles. While maybe not as bad as those postseason losses in Kansas City or Buffalo for example, this game had all of those vibes. Despite the loss, the Steelers still qualified for the postseason with losses by Miami and Indianapolis. That’s a positive thing but if we are all honest with ourselves we know we need to see at least one victory in the postseason and after yesterday, my confidence is shaken.
Offense Falters
If the reason that the offense only scored 13 points yesterday was all on the absence of George Pickens then we’ve got bigger concerns than I thought. When you’re missing your number one receiver and big play threat, you have to get contributions from other guys. But more importantly, when that number one threat is a pass catcher, you have to be able to turn to your running game. THAT is where the offense fell apart on Sunday. 56 yards on 17 carries (3.3 ypc) is not going to get it done. The Philly defense is really good but so too will be the teams in the postseason. Yesterday was a very big ‘red flag’ in my opinion.
The Officials – Replay Assist
Disclaimer: The officiating did not cause the Steelers to lose Sunday.
It sure as Hell didn’t help though either. On two separate plays, the officials horribly botched calls that affected the Steelers. The first was the scrum in the back of the end zone. Somehow, two Steelers were flagged for personal fouls while the Eagles received none. Upon explanation, this is where Mike Tomlin told the official to “Get the fuck away from me.” Tomlin had every right to be pissed as numerous video clips have shown Eagles’ players throwing punches. That call moved the Steelers out of the Red Zone. The second call was the Jalen Carter head slap of Connor Heyward. The officials said the ball had already been punted therefore Philly would retain possession. Again, video evidence clearly shows the ball has not been kicked yet when Carter slams Heyward. Earlier in the game, ‘replay assist’ was used to overturn a Pat Freiermuth reception. Why in the Wide World of Sports could ‘replay assist’ be used there but not on the prior two incidents I mentioned? The subjectivity of RA’s usage is a joke.
The Challenge Ahead
We all knew this ‘three games in ten days’ was going to be difficult but now it is even more so. Donte Jackson continues to deal with a back injury that forced him out of yesterday’s game. George Pickens’ status for Saturday is something we have little knowledge of and the cherry on top was T.J. Watt leaving in the fourth quarter. While the X-ray was negative, the rolled left ankle will no doubt be problematic for the remainder of the season. Keep in mind that this is his ‘push-off’ foot as he typically rushes from the left side of the defense.
Major Questions I Have…
For starters, why is Arthur Smith so infatuated with using Cordarrelle Patterson this much as a running back (especially when the team is trailing)? Need him to run straight ahead for a couple of yards? Absolutely! But the guy cannot go left or right and opposing defenses are just laughing at it.
Second, will Mike Tomlin ever figure out clock management? I can answer this one myself. “no.”
Third, does Arthur Smith have any other ways of running wide that don’t involve the toss sweep? Again, I’ll answer this one. “Apparently not.”
Random Reads
I have no doubt we will play the Ravens the same way we always do but I have a bad feeling about this game. I’ll leave it at that… Not sure anyone other than Josh Allen is the MVP… Why is Myles Garrett such a drama queen? Seems like he should be playing wide receiver… Montravius Adams penalty for hitting the long snapper was another poor call yesterday. He was literally blocked into the man. What is he supposed to do… Nick Sirianni is quickly climbing my list of least favorite people in the NFL… I asked my buddy Dan at DC4Lcustomtees.com to come up with something on Tomlin’s reaction to the scrum in the end zone. As usual, he nailed it!
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Hot Reads is presented by Frank Walker Law.
