Something was different last night in Cleveland. To say I know exactly what that “something” is would be wrong. Maybe it was a combination of things – it usually is – but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 27-24 loss to the Browns had all the hallmarks of a team that is on the brink.
The Behavior
While D.K. Metcalf acting a bit odd is nothing new, it seemed that his first quarter unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was the kindling wood for everything else. I didn’t think what he did was worthy of a flag but he’s a marked man these days.
It wasn’t long after, that Aaron Rodgers was caught in a moment of frustration with his head coach Mike McCarthy. Both used less than appropriate language for a television audience but it really wasn’t the language. It was the frustration and belligerence towards each other that was alarming. It really shouldn’t have been though considering their relationship back in Green Bay but this just seemed different.
We also saw a moment where the normally stoic T.J. Watt came off the field and demanded to get on the headset. While Watt can be fiery on the field, this type of thing on the sidelines was out of character. He was very animated as he barked into the microphone. Even Cam Heyward did his share of hollering on the sideline as did Rodgers on a few occasions.
Business Decisions
I’ve largely been a supporter of Patrick Queen. I appreciate his energy, effort and enthusiasm that he displays on a weekly basis. But what I saw last night was troubling. On several occasions Queen looked anything but the guy I described above. He was getting blocked by wide receivers. He was out of position and doing little to change it. With every clip I saw I just couldn’t believe this was the same guy.
Queen has never been a “great” linebacker. He frequently overruns plays, will miss some tackles and he can struggle to get off those guards and tackles in the run game. The willingness was never a problem though. Then last night happened. Seeing Queen often out of position and lacking the physicality was just so bizarre. He was, as many athletes say, “making business decisions.” This isn’t uncommon for a guy heading into a contract year but this usually happens towards the end of the season not the beginning.
The JPJ Effect
We ask a lot of our players don’t we? We demand excellence and we ask that they provide this all the time. We forget that they are human and that this game they play really is a business. I have to assume the departure of Joey Porter, Jr played a part in what we saw last night. For three seasons he was a teammate and a guy you went to battle with and then like that he’s gone.
His now former teammates were no doubt affected not only by his departure but something else. When JPJ made it clear that he intended to play with his new team this Sunday, there had to have been some ill feelings. Players try to keep themselves separate from their teammates’ contract situations but finding out JPJ wasn’t really dealing with a back issue had to be upsetting. I think it’s fair to assume there was some hangover from his absence in Cleveland.
Perhaps it was the short week. That combined with facing a rival on their turf ramps up the emotions to be sure but there was just something different last night. I’m hopeful it’s a “one off” and that these kinds of things aren’t the norm. If not, we are in for a longer season than I anticipated.
