Hey Steelers fans. Welcome to Monday.
It’s unavoidable and there’s merit to it. Mike Tomlin’s teams have too often looked unprepared and shell-shocked especially in games where they’re favored. We saw it three times last year in consecutive weeks and we saw it again yesterday. Yes, it’s early with just four games in, but Sunday in Indy was disheartening. Losing happens. It’s part of life and part of the NFL but it doesn’t always have to be so ugly. Bad penalties, poor play-calling, poor execution and flat-out poor football saw the Steelers fall behind 17-0, rally to pull within three with the ball in their hands only to botch it and walk out with a loss.
UPDATE: Per Alan Saunders of Steelers now, James Daniels is out for the season with a torn Achilles.
Fields
In a private moment, Mike Tomlin would tell you that he’d rather Justin Fields be 14/20 180 yards and no turnovers versus the 312 yards and fumble he put up today. Why? Because it would likely mean that the team controlled the ball and played good defense and likely won the game. As far as Fields and remaining the starter, I see no reason to go with Russell Wilson right now. He might run the offense better but would he be able to use his feet the way Fields did? I don’t think so. 
Obviously this was a much different game than the first three falling behind 17-0 changed how Arthur Smith was going to call the game. The middle of the field was utilized again which is a good sign. That said, Fields’ mistakes also took potential points off the board and he has to clean up that part of his game.
Harris
Najee Harris was playing hurt and I appreciate his effort. What I didn’t appreciate were his comments afterward.There was no need to go at the media. If anyone is ‘constantly talking about Justin Fields’ it’s the fans more than the media. Of course this wasn’t a good look either. This team is 3-1 not 0-4.
Where’s the Defense?
The supposed number one defense in the NFL did not play like it. T.J. Watt was largely ineffective. The run defense was ineffective especially when running towards Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal. Patrick Queen – whose effort is never in question – too often overruns plays or just flat out misses tackles. A lot of what transpired yesterday I put on the shoulders of Teryl Austin. As a defensive coordinator, you have to be willing and able to respond to adversity and he took too long to do so. The four man rush was not getting to Joe Flacco. The secondary, largely playing ‘off’ was no match for the timing routes being thrown. By the time Austin adjusted in the second half, it was too late.
I Stand With Minkah
“This isn’t the game I grew up playing. You can’t hit anybody.” The more I watch his “unnecessary roughness'” penalty the more angry I get. He literally went shoulder-to-shoulder with the receiver and let up while doing so. I really do fear for where the game is headed. Flag football may not be here in my lifetime but it’s coming. Tackling will no longer be allowed. It’s just a shame and all in the name of ‘player safety.’
Random Reads
Some good news I guess is that the Browns lost in Las Vegas. Don’t forget Steelers’ fans, we play there too… Our two-game lead in the division is gone as Baltimore whipped Buffalo last night… Not sure what to make of the Bengals getting there first win. It was against Carolina after all… Dallas will be coming in Sunday Night banged up but they will also be getting some extra rest having played this past Thursday… If it were up to me, politicians would not be allowed at sporting events during election season. Their appearances are not necessary and cause unwanted reactions in already tension-filled arenas… SteelSon notched a clean sheet this weekend defeating his former school 1-0!
Hot Reads is presented by Frank Walker Law
