SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “That Hadn’t Worked” Edition

Good Monday to you Steelers fans.

If the love you got from fans equated to your playing time as a Pittsburgh Steeler then Kevin Dotson would have started every game since last season when he was drafted. Fans don’t quite have that type of pull and we should be glad that they don’t. While the fans love Dotson, it’s clear that same love isn’t in effect from his coaches right now. The second-year man from Louisiana has been running with the second team for most of Camp despite the fact that nearly everyone has had him penciled in as a starter since day one. Yesterday, Mike Tomlin was asked about Dotson and he didn’t exactly mince words.

Kevin Dotson got some second-team reps. I asked Mike Tomlin why just on second team. He didn't hold back: "He has done nothing to earn first-team reps. What are we talking about? He's a second-year guy who hasn't worked."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) August 8, 2021

This is why Mike Tomlin is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers and we are not. There is overwhelming evidence that Dotson isn’t doing something – or a combination of things – that are leaving the staff less than pleased. There were reports earlier in the summer that Dotson “wasn’t in shape” and I believe there was something to that but it’s not how most of us see it. Dotson’s physical and health shape are fine but is he doing the other things necessary? Is he taking care of the bumps and bruises? Is he studying the playbook? Has he just assumed the left guard spot was his? Rashaad Coward has been getting the first team reps despite the fact he isn’t as talented as Dotson. He does have experience however and right now that is trumping Dotson. Tomlin doesn’t usually speak in this manner and it tells me they genuinely like Dotson and expect more from him. Perhaps Dotson should sit down and listen to Troy Polamalu’s Hall of Fame speech to better understand what is expected.

The Podcast

With last week’s game on Thursday (our regular podcast night) we recorded the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing on Saturday instead. Ben and I broke down the game and the performances we liked and didn’t like, talked about James Washington, T.J. Watt’s contract and much more.

THE tweet of the Day… If you didn’t catch it, here is Polamlau’s acceptance speech. Pure brilliance.

So proud of you, @tpolamalu!#PFHOF20 | ?: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/Rn04fuXe2S

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 8, 2021

Induction Thoughts

I’m not naive, I realize that Canton, Ohio is relatively close to Pittsburgh and that millions of Steelers’ fans live in close proximity to the Hall of Fame. But… There is no fan base that rallies around its’ greats quite like Steelers Nation does and if you need proof just look at that crowd from the weekend. All of the speeches were well done and I think the HoF was smart to limit these to eight minutes. If you’ve seen previous induction ceremony’s then you know these can go on way too long.

Camp Rumblings

Tomlin claims that James Washington did not request a trade but that doesn’t mean his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, didn’t. As the team returned to practice this week following the HoF Game, Washington’s reps continued to be limited… Nick Farabaugh reported that Robert Spillane had his best day of Camp covering receivers… If you didn’t catch this over the weekend, T.J. Watt is not participating in team drills simply because he is protecting himself. It’s the right move considering the amount of money that is on the line. I still expect a new deal for him to be done soon… I was really impressed with rookie free agent cornerback Mark Gilbert Thursday. If he can prove to be an asset on Special Teams I think he’s got a chance to make the team or Practice Squad at the very least… I expect the Steelers to address both the offensive line and inside linebacker before the season starts. Trade? Free agency? It just has to happen… Rookie offensive tackle Dan Moore is one of the team’s fastest risers. Since the start of Camp he has done nothing but get better. Let’s hope that continues.