Home Quick Hitters SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Week 13 Observations” Edition

SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Week 13 Observations” Edition

by Steeldad
Roethlisberger of the Steelers. steelcityblitz.com

Good Victory Monday to you Steelers fans.

There’s just something about waking up to a Steelers victory. Then again, there’s something about waking up to a victory over the Ravens too…. Here are my observations from yesterday’s game.

Offense

  • How many times do we need to see the no huddle work before Mike Tomlin finally implements it as his base offense? One of his mentors, Tony Dungy, embraced it so why not Mike?
  • Matt Canada on the team’s first third down attempt. Run up the middle… stuffed. Second third and ten. Deep shot down the sideline… incomplete. Any Steelers’ fan could have called those same exact plays. That’s how predictable the offense is right now.
  • Diontae Johnson needs to go to the Pro Bowl. Yeah, he should have caught that first half deep shot in the end zone but I’d say he more than atoned for it with two scores and over 100 yards receiving.
  • If this is Ben Roethlisberger’s last ride he isn’t saying. Nor should he as that was one of his best night’s of the season. Yes, there were some throws that could have been intercepted but they weren’t.
  • The offensive line wasn’t great but they did a damn fine job last night. Big Ben was sacked just once and the run game actually looked accountable at times.
  • While he didn’t get many snaps, Benny Snell had a couple of nice carries which is exactly what you need along with blitz pickup.
  • Najee Harris has some of the quickest feet I’ve ever seen on a man of his size.
  • Chase Claypool has to get himself more involved as a receiver. Three targets and two receptions. Top receivers in this league dominate and he isn’t.
  • John Leglue filled in admirably for B.J. Finney at left guard. Anxious to watch the tape but he wasn’t a huge liability I know that.

Tweet of the Day… What he said.

Defense

  • “Hello? Defensive Player of the Year Award? This is T.J. Watt. When do I pick that up?” 3.5 sacks yesterday and I don’t think he’s near 100% right now either.
  • I’m continuing to be impressed with both Justin Layne and Tre Norwood as tacklers. They aren’t perfect but they make some important stops.
  • I’m pretty confident that Cam Heyward wasn’t feeling all that great yesterday either and again the guy just grinds.
  • Terrific day from Alex Highsmith. He gave former Steeler Alejandro Villanueva fits all day. He didn’t record a sack but he constantly pushed Villanueva into Lamar Jackson’ lap and created opportunities for others.
  • Chris Wormley often gets overpowered in the run game but his effort can never be questioned. Chasing down Jackson all day to record 2.5 sacks is pretty damn good.
  • I’m going to be “that guy…” The Ravens’ failed two-point play was there. An accurate throw and Mark Andrews walks in. Devin Bush was two steps late in coverage.
  • Speaking of, can someone please cover Andrews? That’d be great.
  • Speaking of Bush, he was better yesterday. Still not himself but I wonder if having the knowledge that Robert Spillane was out made him at ease a bit.
  • Joe Haden getting healthy and returning is needed big time.
  • Minkah Fitzpatrick was huge yesterday. The pick in the end zone was a bit of a gift but he played so well in run support and in coverage.

Special Teams

  • Time is running out for Pressley Harvin III. Yes, he knocked a beautiful punt inside the one yard line but overall he just hits too many poor kicks.
  • I can’t figure out what happened on Chris Boswell’s missed PAT. Hold looked OK. May have slipped with the plant foot. Then his kickoff that went out of bounds after taking the lead? That was an absolute “cannot happen in the situation” moment. Gave the Ravens the ball at the 40.

Coaching

  • Ravens’ fans have to be pissed about John Harbaugh’s decision to go for two. You have the best kicker in the NFL. I would have gone to OT. The play, as I said, was there it was poorly executed.
  • I don’t understand the jet sweeps with Chase Claypool when our blockers are outnumbered pre-snap. Seems like Matt Canada needs to get a way to get us out of that.

On to Minnesota (Thursday)

Pro Bowl

Voting for the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl is now underway. You can vote for all of your favorite Steelers by clicking this link right here. I’m of the opinion that Chris Boswell, Cam Heyward, Diontae Johnson and T.J. Watt should 100% be on their way to this game.

Our Online Store

Please visit our online store! We have been so fortunate to work with DC4L Custom Tees! They are wonderful to work with and are willing to work with you on just about any design you can come up with!

Quick Hitters is presented by

walker

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.