OT: The Pittsburgher Thread: 5 and 2 Justin who? Hand the Fields to Wilson

[bambamcam4ever]

Eh that one was a serious underthrow imo. It looked good but only because Miller slowed down so much the DB could get right in his face. I can't find a good replay but I thought the DB had about as much chance to catch it as Miller did.

Yep, people listen to the announcers too much. The DB had it go right through his arms, it was a bad throw.

 

[TooManyHumans]

Eh that one was a serious underthrow imo. It looked good but only because Miller slowed down so much the DB could get right in his face. I can't find a good replay but I thought the DB had about as much chance to catch it as Miller did.

Maybe but it went right through his arms and I'm not sure he even touched it.

Yep, people listen to the announcers too much. The DB had it go right through his arms, it was a bad throw.

I didn't even have the sound on the game as I can't stand Aikman. I had split screen with the sound on the World Series. So if I'm wrong it's on my own dumbass self.

 

[OnMyOwn]

Two 400 yard offense games in a row and three for the season. A decent OC with a competent QB goes a long way.

 

[JTG]

Najee is running really well with a patchwork line. I'm not sure what someone said to him, but he's looked like a totally different runner. I still would not give him a contract here, but he's at least living up to his potential now.

TJ Watt is Alpha. He's every bit of a defensive player that Troy was. When you need it, he can get it. It has been really long since I've watch a Pittsburgh QB and felt confident that they were going to be able to win us a game. Russ still got it. I have been impressed.

He has to be the best value player in the league. The Steelers new 3rd round find are linebackers. Herbig and Wilson have been outstanding also.

 

[pistolpete11]

Not the cleanest win, but it's encouraging they still had enough to beat a bad team when they weren't at their best.

Thought Wilson was damn good outside of the fumble. He made a few throws that I just can't picture Fields (or Pickett) making and that was why I was so intrigued by seeing what the offense looked like with him. I like to bash Tomlin as much as anybody, but he deserves credit for making that call. Still need to see Wilson against a decent team before it's a case closed good decision, but it's promising so far.

Najee with another strong game. Love seeing the high Y/R from the receivers. Would like to see them get Muth more involved. The hits just keep coming to the offensive line. Hopefully the bye week is enough to get Moore back (never thought I'd say that).

Wasn't the best game from the defense. In the end, 18 points isn't terrible, but against that offense, it's certainly not good either. I don't know what the f*** the Giants were thinking with Watt. They held him in check for most of the game and then when the game was on the line, they leave him 1-on-1. Great to have Highsmith back and at a high level. If he was just a step quicker, he would have had a MONSTER game.

 

[NewAgeOutlaw]

Najee is running really well with a patchwork line. I'm not sure what someone said to him, but he's looked like a totally different runner.

The Steelers have a deep passing game now so he has holes to run through since you can't get away with putting 8 in the box every single play anymore.

Your ypc is going to go up when you no longer get hit by 2 defenders 2 yards behind the line every other run.

 

[cookthebooks]

giants fan buddy told me that daniel jones apologized since eluemunor was expecting a chip on tj watt on the big strip sack play. watched the replay and the guy who was supposed to do the chipping was on the other side of the formation. pretty hilarious that thats the excuse they are trying to go with

 

[End of Line]

Curious if the game against the Commies gets flexed out of the 1pm slot in 2 weeks

Edit: After looking at the CBS 4:25 and SNF game, not happening

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

Offense coming alive, but I still think this defense is a paper tiger that can be beaten, badly.

Aside from Watt and Highsmith/Herbig wrecking the game, they can be gashed.

Wilson was clearly the right decision, but our defense is going to be our undoing.

Until further notice, this will be the defense's downfall: they cannot stop the run

They've got great pass rushers all over the front 7, but they can't shed blockers to stop the run. It's gonna be a big problem later in the year

 

[pistolpete11]

I'm told its the right play, analytically.
My response is kick the XP. Then if you want to be ballsy do it if you score again.
It doesn't make sense to me either.

Going for it on the first TD gives you 2 shots at the 2-point conversion. Since 2-point conversions are roughly 50/50, you should come out at least tied and if you get it on the first one, your odds go up dramatically.

Curious if the game against the Commies gets flexed out of the 1pm slot in 2 weeks

Edit: After looking at the CBS 4:25 and SNF game, not happening

Thank God.

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

Not the cleanest win, but it's encouraging they still had enough to beat a bad team when they weren't at their best.

Thought Wilson was damn good outside of the fumble. He made a few throws that I just can't picture Fields (or Pickett) making and that was why I was so intrigued by seeing what the offense looked like with him. I like to bash Tomlin as much as anybody, but he deserves credit for making that call. Still need to see Wilson against a decent team before it's a case closed good decision, but it's promising so far.

Najee with another strong game. Love seeing the high Y/R from the receivers. Would like to see them get Muth more involved. The hits just keep coming to the offensive line. Hopefully the bye week is enough to get Moore back (never thought I'd say that).

Wasn't the best game from the defense. In the end, 18 points isn't terrible, but against that offense, it's certainly not good either. I don't know what the f*** the Giants were thinking with Watt. They held him in check for most of the game and then when the game was on the line, they leave him 1-on-1. Great to have Highsmith back and at a high level. If he was just a step quicker, he would have had a MONSTER game.

From another site. I feel the same way:

*****************

You know, I’ve been screaming for Tomlin’s head as loudly as anyone.

But I’m going to do something most won’t.

I’m going to give him some respect.

He’s still too conservative, and still can’t manage timeouts to save his life.

We still give up on drives too easily once we’re within FG range.

I have concerns on how we’ve managed the tackle situation.

But he’s winning games, and even doing it competently. And even with the gripes I have above, I haven’t noticed myself yelling at him nearly as much this season.

I was pushing for Fields to keep his job. But Tomlin has proven me wrong, and I have no problem admitting it. Russ is taking this offense to heights we haven’t seen since a few years before Ben retired.

As badly as he’s handled the QB situation in the previous couple
of years, I have to admit he’s handled it masterfully this season. Maybe it’s pure luck, maybe it’s him just making promises to Russ based on his infamous “gut” and just lucking into a positive result.

Who cares? As critical as I’ve been to him based on prior results, it’s only fair I give him credit now.

We have two rookies on defense (Wilson and Beanie) making big contributions on D.

Special teams has gone from an Achilles heel to one of the best units in the league.

Najee is running like a poor man’s Derrick Henry.

Warren isn’t getting as many touches as last season, likely due to the previous point, but when he does he’s as dynamic as ever.

The line is in shambles due to injury and Jones sucking out loud…but they’re still doing enough to keep the offense running.

Pickens was a ticking time bomb, but has settled down and is beginning to realize the potential we all know he had.

I stand in front of you all and say that Mike Tomlin has my respect thus far this season.

It is now his job to keep it.

 

[TooManyHumans]

giants fan buddy told me that daniel jones apologized since eluemunor was expecting a chip on tj watt on the big strip sack play. watched the replay and the guy who was supposed to do the chipping was on the other side of the formation. pretty hilarious that thats the excuse they are trying to go with

It looked to me like the RB was supposed to chip but his primary is a blitzer and he stepped up because it looked liked Queen might be coming but didn't and then th RB went out to be an option. Queen did actually come earlier and I think it set that up. It's possible I'm thinking of a different play but I think it was the strip sack.

 

[xlm34]

Even though they didn’t score as many points as they did in the Jets game, I thought this was a significantly more impressive showing by the offense. The Jets game felt a little fluky, but this felt somewhat sustainable.

I still want to see it against actually good teams, but so far so good.

 

[MrBrightside]

While I probably would have gone for it on 4th down on the last drive, I didn't have a major issue with punting there. The issue I had was when Daboll intentionally took the penalty on 2nd and 3 to give the Steelers the first down and Tomlin (and apparently everyone watching) didn't seem to realize he took it on purpose to reset the downs so he wouldn't have to burn his timeouts. Tomlin absolutely needed to decline that flag, but outside the box stuff like that will never, ever be his strong suit.

Read back through this game thread and you'd swear to God this team is the Carolina Panthers. People seem to expect dominance every second of every game and it's not Penn State playing Akron here. I do think they have too many holes to really be a contender and yes, they can be frustrating, but good lord the negativity over a 6-2 team is astonishing.

 

[Headshot77]

I had no idea the NFL got rid of the force out rule in 2008. That's wild I thought the NFL liked promoting offense.

 

[MrBrightside]

 

[ImporterExporter]

The Russ ball deep to the left on a rope to Pickens was the best throw of the season by either guy. Absolutely perfect pass, deep down field. I hate doing it, but Tomlin may just have made the right call. I need to see us against legit comp before I truly delve into the crow, but I can admit when emotion got the better of me.

Also, I've been saying it for years.

A catch, should be, control of the ball and ANY part of the body touching in bounds, with said control. 1 foot, a toe, a finger, a knee, whatever.

Also, Broderick Jones is such trash. I don't know if I've ever seen an OT cost a team so many points in such a short period of time. He is constantly blown off the ball. Can't stay with anyone who doesn't run right into his chest.....

 

[pistolpete11]

From another site. I feel the same way:

*****************

You know, I’ve been screaming for Tomlin’s head as loudly as anyone.

But I’m going to do something most won’t.

I’m going to give him some respect.

He’s still too conservative, and still can’t manage timeouts to save his life.

We still give up on drives too easily once we’re within FG range.

I have concerns on how we’ve managed the tackle situation.

But he’s winning games, and even doing it competently. And even with the gripes I have above, I haven’t noticed myself yelling at him nearly as much this season.

I was pushing for Fields to keep his job. But Tomlin has proven me wrong, and I have no problem admitting it. Russ is taking this offense to heights we haven’t seen since a few years before Ben retired.

As badly as he’s handled the QB situation in the previous couple
of years, I have to admit he’s handled it masterfully this season. Maybe it’s pure luck, maybe it’s him just making promises to Russ based on his infamous “gut” and just lucking into a positive result.

Who cares? As critical as I’ve been to him based on prior results, it’s only fair I give him credit now.

We have two rookies on defense (Wilson and Beanie) making big contributions on D.

Special teams has gone from an Achilles heel to one of the best units in the league.

Najee is running like a poor man’s Derrick Henry.

Warren isn’t getting as many touches as last season, likely due to the previous point, but when he does he’s as dynamic as ever.

The line is in shambles due to injury and Jones sucking out loud…but they’re still doing enough to keep the offense running.

Pickens was a ticking time bomb, but has settled down and is beginning to realize the potential we all know he had.

I stand in front of you all and say that Mike Tomlin has my respect thus far this season.

It is now his job to keep it.

If I had to pick the single biggest criticism I have had of Tomlin throughout the years, it would be his choice of coordinators, particularly the OC. It's not his background, his choices were head scratching most of the time, and then he meddled. I think the settling for FG too easily has his fingerprints all over it, but it's a more minor gripe.

I was all aboard hiring Smith. I think his philosophy fits the team, he's obviously a competent play caller, and just as importantly, he's established enough that there was a least a hope that Tomlin would get out of the way. There's still some stuff that I suspect is Tomlin's influence (though it could just be that Smith shares that philosophy), but it looks to me like he's allowed Smith to do his job.

I don't know if the Canada situation embarrassed him and/or the organization enough to push him towards that decision, but I'd say in addition to making the Wilson call, he also deserves credit for hiring Smith. Both were not very popular, but both are working well so far.

 

[The Old Master]

there was a lot of good and a lot of bad last night. we came out on top so we are improving.

 

[MrBrightside]

So Washington in 2 weeks is probably the best test they'll have had this season, but then again, Washington will be 7-2 if they beat the Giants this weekend and they only team with a winning record they've beaten is Chicago, and that took a miracle. They'll definitely add Sutton and presumably get Herbig and Frazier back - really feels like if they can add a WR and somehow get Fautanu back, they'd be onto something.

 

[JTG]

The Steelers have a deep passing game now so he has holes to run through since you can't get away with putting 8 in the box every single play anymore.

Your ypc is going to go up when you no longer get hit by 2 defenders 2 yards behind the line every other run.

I haven't looked at the stats, but it feels that play action is way up with Russ. Many have said before, for Najee to succeed, they need to run play action.

Until further notice, this will be the defense's downfall: they cannot stop the run

They've got great pass rushers all over the front 7, but they can't shed blockers to stop the run. It's gonna be a big problem later in the year

This is the draft to take a DL.

 

[MrBrightside]

I haven't looked at the stats, but it feels that play action is way up with Russ. Many have said before, for Najee to succeed, they need to run play action.



This is the draft to take a DL.

I think the big issue with the run defense is Queen and Wilson. They really don't want to play Roberts over them because he can't cover, but Queen is a mess and Wilson is far better in coverage than run D.

 

[Coastal Kev]

From another site. I feel the same way:

*****************

You know, I’ve been screaming for Tomlin’s head as loudly as anyone.

But I’m going to do something most won’t.

I’m going to give him some respect.

He’s still too conservative, and still can’t manage timeouts to save his life.

We still give up on drives too easily once we’re within FG range.

I have concerns on how we’ve managed the tackle situation.

But he’s winning games, and even doing it competently. And even with the gripes I have above, I haven’t noticed myself yelling at him nearly as much this season.

I was pushing for Fields to keep his job. But Tomlin has proven me wrong, and I have no problem admitting it. Russ is taking this offense to heights we haven’t seen since a few years before Ben retired.

As badly as he’s handled the QB situation in the previous couple
of years, I have to admit he’s handled it masterfully this season. Maybe it’s pure luck, maybe it’s him just making promises to Russ based on his infamous “gut” and just lucking into a positive result.

Who cares? As critical as I’ve been to him based on prior results, it’s only fair I give him credit now.

We have two rookies on defense (Wilson and Beanie) making big contributions on D.

Special teams has gone from an Achilles heel to one of the best units in the league.

Najee is running like a poor man’s Derrick Henry.

Warren isn’t getting as many touches as last season, likely due to the previous point, but when he does he’s as dynamic as ever.

The line is in shambles due to injury and Jones sucking out loud…but they’re still doing enough to keep the offense running.

Pickens was a ticking time bomb, but has settled down and is beginning to realize the potential we all know he had.

I stand in front of you all and say that Mike Tomlin has my respect thus far this season.

It is now his job to keep it.

I'm gonna have to go ahead and ask you put your mea culpa on hold for a few weeks. First, take a look at the upcoming scheddy, it's within the realm of possibility that they lose their next 4 games in a row.
But now, I want you to clear your head of anything offense related; I know this has been the talk of the town with this team and Tomlin since Ben left, i get it. But what has always concerned me about Tomlin is that his side of the ball is never buttoned up. This isn't about rankings or stats, for numbers do not give you a full picture. Example, they won 2 late season games against Cincy last year, but Burrow was out both games.

My biggest complaint regarding Tomlin, and I am a lone wolf in this area, he can't draft, develop defense on the reg. Which is why the Steelers overspend on 3rd & 4th defensive contracts and overspend in the draft. Minkah is a prime example. Overspent trading a one to feel a hole in a meaningless year, then overpaid to keep him. Remind me of the last game that Minkah took over...... How about the Bush draft?? (and this is not hindsight either, I called out the Bush pick and even gave a better option that Cincy took and is still playing for them in the middle)

Think I'm wrong? Pick any good to great HC that was from the defensive side and then look at their draft and developing on their side of the ball. How many studs did Cowher find after the 3rd round on defense during his tenure??

Lastly, I am comfortable in saying that Austin would not be a DC on any other winning staff in the NFL. They went from a 3/4 defense to a hybrid 2/4/5, relying solely on their 2 OLB's getting to the qb for their Defense to work; even as the league has limited calling holding on outside pass rushers to protect qbs, and offenses have all decided to get rid of the ball quicker. It's a flawed defense, and don't get me started at a lack of a stout DT. Sadly, in the weak AFC, this team could be a contender this year; But I believe it will be Tomlin's side of the ball that fails this team.

 

[MrBrightside]

Curious if the game against the Commies gets flexed out of the 1pm slot in 2 weeks

Edit: After looking at the CBS 4:25 and SNF game, not happening

You don't think NBC wouldn't dearly love to flex out of Indy and the Jets? Unless CBS protects our game I think there's a VERY real chance it would get flexed.

Never mind, sort of. You are talking about Week 10 and I was looking at Week 11. I do wonder if they'd make us play Sunday night with a game on Thursday though.

 

[End of Line]

You don't think NBC wouldn't dearly love to flex out of Indy and the Jets? Unless CBS protects our game I think there's a VERY real chance it would get flexed.

Detroit/Houston is the NBC game that day, and Eagles/Cowboys are at 4:25 on CBS that day too