Home Quick Hitters SCB Steelers Quick Hitters for September 30th, 2014

SCB Steelers Quick Hitters for September 30th, 2014

by Steeldad

As usual, the Steelers are off today but Head Coach Mike Tomlin will hold his weekly press conference at Noon Eastern.

-There was a lot of discussion yesterday about whether we as fans are too quick to react following wins and losses and that was definitely up for question late Sunday. My take however is this; the knee-jerk reaction was warranted because of the way the Steelers performed and who it happened against. We’ve become too accustomed to these types of games in recent seasons.

-I saw at least one Steelers’ writer defending Todd Haley yesterday and that’s fine. Haley didn’t drop a sure touchdown as Antonio Brown did and he didn’t give up sacks at will like Kelvin Beachum did. Defending some of Haley’s play-calling decisions however should be perfectly acceptable. I’m thinking specifically of the first play of the game (a screen to Will Johnson) and the team’s last offensive snap which was a run on third and five which went nowhere.

-I’ll never understand taking the ball out of Ben Roethlisberger’s hand in that 3rd and 5 situation. At worst, you roll him out and if nothing is there he runs and goes down to keep the clock going.

-My question for that writer would also be this; if you’re going to praise Haley then how can you not go after Dick LeBeau?

-Ben Roethlisberger achieved his 30th career 300-yard passing game on Sunday.

-I thought Cody Wallace played well at Carolina but he and the entire offensive line (with the exception being Marcus Gilbert) struggled against the Buccaneers. Kelvin Beachum had his worst game as a pro and even David DeCastro looked pedestrian. One play of his in particular was the key 3rd and 5 where a first down would have won the game. DeCastro was blown off the line and into the backfield leaving Le’Veon Bell no chance.

-There are few Steelers I respect and love more than Heath Miller. He has always done things the right way and continues to work his tail off which I appreciate. That said, I believe the Steelers have to address the position in the offseason. They have to add some athleticism there.

-Antonio Brown has five touchdowns in the first four games. His unsportsmanlike penalty though was the greatest example of how Mike Tomlin has lost this team right now. Brown was flagged for this earlier in his career and Tomlin said it would be addressed. Obviously the message fell on deaf ears.

-Per Pro Football Focus, Brett Keisel registered just one quarterback pressure in 32 snaps.

-The Steelers defense is giving up 5.71 yards per play.

-It speaks volumes to me that James Harrison was on the field during the final drive by the Bucs and Arthur Moats wasn’t. A week ago Harrison was retired and Moats was filling in for the injured Jarvis Jones.

Marc Uhlmann writes for and co-owns www.steelcityblitz.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteelDad and the website @SCBlitz. Check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/steelcityblitz and on Fancred.com. You can hear him weekly during the season on Trib-Live Radio Steelers Pre-Game

photo courtesy craigwolfley.com

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2 comments

bob graff September 30, 2014 - 10:45 pm

As the Steelers limp thru this multi year phase of being just average. It’s important that fans who due criticize them not be labeled non-Steeler fans. We all want another title. There’s good and bad with this team but what there isn’t consistent quality play and yes that points directly at the coaching staff, front office and there handling of the roster. In my opinion this is an above average roster that seems to be poorly coached. A good game or two may quiet that idea but the overall picture will still remain the same. This is a team game and having a few star players is great but that will never beat a team that plays as one.

steeldad October 1, 2014 - 11:19 am

Bob there’s clearly a problem with the coaching right now. My take is that the message, especially with LeBeau, is that the message has run its’ course. Guys stop listening after awhile especially when they already know what is going to be said.

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