Game thoughts

[Jobu]

Also I don’t think you can let the D off the hook to easily

They were horrible late when it mattered

Whatchu talking about? These are the Pittsburgh Steelers…it’s can never be the defense fault…GRRRR!

[franco32]

You can certainly have a go at the D. They allowed easy crossers all game, screwed up on the long TD, and were soft late. But, they did more than enough to win in today's NFL. They were hung out to dry constantly by the O and special teams.

Late in the 4th when you go 3 and out twice and give your D barely anytime to rest, the end result we saw is not surprising.

[Stillerz Bar]

You can certainly have a go at the D. They allowed easy crossers all game, screwed up on the long TD, and were soft late. But, they did more than enough to win in today's NFL. They were hung out to dry constantly by the O and special teams.

Late in the 4th when you go 3 and out twice and give your D barely anytime to rest, the end result we saw is not surprising.

The two bolded statements above pretty much say it all.

Two times the O had a chance to tie the game with a FG or win with a TD and both times the couldn't even get a single first down. In both cases they actually had the time to dink and dunk their way down the field. Sadly, they were so unbelievably conservative that they went 3 and out twice and put the D back on the field with no rest.

Both series started by giving the ball to Najee which resulted in gains of 2 and 5 yards. That's the play calling you use when trying to run out the clock, not when you are trying to come from behind.

The D certainly had its warts but giving up 17 points aint that bad, especially when 7 of those came on a 10 yard drive following a ST turnover right after the D held the Pats. Even so, with a marginal offense helping them out, the D holding NE to 17 points should have been enough to win. Both weeks they finally tired out near the end after the O badly lost TOP.

Through 2 games this O has 30 points and just one TD each game...that's disgusting!! If it weren't for Boz we'd be 0-2.

I'm not a Tomlin Hater but his "keep it close" mentality means we may not see changes as long as the Steelers keep being in one score games.

Last week after MN beat the Packers, Vikings WR Adam Thielen was quoted as saying "I've never been part of an offense that just was attacking, and attacking, and attacking. It didn't matter the score. It didn't matter the situation. We were attacking. It felt good."

When I read that I immediately thought about how nice it would be for the Steelers to try that plan.

[Professor Half Wit]

Also I don’t think you can let the D off the hook to easily

They were horrible late when it mattered

Whatchu talking about? These are the Pittsburgh Steelers…it’s can never be the defense fault…GRRRR!

Man, we really going to do this? HOW MANY YEARS HAVE WE BEEN WAITING FOR THE OFFENSE ACTUALLY TO BE ABLE TO CARRY THE TEAM???

You hold an opponent to 17 in 2022 without the DPOY that you likely over-rely on, you did your job.

It's totally fine to criticize the defense. The loss and shoulda loss in week one is on the offense.

Fire Mike Tomlin.

[jeemie]

You can certainly have a go at the D. They allowed easy crossers all game, screwed up on the long TD, and were soft late. But, they did more than enough to win in today's NFL. They were hung out to dry constantly by the O and special teams.

Late in the 4th when you go 3 and out twice and give your D barely anytime to rest, the end result we saw is not surprising.

Screwed up on the long TD?

Witherspoon had good coverage..he just got out worked by Agholor.

It happens.

The D gave up 17 points.

That’s it.

In today’s NFL, that is a very good game.

You expect perfection from them because our offense sucks so bad.

Pair the defense with an even semi-competent offense and it’s one of the best in the league in the early going.

[Deebo]

You can certainly have a go at the D. They allowed easy crossers all game, screwed up on the long TD, and were soft late. But, they did more than enough to win in today's NFL. They were hung out to dry constantly by the O and special teams.

Late in the 4th when you go 3 and out twice and give your D barely anytime to rest, the end result we saw is not surprising.

Screwed up on the long TD?

Witherspoon had good coverage..he just got out worked by Agholor.

It happens.

The D gave up 17 points.

That’s it.

In today’s NFL, that is a very good game.

You expect perfection from them because our offense sucks so bad.

Pair the defense with an even semi-competent offense and it’s one of the best in the league in the early going.

I'd argue the D only gave up 10 points. Extremely short field on the punt muff.
They got a turnover yesterday too.

The offense is going to kill this defense by week 6

[Louis Lipps Service]

You can certainly have a go at the D. They allowed easy crossers all game, screwed up on the long TD, and were soft late. But, they did more than enough to win in today's NFL. They were hung out to dry constantly by the O and special teams.

Late in the 4th when you go 3 and out twice and give your D barely anytime to rest, the end result we saw is not surprising.

Screwed up on the long TD?

Witherspoon had good coverage..he just got out worked by Agholor.

It happens.

The D gave up 17 points.

That’s it.

In today’s NFL, that is a very good game.

You expect perfection from them because our offense sucks so bad.

Pair the defense with an even semi-competent offense and it’s one of the best in the league in the early going.

I'd argue the D only gave up 10 points. Extremely short field on the punt muff.
They got a turnover yesterday too.

The offense is going to kill this defense by week 6

Seriously.

The D should get the opportunity to kick the offense in the nuts every day before and after practice this week.

[langer]

Mitch is running himself out of town like he did in Chicago the cunt.

I give Gunner some leeway, he can run with the ball unlike First Round Harris, but the ball hit him in the face. Wtf.

[LakecrestSteeler]

Screwed up on the long TD?

Witherspoon had good coverage..he just got out worked by Agholor.

It happens.

The D gave up 17 points.

That’s it.

In today’s NFL, that is a very good game.

You expect perfection from them because our offense sucks so bad.

Pair the defense with an even semi-competent offense and it’s one of the best in the league in the early going.

I'd argue the D only gave up 10 points. Extremely short field on the punt muff.
They got a turnover yesterday too.

The offense is going to kill this defense by week 6

Seriously.

The D should get the opportunity to kick the offense in the nuts every day before and after practice this week.

[Baltostiller]

Just saw this on Twitter. On the Gunner punt fumble, the steelers didn't line anyone up on Brenden Schooler, the guy who recovered the fumble. Completely free release down the field...in fact, looking at the pictures, it looks like there were only 9 players on the field (unless there are 2 more out of the frame) Great job you gum chewing imbecile.

https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/15 ... 9778867201

[Deebo]

Just saw this on Twitter. On the Gunner punt fumble, the steelers didn't line anyone up on Brenden Schooler, the guy who recovered the fumble. Completely free release down the field...in fact, looking at the pictures, it looks like there were only 9 players on the field (unless there are 2 more out of the frame) Great job you gum chewing imbecile.

https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/15 ... 9778867201

Surprised there isn't an audible when you have a gunner uncovered like that. Free 1st down

[steelclan]

QB
Mitch’s mechanics suck and he does play scared. Scared to take a chance, scared to turn the ball over, scared to take a hit. Every throw is off his back foot because he wants to release the ball to eliminate any chance he gets hit, at the cost of driving the ball to the receiver.

As mediocre and uninspiring as Mitch is, no QB could succeed under the design and play calling of this offense. Ben did next to nothing last year in the structure of the offense. When he went off script he looked like prime Ben. Mitch doesn’t have that ability. It’s painfully obvious the coordination of the offense and play calling sucks. It’s sucked last year and nothing changed with this new athletic QB. Canada is a bum. Tomlin doesn’t know offense. He’s too dense to hire for his weakness. We’ve got 3 very good defensive minds on the staff and absolutely none on offense. Rooney needs to step in and force a hire to take over the offense.

As much as we all would rather see Pickett, does it make sense to pollute his career with a season under abject failure of play calling and offensive design?

Gunner
Belichick gave up on Olszewski because he is a fumbler. Attrition football and a high turnover offensive player doesn’t mix. If Olszewski and Dionte Johnson turn the ball over like they have shown they are prone to, this team doesn’t have the ability to overcome their errors. At any rate chalk this one up to Belichick outsmarting the Steelers again.

Whipping boy
Terrell Edmunds has played well through two weeks. Somebody needs to point that out. Devin Bush hasn’t made many plays, but he hasn’t been awful which is a big improvement. Spillane has taken a step back from last year.


Steelers Super Bowl
This season isn’t going anywhere, we all know it. The only goal is winning a “Steelers Super Bowl” (9 win season). Long term, the AFC North looks up for grabs if we can get the offense figured out. Burrow is going to die at some point. Hats off to that guy. He’s been put in awful situations in Cincy and never blinked. Getting sacked 6 times a week will catch up with him sooner or later. Ravens defense looks bad on the back end again and Lamar Jackson hasn’t shown he can lead a team with his arm. Browns are the Browns. If the Steelers get the OC right, piece together a better O line and Pickett is a player, they could be back on top of the division as soon as next year.

Turd biscuit was an atrocity yesterday. Pickens open on multiple routes, DJ open underneath for easy chunk plays and again and again he refused to throw, missed the read or fell over during the most pathetic sacks I've seen in a while.

Edmunds has been excellent in 2 games. Maybe the light has finally come on.
Okafor has also been excellent. In 1st two games is making that contract look like a bargain.
Even Moore has been ok.

Pickett has to get a chance and soon before season slips away. Even in this let's make sure we ensure a punt offense he would be a marked improvement of a QB afraid of his own shadow.

[Orangesteel]

On Najee:

https://twitter.com/nfl/status/1571579589729865729

[COR-TEN]

Ok, I'm not trying to defend Harris. I know he's got issues, and I think he's playing hurt. No, he's not elite. But whatever. The steelers ran 58 plays yesterday and how many throws on first down? I was told during the game thread it was about 3-4. This is also consistently the game plan, and opposing DC's know this. It's run on first down, and Najee is constantly running into stacked boxes.

Anyway, I'm in agreement Canada has to go. The ravens replaced an OC mid season and won the SB. Tomlin, are you listening?

And yes. Mitch is being Mitch. He's a backup at best. But I'd get rid of canada and bench trubby.

[955876]

I can't wait to see what junior high clown Tomlin digs up to replace Canada next year.

Better hope TJ or Cam don’t have a nephew or something coaching flag football somewhere.

[Valentino_Blake]

I feel like this era of Steelers football is some fucked-up thought experiment where you have to try to understand why a coaching staff would desperately cling to an offensive philosophy that has proven to be counter-productive time and time again. I wholeheartedly believe we would rather play small-ball until the closing seconds of a losing effort than open it up and give ourselves a chance to win, and I can't pull off the mental gymnastics to understand why. If we come out and let Trubisky throw deep balls to Pickens the entire second half yesterday, how would the end result have been any worse? What are we trying to protect?

I keep thinking about Miami yesterday. A team with a perceived game manager at QB and an offense that last year was even worse than ours throws for 450/6 to erase a 3-touchdown deficit and win. That game is over for us (as any game would be) as soon as Baltimore gets a multi-score lead. It looks like Miami did what they needed to do to compete with modern NFL teams and we're still approaching each game with a mindset that would only make sense A. if it were still working and B. if it were 2004 and a team could win on defense alone. It's maddening.

[fractalsteel]

Ok, I'm not trying to defend Harris. I know he's got issues, and I think he's playing hurt. No, he's not elite. But whatever. The steelers ran 58 plays yesterday and how many throws on first down? I was told during the game thread it was about 3-4. This is also consistently the game plan, and opposing DC's know this. It's run on first down, and Najee is constantly running into stacked boxes.

Anyway, I'm in agreement Canada has to go. The ravens replaced an OC mid season and won the SB. Tomlin, are you listening?

And yes. Mitch is being Mitch. He's a backup at best. But I'd get rid of canada and bench trubby.

As it has been said before(Jobu) this is the offense Tomlin wants. Doesn't matter who the the OC is or who the next one might be or the substandard one after that. It doesn't matter because the biggest problem with the offense is THE HEAD COACH.

B2B has been spot on with his preseason profile on Mitch.
Two games in and I have seen enough. It is painful watching him play the position.

Now, those clamouring for KP to come in have to temper that with the notion that the offense isn't going to change. Kenny might run it better and results might improve but he is still going to be fed the plays and will be expected to run the offense the way TOMLIN wants it run.

The only way to improve the offense is to change the HC.
Bring in someone that understands the modern NFL Offense and how to build one and run it. As long as MT is the coach dinosaur offense is going to be the case.

[jebrick]

After the Steelers get crushed vs the Browns, I will be on the Pickett train. You can't win with a QB that is too panicked to see the field and has bad mechanics which leads to poor accuracy.

[Deebo]

Ok, I'm not trying to defend Harris. I know he's got issues, and I think he's playing hurt. No, he's not elite. But whatever. The steelers ran 58 plays yesterday and how many throws on first down? I was told during the game thread it was about 3-4. This is also consistently the game plan, and opposing DC's know this. It's run on first down, and Najee is constantly running into stacked boxes.

Anyway, I'm in agreement Canada has to go. The ravens replaced an OC mid season and won the SB. Tomlin, are you listening?

And yes. Mitch is being Mitch. He's a backup at best. But I'd get rid of canada and bench trubby.

As it has been said before(Jobu) this is the offense Tomlin wants. Doesn't matter who the the OC is or who the next one might be or the substandard one after that. It doesn't matter because the biggest problem with the offense is THE HEAD COACH.

B2B has been spot on with his preseason profile on Mitch.
Two games in and I have seen enough. It is painful watching him play the position.

Now, those clamouring for KP to come in have to temper that with the notion that the offense isn't going to change. Kenny might run it better and results might improve but he is still going to be fed the plays and will be expected to run the offense the way TOMLIN wants it run.

The only way to improve the offense is to change the HC.
Bring in someone that understands the modern NFL Offense and how to build one and run it. As long as MT is the coach dinosaur offense is going to be the case.

Amen

Think about it this way: we technically have already changed QB's (from Ben to MT). Yet we still see the same throwing patterns and philosophies. I mean you probably can't find 2 more different types of QB's (Ben vs Mitch) and we still have the same results.

There are 2 full seasons and 2 games of evidence. HOw much more proof does someone need to see it's Canada's/Tomlin's preferred approach?

[Kodiak.]

I mean you probably can't find 2 more different types of QB's (Ben vs Mitch) and we still have the same results.

There are 2 full seasons and 2 games of evidence. HOw much more proof does someone need to see it's Canada's/Tomlin's preferred approach?

Exactly right - how much more proof do people need?!? It's not just Ben to MT. It's pretty much the same offense as in 2019 with Duck, and Mason, when Fitchner was OC.

And, really, the origin of the U goes back to Haley. It's just that with much worse pass pro they've evolved to an emphasis on getting the ball out quickly. Tomlin said just last week something along the lines of "bad things happen when you try to push the ball downfield".

What it really comes down to is Tomlin is more afraid of sacks and turnovers than he is of punting. He wants to get to 3rd and short, take the occasional shot downfield against favorable coverage, but otherwise just try to move the chains.

[Deebo]

I mean you probably can't find 2 more different types of QB's (Ben vs Mitch) and we still have the same results.

There are 2 full seasons and 2 games of evidence. HOw much more proof does someone need to see it's Canada's/Tomlin's preferred approach?

Exactly right - how much more proof do people need?!? It's not just Ben to MT. It's pretty much the same offense as in 2019 with Duck, and Mason, when Fitchner was OC.

And, really, the origin of the U goes back to Haley. It's just that with much worse pass pro they've evolved to an emphasis on getting the ball out quickly. Tomlin said just last week something along the lines of "bad things happen when you try to push the ball downfield".

What it really comes down to is Tomlin is more afraid of sacks and turnovers than he is of punting. He wants to get to 3rd and short, take the occasional shot downfield against favorable coverage, but otherwise just try to move the chains.

To quote Tomlin himself "you are what you put on tape"

Tomlin's offenses in the past decade mirror this conservatism. They wanted to tone Ben's exposure down by having him take less shots downfield/QB hits. That's why Arians was canned...oh sorry "retired" lol

Enter Haley and it's been this super conservative, don't turn the ball over philosophy ever since.

It doesn't matter what OC is brought in- Tomlin wants the same philosophy. I don't quite understand why this hasn't sunk in with anyone yet.

They played "ball control" when we had the Killer B's in 2015/2016. The difference is that the talent made the playcalling look better than it was.

When the offensive talent started to deteriorate (along with Ben) the offense started to look worse. Now you got maybe 1 person on offense that would start for another team and you've got some major issues.

Name the best OC you can think of. Andy Reid? Chan Gailey? Norv Turner? All would be neutered by Tomlin's philosophy. Because guess what? Tomlin signs off on the game plan...

[Stillchest]

Ok, I'm not trying to defend Harris. I know he's got issues, and I think he's playing hurt. No, he's not elite. But whatever. The steelers ran 58 plays yesterday and how many throws on first down? I was told during the game thread it was about 3-4. This is also consistently the game plan, and opposing DC's know this. It's run on first down, and Najee is constantly running into stacked boxes.

Anyway, I'm in agreement Canada has to go. The ravens replaced an OC mid season and won the SB. Tomlin, are you listening?

And yes. Mitch is being Mitch. He's a backup at best. But I'd get rid of canada and bench trubby.

As it has been said before(Jobu) this is the offense Tomlin wants. Doesn't matter who the the OC is or who the next one might be or the substandard one after that. It doesn't matter because the biggest problem with the offense is THE HEAD COACH.

B2B has been spot on with his preseason profile on Mitch.
Two games in and I have seen enough. It is painful watching him play the position.

Now, those clamouring for KP to come in have to temper that with the notion that the offense isn't going to change. Kenny might run it better and results might improve but he is still going to be fed the plays and will be expected to run the offense the way TOMLIN wants it run.

The only way to improve the offense is to change the HC.
Bring in someone that understands the modern NFL Offense and how to build one and run it. As long as MT is the coach dinosaur offense is going to be the case.

Art II only cares about making money and historical team prestige.

Someone needs to buy the Steelers before we see the change that is needed. .

[Jobu]

Ok, I'm not trying to defend Harris. I know he's got issues, and I think he's playing hurt. No, he's not elite. But whatever. The steelers ran 58 plays yesterday and how many throws on first down? I was told during the game thread it was about 3-4. This is also consistently the game plan, and opposing DC's know this. It's run on first down, and Najee is constantly running into stacked boxes.

Anyway, I'm in agreement Canada has to go. The ravens replaced an OC mid season and won the SB. Tomlin, are you listening?

And yes. Mitch is being Mitch. He's a backup at best. But I'd get rid of canada and bench trubby.

As it has been said before(Jobu) this is the offense Tomlin wants. Doesn't matter who the the OC is or who the next one might be or the substandard one after that. It doesn't matter because the biggest problem with the offense is THE HEAD COACH.

B2B has been spot on with his preseason profile on Mitch.
Two games in and I have seen enough. It is painful watching him play the position.

Now, those clamouring for KP to come in have to temper that with the notion that the offense isn't going to change. Kenny might run it better and results might improve but he is still going to be fed the plays and will be expected to run the offense the way TOMLIN wants it run.

The only way to improve the offense is to change the HC.
Bring in someone that understands the modern NFL Offense and how to build one and run it. As long as MT is the coach dinosaur offense is going to be the case.

Art II only cares about making money and historical team prestige.

Someone needs to buy the Steelers before we see the change that is needed. .

Never going to happen. Best we can hope for is A2 “retires” and the next Rooney in line has a new vision for the franchise.

[bradshaw2ben]

Listen, the crappy playcalling and the frustrating to watch offense precede Canada. Fitchner got the same flack for the same reasons. Hell, we gave Haley shit for it.

Tomlin runs the show. Nothing will fundamentally change until he’s gone or at least put on notice.

[BouldernBun]

Listen, the crappy playcalling and the frustrating to watch offense precede Canada. Fitchner got the same flack for the same reasons. Hell, we gave Haley shit for it.

Tomlin runs the show. Nothing will fundamentally change until he’s gone or at least put on notice.

Seeing how coach is not going anywhere, I am hoping for the following

Pickett stays healthy while trying to save NHALS record after being inserted later this season

Pickett looks good, really good, but can only salvage 6 wins or so

Steelers end up with a good postion in the next draft

Canada and his Pringles shaped system are run out of town

Fans vote by staying away from Acrisure if things do not finally change. This will be tough if KP proves to be an exciting talent. But unless KP ignores the braintrust and runs his own program, or NHALS really is put on notice, nothing much will change as far as any possible deep playoff runs and things of that nature in the future.

[Kodiak.]

Lots of good stuff in PPG today:

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ste ... 2209190039
"“Whatever we make [offensive identity],” Cole said. “We have to establish the run, first of all. Whatever our run game is schematically, we have to establish it and get Najee [Harris] some yards and just be efficient. That will help with time of possession and help our defense. If we go three-and-out, run it once and throw it twice, we’re not eating up clock, we’re not giving our defense any kind of break. We’ll find it. We will. There has to be patience, but still a sense of urgency to find it.”"

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pau ... 2209190076
Thankfully, Mike Tomlin is rational, measured and understands the offense is a work in progress and thus he isn’t going to be reactionary. In fact, he said Monday at his press conference he is going to “exercise patience” with the offense and play calling. And on the subject of Trubisky, he said, “I’ve liked a lot of what he’s done, to be honest with you.”

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ron ... 2209180123
You’ve got to stick to the plan. The best thing you can do at this time is to continue to buy into the plan. When everybody is saying, ‘Call this play; call that play,’ it makes it tough for everybody to do their jobs. [Trubisky] think everybody just needs to worry about their job. That’s my take on it.

[Kodiak.]

Tomlin runs the show. Nothing will fundamentally change until he’s gone or at least put on notice.

The fundamental problem is Tomlin tries to be just good enough to win. He settles for mediocrity. That's why he's been getting his ass handed to him in the playoffs.

[Valentino_Blake]

It's bizarre to me that the other Pittsburgh sports franchises have taken to following the Pirates' lead, but here we are.

"There's always next season" in perpetuity.

[zeke5123]

It's bizarre to me that the other Pittsburgh sports franchises have taken to following the Pirates' lead, but here we are.

"There's always next season" in perpetuity.

Pens are still pretty good. They've gotten bad goal tending the last couple of playoff runs + a weird COVID bubble playoffs. Really, the Rags playoff was just unlucky being down to your third string goalie. Still, if Sid isn't injured, they win in five.

[zeke5123]

Lots of good stuff in PPG today:

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ste ... 2209190039
"“Whatever we make [offensive identity],” Cole said. “We have to establish the run, first of all. Whatever our run game is schematically, we have to establish it and get Najee [Harris] some yards and just be efficient. That will help with time of possession and help our defense. If we go three-and-out, run it once and throw it twice, we’re not eating up clock, we’re not giving our defense any kind of break. We’ll find it. We will. There has to be patience, but still a sense of urgency to find it.”"

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pau ... 2209190076
Thankfully, Mike Tomlin is rational, measured and understands the offense is a work in progress and thus he isn’t going to be reactionary. In fact, he said Monday at his press conference he is going to “exercise patience” with the offense and play calling. And on the subject of Trubisky, he said, “I’ve liked a lot of what he’s done, to be honest with you.”

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ron ... 2209180123
You’ve got to stick to the plan. The best thing you can do at this time is to continue to buy into the plan. When everybody is saying, ‘Call this play; call that play,’ it makes it tough for everybody to do their jobs. [Trubisky] think everybody just needs to worry about their job. That’s my take on it.

"Thankfully, Mike Tomlin is rational, measured and understands the offense." Can you imagine writing that on September 19, 2020 in the year of our lord?