Good Monday to you Steelers’ fans.
The National Football League recently shot down a proposal that would have given teams a chance to scrap the onside kick. Instead, they would have been given the chance to go for a “4th and 15” from their own 25 yard line following a score. While the league average for success on fourth and short is roughly 50%, the numbers of successful conversions of fourth and long is much, much less. This is the second year in a row the potential rule change has been shot down and I’m glad it was. For far too long the NFL has not-so-subtly pushed the game in favor of offense. By allowing this rule to happen would just continue that trend. It would take away from the performance of a particular defense because as well all know, anything can happen on one play and it can completely change the outcome of a game. For example, the Steelers lead the Ravens 20-6 late in the fourth quarter. They’ve done a tremendous job of bottling up the Baltimore offense but surrender a touchdown with 1:30 to go and a timeout left for the Ravens. At 20-13, Baltimore chooses to go for the 4th and 15 rather than the onside kick. On the play, the Steelers are flagged for pass interference, first down Ravens and well, you can see where this is headed. I have a hard time with this. In the span of just a few plays a great defensive performance is wasted because of a new parlor trick. Instead of this, why not create something different for the onside kick itself? I would be much more open to change in that regard than I am this one.
Tweet of the Day… Sam brings some levity at just the right time.
BREAKING: looters in Cleveland have broken into the Browns facility and stole ALL of their Super Bowl trophies….oh wait. pic.twitter.com/VkNpkdSD3o
— Samantha James? (@SamanthaXJames_) June 1, 2020
Discussing the Obvious
You don’t come here for politics or news on things other than the Steelers, NFL and football in general and I get that. I can’t however not say something about what is happening in our country right now and how it will affect the upcoming season. The Steelers found themselves embroiled in some of this back in 2017 when Alejandro Villanueva stepped out of the tunnel at Solider Field for the National Anthem while his teammates remained in the tunnel. This was during the time when Colin Kaepernick sparked conversation by kneeling during the anthem. I think it is extremely likely that you’re going to see this return in 2020. You’re going to see greater numbers of players doing it and you’re going to see white players joining their teammates as well. I’m not writing this to espouse my own beliefs, I’m writing it because it’s news that will play a major impact on the game we love and the team we love. Wherever you may fall on the unrest of the past week, be prepared for things to carry into the fall.
Be safe and have a great Monday Steeler Nation!
QH is presented by
