Good Tuesday to you Steelers fans.
Remember last year how Chase Claypool exploded onto the scene as a rookie? By mid-season many defenses had figured him out the same way they figured out the entire Steelers’ offense. Claypool in effect, had hit the rookie wall. Over in Cincinnati there’s another Chase, this was named Ja’Marr, who is tearing up NFL secondaries much like Claypool did in 2020. This of course has led some Steelers’ fans to wonder if Claypool will regain the dominance he displayed last season. There have been some glimmers. So far in 2021, he’s such extremes as seven targets, two receptions and 17 yards (week 6 against SEA) while he also went for 130 yards and a score on six targets and five receptions against Denver. If nothing else was expected of Claypool it was the thought that he would win 50/50 balls nearly 100% of the time and that just isn’t true right now. Defenders are learning how to play him and ‘where’ to play him in terms of where their hands need to be when the ball arrives. In Claypool’s defense, he doesn’t throw it to himself. Sometimes the throws just aren’t in the best position for him to be successful but that’s what separates good receivers from great ones. The great ones make plays. One trend I’ve noticed with him is that I don’t see him using his size. He often lets the ball come to him rather than going up and getting it. This lets shorter DBs have a chance. This is by no means a hit piece on Claypool because I think the potential is there to be a dominant wideout in the NFL but he has to find consistency and he has to continue to work on route running as well. The comparisons to the other “Chase” will only grow louder if he doesn’t step up.
Tomlin Tuesday
With the players on the regularly scheduled day off that means Mike Tomlin will address the assembled media for his weekly press conference. Will anyone ask him about these rumors floating around about him and head coaching jobs in college? If not, I went ahead and addressed it last evening.
Tweet of the Day… As always, Ben was rather blunt.
How the fuck would Carson Palmer know anything about what internal conversations have taken place inside the #Steelers organization?
This is wishful thinking on his part. https://t.co/3NfaMq4rSE— Ben Anderson (@BenAnderson58) October 25, 2021
The Browns and QBs
A Steelers’ fan on Twitter pointed out something interesting yesterday. The Browns stand at 4-3 with their wins coming against Houston with Tyrod Taylor and rookie Davis Mills at QB, against Chicago with rookie Justin Fields at QB, against Minnesota with Kirk Cousins and against Denver with Teddy Bridgewater at the helm. In their three losses, they’ve come against Kansas City (Patrick Mahomes), LAC (Justin Herbert) and Arizona (Kyler Murray). So where will Ben Roethlibserger find himself late Sunday afternoon? Will he be with that first group or with the second?
The Steelers and QBs
We are all of six games into 2021 yet many fans already want to talk about who the Steelers QB will be in 2022. Here is what needs to be kept in mind. First, Mason Rudolph is under contract. Second, the bromance between Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers isn’t that simple. Rodgers is NOT a free agent in ’22 as many seem to think. Therefore, he can’t just freely sign with Pittsburgh. Third, DeShaun Watson coming to the Burgh is not happening. Forget it. Baker Mayfield? If the Browns don’t want him why would the Steelers? And what if Big Ben decides he isn’t done? My gut feeling right now is that you should plan for Rudy with a draft pick waiting in the wings.
SteelDad Mailbag
Get your questions to me this week! Shoot me an email to contactscblitz@gmail.com with the subject “mailbag” and I’ll be sure to answer. Whether it’s the Steelers, the NFL or something random I guarantee I’ll have a reply!
Our Stuff!
As you know we have partnered with DC4Lcustomtees.com for our online store. Now we are excited to partner with them for the month of October. Sales of these Breast Cancer Awareness shirts and hoodies will go directly to Breast Cancer Research. That’s 100% of all sales. There are various color options as well. You’ll also notice we have one that might be a little too racy for some but in our polling we found a lot of people liked them so we are offering! Get yours today!
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