Good Thursday to you Steelers fans.
Every year at this time we start to see movement in terms of coaches going and coming from NFL teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers are no different. Speculation earlier this week suggested that Offensive Line Coach Adrian Klemm was being considered for the same position at the University of Oregon. Steelers’ beat writer Gerry Dulac confirmed last night that Klemm will indeed depart for the Left Coast when the Steelers’ season officially ends. Klemm has often been the target of fans’ disgust with the poor play by the offensive line in 2021. There is no question he is part of the problem but he is far from the only one. The Front Office gambled that this young group would be able to protect 39-year old Ben Roethlisberger and that they would be able to open consistent holes for Najee Harris. The gamble did not pay off. David DeCastro not healing and being released was the first domino to fall and that was followed by rookies starting at center and left tackle. Klemm has coached in the college ranks before when he was at UCLA. Why he’s making this move we may never know but we wish him well.
So What Now?
Mike Munchak isn’t walking back through that door, let’s get that straight right now. But… if Mike Tomlin doesn’t seek out a highly experienced, veteran NFL Offensive Line Coach then there’s a real problem here. This unit needs technique help. It needs “in-game adjustment” help too and you’re only going to get these things from a guy who has been there before. There are obviously many, many other decisions that will have to be made between now and next year but this one should be a no-brainer.
Tweet of the Day… Yeah, I don’t understand this. You don’t like the way a guy is playing? I get that. Be pissed. Be upset. Be all of that. But “celebrating” a guy being on the Covid list is awful. Do better people.
Disgusted with the amount of Steelers fans celebrating Devin Bush getting covid
— dre ? (@DaddyDre___) December 22, 2021
The Podcast
You’ve heard of the 1980’s band “Men Without Hats?” OK, maybe not. This week’s edition of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc was more like “Three Idiots With Hats.” Steelers’ Christmas hats to be exact. We covered a TON of stuff on this episode so tune in!
Pro Bowling
Not surprisingly T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward were selected to the Pro Bowl. Diontae Johnson, who is eighth in receptions and tenth in receiving yards, was not selected. Nor was Big Ben who has better numbers than Lamar Jackson who was selected. Keep in mind, one third of the results are based on fan voting which is ridiculous.
From the Training Room
STEELERS
CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) – DNP
TE Pat Freiermuth (Concussion) – DNP
DE Chris Wormley (Groin) – DNP
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Pectoral/Right Shoulder) – Full
LB Buddy Johnson (Foot) – Full
TE Kevin Raider (Hip) – Full
DE Isaiah Buggs (Ankle) – Full
CHIEFS
LB Ben Niemann (Ankle) – Full
OL Andrew Wylie (Knee) – Full
Injury Thoughts: You read that right… Ben Roethlisberger was a full participant on Wednesday which is the first time all season that has happened… I’m very concerned about Pat Freiermuth’s availability this week… Hoping Joe Haden not practicing is just precautionary.
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