SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Coming From All Sides’ Edition

Good Thursday to you Steelers fans.

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves standing in the middle of a town square with rocks pelting them from all sides. That’s what happens when you lose two straight at home to lesser opponents and your effort is less than 100%. The players, the coaches and the front office are all taking fire this week and it’s not just from loud mouths like myself. Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel, Merrill Hoge and Ryan Clark have all gone in on the current Steelers and while some will just say that’s former players being like “get off my lawn” guy, they do have valid points. I think Big Ben could have said what he said a bit differently but I get his point. He opined that perhaps the “Tradition of the Steelers is gone.” Personally I don’t think tradition ever dies. Yes, it can have moments where it isn’t lived up to which is the case here, but I don’t think it’s gone. ESPN blowhard Stephen A. Smith didn’t care for Roethlisberger’s comments. He blamed Number Seven for staying three years longer than he should have leading to the current issues. What a terrible take to have. Big Ben isn’t the first player to believe he can still perform at a high level despite declining a bit. If Smith has a problem with anyone it should be Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert and Art Rooney II. They could have easily said “Ben, we are moving on” but they didn’t fearing the backlash of the fan base. But I digress, the current Steelers should have no problem being motivated on Saturday. With so many questioning their effort and commitment, one would think they’d want to prove those people wrong. We shall see.

Injury Report from Wednesday

Injury Notes: Keep an eye on Isaac Seumalo and his bad shoulder. Today will serve as a guide for him… Diontae Johnson having a knee issue is new and something to definitely pay attention.

The Podcast

Episode 348 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc will air LIVE tonight on our YouTube channel. As you can imagine we have a lot to discuss as the Steelers head in to their final four games of the 2023 season.

Full Watt-age

T.J. Watt has cleared concussion protocol and will play on Saturday in Indianapolis. The National Football League is still investigating the Steelers and their actions from Thursday night when Watt was more than likely concussed on the opening play yet he continued to play.

Need Further Proof?

Last night I wrote about the madness of the Steelers not getting the ball to Jaylen Warren Warren more and since November began, the numbers absolutely bear that out. Take a look at his productivity in wins versus losses.

Pretty Nuts When You Think About It

Most of the experts agree that the Steelers need to win three of their last four to insure a postseason berth. Believe it or not, there are scenarios where they could literally win two or even one and still make it. A big part of those formulas is based on what other teams in the AFC do. One of the tie-breakers is the record within the AFC Conference and right now the Steelers are 5-4 with three AFC games remaining. What that means is that if you “choose” a game for the Steelers to lose it would be in Seattle. Regardless, does anyone think this team will make any noise should they make the playoffs? That doesn’t matter. It’s all about getting in.