Good day Steelers’ Fans! Grab some coffee and join me on my run through some thoughts from last night’s win in Indianapolis.
I can’t tell you how nice it was to see Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell standing together around those turkey legs. It was nice not just because of the win but because I hope they realize how great they can be every single week.
Scott Tolzien played well last night and had he gotten a little more help from his receivers this could have been a very different game.
Since Cam Heyward was lost for the season, Stephon Tuitt and rookie Javon Hargrave have both stepped up their games. Granted, the last two games were against very poor offensive lines, but both guys are doing some great things right now against both the run and the pass.
Sammie Coates has always been an inconsistent pass catcher. With his mangled left hand it is obviously worse. Still, I believe his presence on the offense is needed at times. His ability to get deep quickly helps open up things underneath and on the opposite side of the field. A lot fans are concerned that he’s been targeted 13 times since his big game against the Jets and hasn’t caught a pass on any of those. If opposing teams no longer cover him and he’s still dropping balls then bench him until he’s healthy. Otherwise, I’m fine with him being on offensively at times.
Tweet of the Day… This is just great.
Most get seconds, I get thirds ! #boomin pic.twitter.com/TLFl10Z0bt
— Antonio Brown (@AB84) November 25, 2016
Ladarius Green had a couple of very nice catches last night but I’ll be honest; I still don’t think he’s 100%. The explosion I saw on tape from his Chargers’ days just hasn’t returned yet. I think it will however and he could finally be that threat we’ve been hoping for.
I thought Keith Butler called a very ‘safe’ game last night. He brought the blitz at times but played coverage a lot more than I thought he would. His reliance on four guys to get pressure worries me because that just hasn’t been as consistent as needed. That said, his defense held on two key fourth and goal situations turning the tide of the game.
Like him or not Mike Mitchell makes guys think before they come across the middle.
David DeCastro is regaining the form that made him an all-pro last year. He looks more confident and is stoning guys on the bull rush much better than he was earlier in the season.
Some of the touch on those throws by Big Ben last night… That’s just something you can’t teach. Outstanding.
I didn’t agree with Chuck Pagano’s decision to go for the first fourth and goal at the end of the first half but I understand why he did it. The pressure that the Steelers’ offense puts on other offenses to score is immense so I get it. Still, I would have kicked the field goal on that one.
The Steelers will get a much-needed few days off now and they get to do it all at home as they prepare for the Giants to come into Heinz Field.
Have a great weekend Steeler Nation!
