Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Monday.
The Kickoff
If Kaleb Johnson were a free agent rookie, I tend to believe he would have already been released. Because he was a third round pick, he will be given significant grace. Either way, his gaffe which resulted in a Seattle touchdown, was 100% unacceptable. I have no doubt in my mind, none, that Danny Smith went over the rules for the ‘dynamic kickoff’ with his returners on numerous occasions. Therefore, I don’t blame Smith for what happened – to a point. The fact that Johnson is even utilized in this manner is a head-scratcher. In 2024, Johnson didn’t return a single kick for the Iowa Hawkeyes. In 2023, he returned two and in 2022 he returned 13. That’s the bulk of his experience as a return man. So why he is even back there makes little sense to me. Whether that is all Smith or Mike Tomlin I don’t know. While it wasn’t the only reason they lost Sunday, it was a huge factor.
Highest-Paid Defense My Rear-End!
For the second straight week the vaunted and “historic” Steelers defense gave up another 100 yard rusher. They also surrendered almost 300 yards in the air to Sam Darnold who tried to give the game away at times but didn’t. Making matters worse is that Alex Highsmith has a high ankle sprain which likely means he will miss the next four-six weeks. The secondary looked downright awful at times and both Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt are struggling to make impact plays. Teryl Austin’s defense is a mess and he’s as much on the hot seat as anyone.
Offensive Woes
Three more sacks of Aaron Rodgers brings the total to seven through two games. The running game was nonexistent with 72 yards on 21 carries for an abysmal 3.4 yards. Rodgers didn’t quite look as he did last week but he was also the victim of some dropped balls. One would also suggest by his interaction with some of his receivers, that the correct routes weren’t being run. I also think it’s fair to say this offense needs receiving help. It desperately needs a number two wideout after no one picked up the baton Sunday.
Trai Talk
Positives
When your best players are your kicker and punter then you’ve got problems. Both Chris Boswell and Corliss Waitman had very good days. I would be being unfair if I said Payton Wilson didn’t play well. 10 tackles and a sack is a solid day at the office. And Jaylen Warren also had some great moments racking up 130 yards of offense. That’s about as much “positive” I can find though.
How Bad Is It?
The last time the Steelers gave up 63 points in their first two games was 2019. They gave up 21 to Cleveland in the infamous tie and then lost to Kansas City 42-37 at Heinz Field. Last season, the defense didn’t surrender their 63rd point until game four. Might I also add??? The offense generated less than 200 total yards.
Random Reads
I would really like to think that when Derrick Harmon returns, this defense will just magically start shutting down the opponent’s rushing attack… The Steelers head to New England next week ahead of their trip to Ireland. Since 2002, the Steelers are 1-7 in Gillette Stadium… Have to wonder about Alex Highsmith long-term. He just can’t stay healthy… I suppose I could say the same for Joe Burrow. The Steelers are likely to play Cincy twice without having to see Burrow… I’m really starting to think that Patrick Queen wasn’t quite the great free agent signing we thought he would be… Watching the Philadelphia O-Line operate after watching the Steelers’ O-Line operate is truly eye-opening and not in a good way… How do you come out for a home opener and play like that? Its’ beyond me… If you get a chance, please head over to our YouTube page and subscribe! We are so close to that margin number of 500!
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