SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Pat McAfee Had a Point’ Edition

Good Monday to you Steelers fans.

Last week ESPN personality and former Pittsburgh resident Pat McAfee made some really interesting comments regarding the Steelers. He opined that maybe the culture of the Steelers was changing. Perhaps the Steelers of your father and grandfather truly are gone. Times have changed, players have changed, coaches have changed and fans have changed. The Pittsburgh Steelers can no longer take the field knowing they already have the opponent intimidated. Home-field advantage? That’s a thing of the past. Go to a Steelers’ game now and at least 25% of the crowd will be wearing the colors of the other team. This was an organization that prided itself on hard work, effort and mental toughness. No one is suggesting the players on this team don’t put in effort, but then again, have you seen George Pickens block? Perhaps it’s time to reckon with this fact. Football itself is different. The people who play it are different and the people who coach it are different too. Maybe it’s time we fans accept that the Pittsburgh Steelers of old aren’t walking through the door anytime soon. And ultimately, what this may mean, is that entirely new shift in culture is needed not just by the organization but by the fan base as well.

Snap Thoughts

Despite getting two less runs than Najee Harris had on Saturday, Jaylen Warren actually got more snaps than did Harris. He played on 40 of 58 possible snaps while Harris played just 20. Some of that was due to Harris’ fumble which saw him sit for several plays but overall, I think the game dictated Warren get more time simply because we were playing from behind in the second half… Talk about a guy who is in the defensive doghouse, James Pierre had just one snap on defense even with all of the injuries in the secondary… DeMarvin Leal had just nine snaps while Isaiahh Loudermilk didn’t even get a helmet.

Hard Knocks?

I hate to go here this early but if the Steelers don’t make the postseason they will easily be the most attractive team available for HBO’s “Hard Knocks” program. For years the Steelers have been able to avoid this but eventually they won’t be able to any longer and they’d be ratings gold for HBO and the NFL. Personally I hope it doesn’t happen.

The Latest Podcast

Episode 348 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc is available for your listening and/or viewing pleasure.

Who Plays QB Saturday?

If Kenny Pickett can’t go then you’re left with Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph and frankly, does it really matter? Trubisky is a turnover machine who can make some plays with his legs. Rudolph will likely take care of the ball better but will struggle to avoid pressure. Unless the Steelers can run the ball at will against the Bengals I don’t see a whole lot of hope for the offense regardless of who starts.