SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Padded Practice’ Edition

Good Friday to you Steelers fans.

So let’s see if this makes any sense to you because it sure as hell doesn’t to me. Mike Tomlin told us that the team would be wearing full pads on Wednesday as a result of their complete lack of physicality during Sunday’s loss. OK, I get that, but you’d think the groups most impacted by this would be the offensive and defensive lines right? There was zero doubt about the fact that the Steelers were whipped at the point of attack especially as it pertains to our offensive line. When Wednesday’s practice rolled around, the entire starting offensive line didn’t participate and, when extra work was implemented for O-Linemen and D-Linemen, the veteran players were excused from it. Mason Cole, who needs as much work as he can possibly get, seemed quite happy to not have to participate. This brings me to this conclusion. What was the point of wearing full pads if the players who needed the most work aren’t even involved? It’s like a baseball manager with the worst hitting lineup in the league having batting practice but just for his pitchers. How in the hell do you get better? These “veterans’ days off” have gotten ridiculous. While I fully expect the Steelers to play harder on Sunday against their division rivals, why does Tomlin even bother giving us this lip service about “getting more physical” if he isn’t going to actually address it?

The Podcast

Episode 338 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc is available for your listening and/or viewing pleasure. We obviously had a lot to discuss coming off the brutal performance by the Steelers so don’t miss this one!

Injury Report from Thursday

Alex Highsmith’s name popping up here is alarming, yet I think the rotation of Markus Golden and Nick Herbig could be serviceable. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that however. We should know the game statuses later today.

Random Thoughts

Considering how things went down in Houston and how season ticket holders dumped their tickets for the opener against the 49ers, I would not be surprised to see a lot of purple in Acrisure Stadium on Sunday… The Ravens are getting healthier on defense with Marlon Humphrey likely to go this week. They are already a top 10 defense even with all the injuries… I expect to see tight end Rodney Williams get some snaps this week. I thought he had a very nice preseason as a blocker and Darnell Washington is going to need help with Pat Freiermuth out… If Matt Canada’s offense is going to have any success then his biggest challenge will be keeping them out of second and third and long situations. This offense cannot afford to play from behind the sticks on a consistent basis as we’ve see through the first four weeks… If George Pickens isn’t involved in the offense early don’t be surprised to see him act out. He’s been closer and closer to it each week.