Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Monday…
Maybe it was the delay… Maybe it’s because I’m on three and a half hours of sleep… Or maybe, it’s because the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to frustrate us on a level that I didn’t know they could. All that I can tell you this morning after a 20-17 loss to Dallas is that my frustrations are reaching a concerning level. There’s a lot to cover so let’s get to it.
No Observations
Usually I publish my postgame observations following every game but considering the late hour I figured I would just roll it into today. So if you’re looking for those, my apologies.
There’s No Identity
If you were asked what the ‘identity’ of the Pittsburgh Steelers is what would you say? Would you bring up old mantras like ‘The Standard is the Standard?’ ‘Blitzburgh’ maybe? The bottom line is that there is no identity, especially on offense. Is it a running team? A passing team? A balanced attack? Do they run inside? Outside? Do they block with finesse and angles or are they maulers? There’s literally nothing to hang one’s respective hat on right now.
T.J. 100
Not surprisingly, T.J. Watt had a strong game last evening and also reached the 100 sack plateau. He’s the second fastest to get there behind only Hall of Famer Reggie White. I realized at the end of the game last night that I’m really starting to feel bad for him. This team isn’t anywhere close to a Super Bowl and he has to know his chances are limited.
Pickens
I have no idea what was going on with George Pickens last night and Mike Tomlin claims his limited snaps were about giving him more “quality” snaps rather than quantity. He’s a professional wide receiver. His conditioning shouldn’t be an issue. Van Jefferson saw more targets last night than he had in the first four games. Clearly something was up as Pickens had a tape across the bridge of his nose that said “Always Fucking Open.” And he was a complete non-factor against a defense that was as banged up as any in the NFL. I don’t put all of this on Pickens by any stretch but at some point it’s time to grow up.
In Their Fears
I don’t want to hear Mike Tomlin talk about “fears” anymore. A toss sweep on third and eight with your fourth string running back is as ‘playing scared’ as it gets. They don’t trust Justin Fields at times and it’s obvious.
Time to Talk About Minkah
The secondary is in a constant state of “who do you have?” I’ve never seen so many blown coverages through the first five games and no, not all of this is on Minkah Fitzpatrick. But a question needs to be asked? For a guy making the kind of money he is, shouldn’t the Steelers be expecting more on their investment? He isn’t creating turnovers and this was supposed to be the year he got back to that. Playing a traditional free safety role was supposed to bring splash plays and it hasn’t.
Random Reads
There are literally times when the Steelers have no one open. I mean no one… There are also times when guys are wide open and Justin Fields never sees them. His decision-making last night was awful compared to the first four games… Conversely, have you noticed that our opposition ALWAYS seems to have guys running free… Penalties are a problem and many are the type where the ball isn’t even in motion. They have to clean this up… Teryl Austin needs to go. He’s like the old man who won’t consider changing anything. Sitting back in two-deep with your corners off while hoping your four-man rush gets home is not working. Mike Tomlin kept the wrong guy. Brian Flores is doing great work in Minnesota with less talent… Beanie Bishop was exposed last night. I think any team that has speed in the slot will create matchups against him… There were a few great plays last night from Watt obviously, Nick Herbig Elandon Roberts and Payton Wilson too. It’s important to acknowledge those. On to Las Vegas…
Hot Reads is presented by Frank Walker Law
