Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to another Victory Monday.
One could argue that the Baltimore Ravens, who are 0-2, are playing better than our Pittsburgh Steelers who are 2-0. But then again, style points don’t matter and winning does. The Steelers have put up just 31 points in two games while some teams – New Orleans comes to mind – put up more than that in one half yesterday. After two weeks, the Steelers are what they are. They had the benefit of playing a statue in Kirk Cousins and a rookie in Bo Nix. The offense has been inconsistent while at times showing some big play ability were it not for penalties. I don’t know where the Steelers will find themselves in whatever power rankings you look at this week (mostly because those are stupid) and Mike Tomlin won’t care. So neither will we. For now…
…It’s coming.
There’s no way you can look at this team after two weeks and not have concerns especially offensively. The “it’s coming” I’m referring to is when an actual NFL offense lines up across from our defense. Do any of you really think Arthur Smith’s offense could score enough points to keep pace with a Buffalo or Kansas City right now? I sure don’t. How this offense gets clicking is beyond me at the moment. Maybe they need an infusion of T.J. Watt’s Wheaties.
The Tackle Shuffle
All due respect to Chunk from “The Goonies,” but our current ‘Tackle Shuffle’ is getting more attention than his ‘Truffle Shuffle’ and with good reason. Yesterday, Troy Fautanu got the start. Broderick Jones came in on the second series which started inside the one-yard line. During that drive that ultimately resulted in a field goal, Jones was penalized three times in six plays. The last one was a holding call that took away a huge play down the sidelines to George Pickens. In fairness to Jones the hold he was called for was weak. Incredibly weak in fact but Tomlin had no choice but to pull him. I firmly believe the constant back and forth between right and left tackle during training camp and the preseason has left Jones confused. He is lacking confidence and it is showing. The coaching staff knows far more than I do but I’ve been around this game my entire life. Young, inexperienced players need stability and Jones isn’t getting it.
WR2 is Poo
In the first two weeks of the season, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III have combined for five receptions and less than 40 yards. Pat Freiermuth has caught eight balls for 66 yards through two games as well. I’m not sure those are the numbers we were anticipating coming out of Training Camp.
Pass Chart Week Two
You’ll notice immediately that Justin Fields took six shots over the middle of the field which is six more than in week one. He completed four of these with one nearly intercepted. Arthur Smith said this past week the lack of middle of the field throws was due to the Falcons’ strong safety duo. Totally fair in my opinion.
On Tap…
Is the home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. First thing to note is that there will not be any sort of ‘East Coast Advantage.’ The Chargers are staying on the right side of the country after playing in Carolina yesterday. By the time they kick off at Acrisure Stadium the time difference will not matter.
Random Reads
The Steelers remain on top in the AFC North. Cleveland is 1-1 while the Ravens and Bengals are 0-2… Ja’Marr Chase was flagged yesterday for what the head official said was ‘crossing the line’ with verbal abuse. It followed a play in which Chase thought the defender had used the ‘hip drop’ technique which is now banned. You can judge for yourself about the tackle, but I’m glad to see the officials draw a line on verbal abuse. I’m guessing it got personal and threatening… Not sure I’ve ever seen Mike Tomlin as disappointed with a win as he was yesterday… Arthur Smith drops F bombs faster than Danny Smith chews gum… Calvin Austin III is going to break a punt return before the season is over… As long as one of his teammates doesn’t get penalized for holding or blocking in the back… Zach Frazier is the real deal. He may end up being the best pick of the 2024 Draft.