SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Crash and Burn” Edition

Good Monday to You Steelers’ fans.

I woke up this morning thinking about the fact that this all could have been much easier. Our defense could have been average and our offense could have been, well, what it is and we could have been out of playoff contention six weeks ago. None of the emotions we are feeling today would be present. I honestly don’t know what’s worse but I admit being this close to the playoffs has been pretty cool. Anyway here are my thoughts from yesterday.

On Offense

-There is now enough tape of both Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges for defensive coordinators to develop game plans to beat them. That was more than evident in the last two weeks for Duck.

-25 carries for 75 yards is an average of… checks calculator…. 3 yards per carry. That’s just not going to cut it. The Jets’ D is solid, there’s no doubt about it, but this has been a problem most of the season.

-James Conner defeated cancer. That will always be his greatest fight and his greatest victory. That is completely unrelated to his football career as it pertains to health. There is no longer a question here. He is not dependable. He cannot be relied upon and his future as a Steeler is very much in doubt.

-JuJu Smith-Schuster has had a season from hell. Nothing has gone well and this next 12 months will be a great test for him as a player and a person.

-The Steelers need to upgrade the tight end position. I like Vance McDonald a lot and I think his ineffectiveness has been due to the QB issues but three catches for nine yards? We have to get more production there.

-To his credit, Mason Rudolph was statistically pretty good yesterday. 14 of 20 for 129 yards and a score. He was sacked once compared to three times for Duck. If his left shoulder isn’t too bad he needs to start Sunday.

On Defense

-This unit gave up one touchdown and three field goals. The touchdown was a terrific catch in the back of the end zone too. I’m not sure what more you can ask of these guys.

-Terrell Edmunds is a liability in coverage. I do not know what more needs to be said on this issue. The Steelers must find someone who can cover and make plays on the ball because Edmunds is lacking tremendously in both areas.

-Bud Dupree is now over 10 sacks. There’s no way he stays in Pittsburgh. He will command way more than the Steelers can afford. Credit to Dupree for re-shaping his game and having a terrific season.

-All due respect to Stephon Gilmore but no one impacts a game on defense right now the way T.J. Watt does. Another sack, forced fumble and three hits on the QB while facing double teams and wider alignments due to tight ends his side is just another day for Watt.

-Credit to the Steelers defensive line for picking up the slack this season after the loss of Stephon Tuitt. They have done a very respectable job.

-It would be easy to rip on the missed tackles the Steelers have each week but if you watch enough football on Sundays then you’ll know it isn’t a problem exclusive to the Steelers. Bad tackling is everywhere.

Tweet of the Day… Do with this what you will.

this game is so much bigger than just what goes on on the field. i made a lot of friendships in pittsburgh that will last a lifetime, & it was so great to see my guys again. thank you to the steeler fans who showed me love today too ?? pic.twitter.com/4Fwi2TeoCD

— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) December 23, 2019

Other Notes

-Maurkice Pouncey left with a leg injury and we’ll know a lot more today or tomorrow at Mike Tomlin’s presser. Either way I don’t anticipate him playing Sunday.

-In case you missed it the Steelers and Ravens were moved from 1pm to 425pm Sunday.

-I suspect we will see Lamar Jackson for a series or two before giving way to Robert Griffin III.

-Congrats to former Steelers’ great and current Jets’ WR Coach Hines Ward on his Gatorade bath yesterday. I think…

Have a great day Steeler Nation!

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