SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Pebbles’ Edition

Good Wednesday to you Steelers fans.

No, I’m not going to be talking about Pebbles from ‘The Flintstones,’ I’m going to address Mike Tomlin’s comment from Tuesday. When asked about George Pickens’ frustrations over not getting the ball more Tomlin, a former wide receiver, sided with Pickens. When asked about Pickens’ erratic social media behavior, Tomlin dismissed it by saying it was a “pebble in my shoe.” No stranger to catchy one-liners and cliches, Tomlin probably should have come up with something better. I say this because there are several famous sayings involving  a pebble and none of them are good. “It only takes one pebble to start an avalanche.” While Tomlin may have scoffed at the question, I guarantee there have been discussions with Pickens about his behavior. Tomlin knows better than anyone that if you don’t address these issues sooner rather than later then you’re going to have said avalanche. “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb, that wear you down. It’s the pebble in your shoe.” While the Pickens’ thing is no big deal to Tomlin right now, if things don’t improve then this quote will come to fruition. This team is walking a razor’s edge right now in terms of winning and losing. A divide in the locker room over a young wide receiver bitching about his usage (which I agree with) can be detrimental. Let’s hope Tomlin has addressed things and that the pebble is removed from his shoe.

Steelers History

Gordon has unveiled this week’s edition of ‘Steelers History’ with a look back at an important victory over Green Bay that dates back decades. Check it out!

Predictions for the Second Half

I threw together five predictions for the second half of the Steelers’ 2023 season. Some are quite bold while others are not at all. Either way, I feel good about what I’ve predicted.

Minkah

While I was pleased to hear that Minkah Fitzpatrick “could” be available this week, I’m more hopeful that he’ll be available for both the Cleveland and Cincinnati games. I’m not taking this game against the Packers for granted one, damn bit but I feel like the defense can get away without having him this week versus the upcoming stretch of games. We shall see.

Understanding Criticism

Something that many fans need to understand is that we all have opinions. I started doing this 15 years ago because I had opinions on the Steelers that I thought a few people might agree or disagree with. Because of social media however, many fans have not learned to deal with criticism well, especially when its a favorite player. Fans of Kenny Pickett have been extra sensitive this week. When someone criticizes his play – and presents facts – his fans lose their minds. Worst of all is when they start to hurl insults at the individuals with opposing views. In many ways this is a microcosm of our society where if you disagree with me on anything then we can’t be friends. You might not like what someone has to say about Kenny Pickett but guess what? They have a right to say it. Resorting to name calling and insults says more about you then it does them. The bottom line for me is that NO player is beyond criticism or praise.