Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Victory Monday.
The Kickoff
The best thing I can say about the Pittsburgh Steelers is that they’re 2-1. Actually, that’s the only positive thing I can really say. This team recorded five sacks and caused five turnovers Sunday in New England and still… They needed a late fourth quarter touchdown pass to beat the Pats 21-14. For the third straight game, the opponent held the advantage in time of possession mostly due to an offense that seemingly loses more yards than it gains. Oh I’m very pleased the Steelers are 2-1 but even the most optimistic fan has to admit this team has a long way to go.
The O-Line
It’s a mess and that’s being polite. After less than 200 yards of offense last week Arthur Smith’s unit bettered that… with 203 total yards. 64 yards rushing on 26 carries is abysmal. What’s worse is how often the runs go for no gain or negative yardage. At some point doesn’t there have to be a serious conversation about Pat Meyer and his staff? We’ve reached insanity with this group. At least they didn’t give up any sacks this week so maybe that’s a good sign.
Credit Where It’s Due
T.J. Watt doesn’t need to be told that he didn’t have any sacks in the first two weeks. He remedied that with two on Sunday and a fumble recovery… Brandin Echols was solid Sunday. Not only did he have a crucial interception but he made the tackle on fourth down to end the Pats’ chances… Cam Heyward finally made some impacts on Sunday after two quiet games to open the season. He had six tackles, a sack and a pass deflected.
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Difference Makers?
Cole Holcomb got more snaps this week as the defense looked for answers in terms of stopping the run. He had six tackles and a forced fumble. While the Pats had 119 yards rushing on 29 carries it was their QB Derek Maye who led them with 45 yards rushing. Jabrill Peppers made an immediate impact in his first game as a Steeler. He had six tackles, a forced fumble and a recovery.
M.I.A.
Where is Pat Freiermuth? Where is Jonnu Smith? I could easily ask where is D.K. Metcalf were it not for his TD catch. ‘Muth had one catch for six yards on three targets. Smith had three receptions on three targets for 23 yards and a fumble. Metcalf had three receptions on four targets for 32 yards and a score. I’m not going to sit here and blame these three men entirely because football is the ultimate team game, but when you look at the amount of money these three gentlemen are making, it is more than fair to ask them for more production.
Hot Reads
Awful day for two former Steelers’ running backs. Both Najee Harris and James Conner suffered season-ending injuries on Sunday… Anyone thinking the Browns will be an easy win should think again. They just beat the Packers who many believed were the hottest team in the league… Life without Joe Burrow is not so good in Cincy… George Pickens continues to be a hot mess. He seriously needs some help. I feel for the kid. So much talent but he just can’t keep things together… Andy Reid and Travis Kelce got into another kerfuffle Sunday Night. I’m guessing they disagreed about the colors for Travis’ wedding… Is anyone’s seat hotter than Mike Gundy’s at Oklahoma State? Speaking of Hot Seats, when does Brian Daboll go with Jaxson Dart in an effort to save his job? Well, get ready for a shit ton of “Steelers and Ireland” related info this week.
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