Home Quick Hitters SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Week 4 Observations” Edition

SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Week 4 Observations” Edition

by Steeldad
Joe Haden of the Steelers. steelcityblitz.com

Good Monday to you Steelers fans.

Things are out of control. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-3 and already two games behind the three other teams in the AFC North following their 27-17 loss in Green Bay. Here are my observations from the game.

Offense

  • The only way to describe this offense is “insane” and not in a good way. There is no improvement and the offense is not even close to what Matt Canada believes in.
  • Another fourth down and another swing pass. You’ve got to be kidding. Big Ben got rid of the ball so fast I thought it was on fire. Had he looked, Pat Freiermuth was wide open.
  • Way too many missed throws by Ben Roethlisberger. Twice he missed JuJu Smith-Schuster and several times he couldn’t even hit guys dragging across in front of him. He is not the only problem with the offense but he’s missing too many plays.
  • The opening drive score was splendid. It was much needed but it quickly was erased.
  • Najee Harris is tremendous. So many individual efforts to gain yards and make plays. I don’t think he’s as good as he will ultimately be. It was also his best day with 61 yards rushing and an average of 4.1 per rush.
  • Diontae Johnson is a super-talented receiver who makes this offense better but he makes some bone-headed moves at times too.
  • James Washington needs more opportunities.
  • Joe Haeg filled in admirably for Chuks Okorafor. In fact, I put the better run game on him. He’s more aggressive and can move people. His pass protection is questionable for sure.
  • The video clip of JuJu slamming the tablet to the ground sums up this offense perfectly. There is frustration, anger, disappointment and any other adjective you want to add.
  • One of the things I believe the Steelers were really goofed up on was Kendrick Green. He may end up being a good, NFL center but they anticipated him making the transition from college guard to center much better.

Defense

  • T.J. Watt isn’t nearly 100%. While all of us respect and admire him playing hurt the question will become at what point is he no longer effective? Still though, he had two sacks and a fumble recovery.
  • Cam Heyward is what you want your children to emulate. He hustles every, single, play and never stops. He doesn’t always post great stats but you will never see him not giving 100%.
  • Arthur Maulet played really well in run support yesterday. His best game of the season.
  • Keith Butler did what he could to defend Aaron Rodgers. At times it worked and at times it didn’t. What we know is that when the rush doesn’t get home you have no chance. It’s really that simple.
  • Personally, I didn’t think Watt tripped Rodgers on purpose. If he did, it was a masterful job because he was being held and looking the other way.
  • Minkah Fitzpatrick was better yesterday then he had been the previous two games. Should he have had that interception in the first half? Yeah he should have but it happens.
  • The defensive line misses both Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu. That’s the most obvious thing about this defense right now. While they gave up just 4.0 yards per carry, time and time again they were gashed at key moments of the game.
  • Terrell Edmunds has been one of the most durable players I can remember suiting up for the Steelers. I do appreciate that about him. But I don’t see him back in any way next season. Too many mistakes and not nearly enough impact at position where impact is needed.

Special Teams

  • The blocked field goal that wasn’t…. The official blew it. It’s that simple and here’s what happened. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joe Haden timed the snap perfectly. Because of the ease in which they broke through the line, the official rationalized they must have been offsides and threw the flag. Instead of a potential lead at halftime the Steelers went in down by seven. Bad calls happen but in that instance it really, really hurt.
  • Pressley Harvin III is not making anyone forget Jordan Berry yet. He’s got to get more consistency.
  • Ray Ray McCloud had a better day returning kicks. He averaged 33 yards per return.

On to next week where the Steelers will host the Denver Broncos.

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