A dominant win against a high caliber team, a big rivalry home primetime game against the forever glamour team of the NFL coming in the following week and then a game against a tough but questionable opponent in the middle and you have the makings of the all too familiar “Tomlin Special”.
The Steelers were runover in the first quarter and spent all game, trying to dig out of a huge hole. They have consistently started slow and this time there would be no effective chance to recover.
Making one mistake after the other and getting penalized on several controversial calls. It was a game of inches, and the Steelers gave up every inch they could.
Here is the mistake recap:
-Missed pick on 1st play of the game
-Patrick Queen couldn’t recover a fumble
-Another missed pick in endzone
-Did not attempt 59 yarder/ then couldn’t convert 4th & inches
-Pickens fumble in the red zone
-Fields fumble, lost the ball
-Missed snap on the last potential game winning drive to win the game
-Najee Harris failing to get out of bounds
-Last time out?
That being written the Steelers almost pulled it off. The other thing there was never that sense of doom in this game. You felt like they could pull it off.
Justin Fields delivered his best statistical performance as a Steeler, but costly mistakes and slow starts hindered the team’s efforts. Despite accumulating 312 passing yards and 55 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns, Fields took a 22-yard sack, fumbled in field goal range, and was partially responsible for a botched final-play snap. He did a very good job, but there is definitely room to improve.
George Pickens’s seven catches for 113 yards were overshadowed by a back breaking fumble in the red zone. While his aggressive play style is admirable, the offense lacks a reliable secondary receiver to complement him. The Steelers’ receiving corps, outside of Pickens, has been largely ineffective. Darnell Washington’s impact when targeted suggests he deserves more opportunities.
The offensive line’s injury woes continued, with Fields sacked four times due to the absence of Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels. Daniels looks to be lost for the season, a crushing blow for the improving live. Rookie Mason McCormick and Spencer Anderson struggled to fill the void, with the latter being the one most likely responsible for the miscue snap at the end of the game.
Defensively, the Steelers struggled to contain the Colts’ rushing attack, even after Jonathan Taylor’s injury. The pass rush also lacked effectiveness, with T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig failing to make a significant impact. Watt was held all-game and never got the call. DeMarvin Leal’s performance was largely ineffective. The Steelers need Alex Highsmith back.
The secondary, led by Joey Porter Jr., struggled to contain Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Porter’s dropped interception and the team’s overall coverage issues contributed to the Colts’ success. There were so many missed opportunities.
Special teams saw mixed results as usual. First the coverage units played well, the return game had a few flashes but of course were marred by penalties. Calvin Austin’s big return was overshadowed by a Justin Field’s fumble. After two very good weeks Corliss Waitman’s punting was inconsistent at best. Chris Boswell remained reliable on field goals converting his tries.
Mike Tomlin’s questionable decisions contributed significantly to the Steelers’ first-half deficit. His reluctance to attempt a 59-yard field goal, combined with the defense’s struggles against the Colts’ offense, allowed the Colts to establish a 17-0 lead. Additionally, the Steelers’ conservative offensive approach, including a failed quarterback draw on 4th-and-inches, made them predictable and vulnerable.
The Steelers’ adjustments against Joe Flacco were awful. While Tomlin cited a desire to maintain coverage, the lack of pressure allowed Flacco to operate comfortably. Tomlin’s decision to leave a timeout on the clock during the final seconds of the game was a costly oversight.
The only thing positive you can say about the officiating it was almost equally lousy to both teams. There were so many missed calls and so many ticky-tacky calls. It just hurts the flow of the game.
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Despite his mistakes, we are going with Justin Fields. He had a monster game on the stat sheet and if he can clean up the mistakes, the Steelers have their franchise quarterback. Also Considered: Not really anyone else.
Beer of the Game: Went to the Sam Adams Fall Pack, both KGB and I shared it, She leaned on the Pumpkin with was solid, I had the Pumpkin, the Boston Lager and the Octoberfest. All were the usual Sam quality.
“Steel the Snacks”: We didn’t go the traditional Indianapolis Pork combination. We went with an Italian Sandwich toasted with Olive oil. It had four kinds of Italian meats and provolone cheese. The Steelers scored when the snacks came out.
My Stat of the week: Picking a silly one, we are 0-5 on my birthday “weekend” and 4-6 over the last 10 years
My Thoughts on next week: Here come the ‘Boys. There is something very special about the Steelers v. the Cowboys and we will be in attendance next week. BIG Game
Jersey of the Week: Went with my vanity jersey in honor of my Birthday, Pomara #50. It was a gift last year!