Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Wednesday.
The Kickoff
Norms around the National Football League have changed. They often do over time but what’s happening regarding the hiring of new head coaches seems to be a real paradigm shift. The Chicago Bears want to interview Dallas Head Coach Mike McCarthy even though he’s under contract. ESPN’s Dan Graziano said yesterday morning that there are several teams that would actually fire their coaches if Mike Tomlin were available. First, Tomlin is under contract and would have to agree to any trade. Second, there is precedent. Jon Gruden was traded in 2002 from Oakland to Tampa Bay and more recently, the rights to Sean Payton were traded to Denver from New Orleans. Fans have suggested that the Steelers would never consider such a thing and for the most part I agree, but you always listen to any offer regardless. As I’ve stated already this week, I’ll wait until the season is officially over before stating my opinion on Tomlin but I can say this; I don’t see any team trading for him.
UPDATE: The Cowboys have denied the Bears request to speak to McCarthy.
Trying to Rally
I have to admit this. I’ve never been less excited for the Steelers being in the postseason before. Even in games where star players like Antonio Brown or T.J. Watt weren’t available I still had some enthusiasm. Unfortunately this four-game losing streak has taken it out of me. I’m hoping to rally as the game draws closer.
Pundits Taking Notice
I wrote yesterday how the Steelers, who seemed to be the darlings of the NFL when they were 10-3, are now targets of NFL pundits. That’s how quickly things change in the NFL.
Steelers History
In today’s Steelers History, Gordon takes us back to the 2008 season and more importantly, to the AFC Title Game against the Ravens.
Let Russ Cook
Last week, Mike Tomlin went against the grain and tried to run the ball in an effort to control the clock and keep the high-powered Bengals off the field. This, despite Russell Wilson having thrown for over 400 yards in their earlier meeting. This week, the Steelers play a Ravens’ defense that is one of the better defenses against the run but… they also rank 31st against the pass. The way I see it, Tomlin has nothing to lose. Let Wilson come out throwing. Use the short passing game and take a few ‘moon ball’ shots and see what happens.
Farewell Najee?
Should the Steelers lose on Saturday night it could be the final time we see Najee Harris in the black and gold. With his fifth-year option declined, he is set to be a free agent. He’s been as polarizing of a player as I can recall in recent years but there’s one thing I’ll never question with him and that’s his effort. For a guy that takes the beating that he does… To constantly be available and to so consistently play his ass off… I’m grateful for that and I wish him well wherever he ends up.
Random Reads
We are back in our usual time slot of Thursday night at 10pmET with the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc… I believe that analytics are important and they absolutely have a place in football but they will never be a ‘be all, end all’ for me the way they are for some. Analytics cannot take momentum or crowds into account is just one example of why I take them with a grain of salt… I’d like to see the College Football Playoff do away with the BYEs altogether. Then we won’t have to hear about the excuses… Antonio Pierce was fired by the Raiders yesterday further proving that when you don’t have a QB your chances of survival as a HC drop significantly… Long-time NFL scribe Peter King thinks Aaron Rodgers is coming to Pittsburgh next year. For the love of God no.
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Hot Reads is presented by Frank Walker Law.
