Good Tuesday to you Steelers fans.
My apologies for not getting you my observations after the game yesterday. I was fortunate enough to be there. Today I was traveling home so I’ll sprinkle in some observations along the way here. Most notably is the fact that this offense is quite frankly, “offensive.” The run game is so bad that I fear it’s starting to affect Najee Harris. He danced and went East and West more than I’ve ever seen him. He looked desperate to find room and I believe there were moments when he just needed to hit the hole rather than dance. I can’t blame the young man, he’s trying his hardest but it has to be frustrating. While I applaud the effort to get the receivers involved in the run game there were moments when the offensive line was so bad that these sweeps were almost dead before they started. The inability to pick up positive yardage on first and second down is just putting Ben Roethlisberger and the offense in a win situation. Facing constant third and longs limits your offensive play calling and allows the defense to dictate. At this point in the season, it’s hard for us to expect anything to change but I guess we can always hope.
Congrats T.J.
The incredible season for Trent Jordan Watt continues. He broke James Harrison’s single season sack record on Sunday. The record stood at 16. With three games left, Watt stands at 17.5 sacks. He would need 4 more to tie Michael Strahan’s record of 22.5. Watt also added a fumble recovery on Sunday too.
On the field
I was given the tremendous opportunity to be on the field during pregame warmups Sunday. I can’t get over the size of guys like Zach Banner and Zach Gentry. You know going in they are large men but when you get ten feet from them it’s a whole different perspective. Watching Ray Ray McCloud field punts in front of us is something that anyone criticizes this should do. While it wasn’t what I would call “windy” there was enough wind to affect the punts and you could see it as the ball came down. This skill may look easy but I assure you it is not.
Tweet of the Day… Great day at Heinz Field.
On field with Hall of Famer @RHolmanII #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/HE1IjtLkSF
— Steel Dad (@SteelDad) December 19, 2021
Loudermilk
One guy I was pleasantly impressed with Sunday was Isaiahh Loudermilk the rookie defensive lineman. He did a really good job of stringing plays down the line and then making tackles or making it easier for others to do so. I think his improvement has to come in the area of just taking on those straight ahead or inline blocks. That will come with experience and technique. Arrow up for this kid in my opinion.
Boswell and a near assault
Steelers’ kicker Chris Boswell can be forgiven for a missed PAT every now and then because as he proved Sunday his field goal accuracy remains incredible. He nailed four crucial kicks to help win 19-13. Perhaps more impressive is that he also avoided being “attacked” by my daughter. As we stood along the ropes during pregame, Bos (her favorite player) came dangerously close to us. Despite being humorously egged on to go give him a hug, she remained calm. Another part of a terrific experience at Heinz.
