Hey Steelers Fans! Welcome to Tuesday.
We are now in week five of the 2024 NFL season and despite the trade deadline being pushed back a bit, there are no shortage of rumors. There is no team in the League that is 100% established at all positions so the potential exists for literally any number of trades to happen. Will Omar Khan dip his toe into the trade waters? If so, then for who? What position? And for how much? I explore below.
Wide Receiver
The question that has persisted since last Spring… Will the Steelers add a number two wide out? While I think they should, I’m not sure that they will. The asking price for any player of this caliber is likely going to be too much. Don’t be surprised if they add one but it won’t be a guy that makes you get in line for tickets.
Outside Linebacker
The Steelers were reminded Sunday of what happens when their defense has to be on the field that long. With no Alex Highsmith, they had a three-man rotation and all three were gassed. Not to mention the Colts ran directly at Nick Herbig. This is the area that may be highest on their priority list if Highsmith is out longer than expected.
Offensive Line
This seems like the obvious choice given all of their injuries but I think they’ll ride with what they have right now. Unless they get more injuries – especially at tackle – I think they’ll go with the status quo.
Can Someone Explain What Pass Blocking Looks Like?
You’ve likely seen the clips from Sunday where T.J. Watt is getting mauled, bear-hugged and close-lined by blockers and I honestly don’t know what to think. Is this really blocking? Have edge rushers become so good that there’s no other way to prevent them from getting to the QB? Holding, hugging, arm-barring are all acceptable forms of “blocking?” NFL Officiating has enough problems but they need to get this under control.
Several Things Can Be True at One Time
I firmly believe that Najee Harris was not 100% on Sunday. I firmly believe that Najee Harris is not a great fit in this offense. I firmly believe that Najee Harris gives everything he has play in and play out. I firmly believe that Najee Harris says too much in postgame interviews.
Tomlin Tuesday
We should get quite an earful today regarding everything from injuries to the self-inflicted wounds leading to Sunday’s loss. I’m told we will also hear a ton of cliches too. Noon today at Steelers.com or on their social media channels.
Random Reads
Mason Rudolph saw his first action of the season for the Titans as he helped them to a win over Miami. He was 9/17 for 85 yards… Not exactly setting the world on fire but no mistakes right??? Pete Rose died yesterday. I’ll always wonder what would have happened had he just come clean. I won’t be surprised to see him get into the Hall of Fame now. MLB can be very vindictive… Postseason baseball begins today. I’m so out of touch with the game I loved as a kid. Wish I knew why… At what point do we start to wonder whether the offensive problems are as much on Mike Tomlin as they are on the OC?
Hot Reads is Presented by Frank Walker Law
