Beer We Go Steelers

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!

Justin Fields Shines as Steelers Dominate Chargers

In his third consecutive start for the Steelers, Justin Fields continued his stellar play, guiding the team to a decisive victory over the Chargers. His performance was highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III in the fourth quarter, extending the Steelers’ lead and solidifying the victory.

What  was most impressive was Fields’ ability to bounce back from his first turnover of the season. After a forced pass to Cordarrelle Patterson was intercepted, Fields responded with a near-perfect final quarter and a half, completing 7 of 8 passes for 94 yards.

The Steelers’ running game also played a crucial role in the victory. Najee Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson combined for 97 yards and a touchdown in the second half, effectively wearing down the Chargers defense.

On the defensive side, the Steelers’ front seven dominated the Chargers’ rushing attack. Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, and Keeanu Benton controlled the line of scrimmage, limiting J.K. Dobbins to just 44 yards on 15 carries. T.J. Watt was quiet…until he wasn’t and continued his dominant season, adding another sack to his tally and making two tackles for loss.

Nick Herbig, a key contributor off the bench, stepped in for the injured Alex Highsmith and delivered a strong performance with two sacks.  Inside linebacker Patrick Queen made a significant impact early in the game with a powerful hit on Dobbins and finished as the team’s leading tackler with eight. Elandon Roberts also played a crucial role, contributing four tackles and recording his first sack of the season.  

The Steelers’ secondary also played a key role in the win, shutting down the Chargers’ passing game. Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson combined to limit the Chargers to just 24 yards through the air in the second half.

With their victory over the Chargers, the Steelers improved to 3-0 and solidified their position as one of the top teams in the NFL. Fields’ continued development, combined with the strong performances of the running game and defense, make the Steelers a formidable force to be reckoned with.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

Once again it was not pretty, but the Steelers secured a victory over the Broncos 13-6. The offense struggled to gain momentum but did enough to get the win. The defense was dominant and held off a late surge by the Broncos.

Justin Fields got the start again and managed the game effectively, avoiding turnovers and throwing his first touchdown of the season, a quick strike to Mt. Washington. His numbers were paltry passing for only 117 yards and rushing for 27. He had a couple of big plays overturned on questionable holding calls.

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren provided a solid ground game and began to wear out the stout Denver defense. They gained 141 yards with Harris carrying the majority share with 69 bruising yards.

The offensive line was inconsistent and struggled. Brodrick Jones had a tough day, getting nabbed for a whopping 25 yards on one series. One of the holding calls was questionable at best but it negated the biggest play of the day. The line is still finding its’ rhythm.

The defensive line was a bright spot, generating pressure and stopping the run. Cam Heyward had a big day and was in the backfield on nearly every snap he played. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith continued their strong play, contributing for two sacks and four tackles for a loss. Watt’s sack looked like he hit Bo Nix with an RKO.

The secondary had a strong game, with Cory Trice Jr. securing his first interception, which crushed any momentum Denver had. DeShon Elliott and Damontae Kazee made key plays in the run defense and Bo Nix could never really get the passing game going.

The special teams unit performed well, with Chris Boswell making both his field goals and Corliss Waitman punted effectively coming off the street this week. Ben Skowronek’s contributions on special teams were valuable. The return games both struggled and once again were hit costly penalties.

The officiating was almost as awful as the first week and way too intrusive in the game. Too many ticky tacky calls that slowed down both teams.

It is pretty clear what the game plan is going to be this year. It is Mike Tomlin’s signature keep the ball away from the other team and punish them when they have it. The team will need to adjust their offensive approach to compete against stronger opponents, especially in the upcoming game against the Chargers.

The Steelers sit at 2-0

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: T.J. Watt, he such a disruptive force on the edge. The stats don’t even come close to telling his story. His sack looked like Bo Nix didn’t know what hit him. Also Considered: Corliss Waitman who came off the street and did a good job punting. The Defensive line led by Cam was just devastating.

Beer of the Game: Stuck with Miller Lite, was at a great bar in Florida called, Hap and Hooch and stuck with Miller Lite. KGB drank Old Fashions for the game.

“Steel the Snacks”: We had to punt on this and had two types of Wings at Hap and Hooch. Wings were outstanding and the service and people were great, despite being a Packers bar.

My Stat of the week:  The Steelers defense only have given up one touchdown this season, on a controversial call against Atlanta. They held the Broncos under 300 yards and stuffed their run game for 64 yards. Those are championship caliber stats.

My Thoughts on next week: A very tough home opener against a fellow undefeated team in the Los Angeles Chargers. This will be the first real test of the defense as the Chargers have demolished everyone they faced so far.

Jersey of the Week: No Jersey this week, I went with a BWGSteelers baseball jersey and BWG shirt. NEW SHIRTS WILL BE OUT WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.

Steelers Edge the Atlanta Falcons

They did not score a touchdown, lost their starting quarterback right before game time and the refs were horrible, but somehow there is a renewed feeling of excitement and hope as the Steelers up ended the Falcons and won their season opener 18-10 behind a masterful performance by Chris Boswell.

Justin Fields showcased his potential in a resilient performance, leading the Steelers to a victory after being called upon Sunday morning. Despite early struggles, Fields made key plays throughout the game, including two long passes to George Pickens and several crucial runs. While his performance might not guarantee him another start if Russell Wilson is healthy, it demonstrated that the Steelers could rely on him in the future. He is a dangerous weapon, and he will only get better. Fields finished 17-23 for 156 yards. He also rushed for 57 yards.

The Steelers’ running game was effective if not spectacular, with Najee Harris leading the charge. Harris grinded it out and played old fashion smash mouth Steelers football. Despite Jaylen Warren’s absence, Harris consistently gained yards and wore down the Falcons defense. He finished with a workman 20 carries for 70 yards. The offensive line which was playing without two starters did a good job protecting Fields and opening up the running game.

The receiving corps was highlighted by George Pickens’ impressive performance, as he capitalized on single-coverage opportunities to make big plays. Even after a monster play was called back on a ticky-tacky call. Despite eight different players catching passes, the rest of the receivers were quiet on the day.

Defensively, the Steelers absolutely dominated the Falcons’ offense after the first series. Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and Montravius Adams led the defensive line with strong performances. Bijan Robinson, one of the best young running backs in the game was held to 68 yards on the ground and the Falcons never got the running game going.

T.J. Watt continued to be a destructive force. Watt was absolutely ripped off on a strip sack that would have negated the Falcons only touchdown. Watt also recovered a fumble on a botched gadget play. The secondary played well, limiting the Falcons’ talented receivers, and Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliott grabbed two interceptions, the latter which all but sealed the game.

Chris Boswell had an exceptional game, tying a franchise-record of six field goals, three of which were absolute bombs of 50 plus, and even punted when  Cameron Johnson, was crushed by the Falcons Special teams and looks to be done for the year. The play resulted in a penalty…for the Steelers, another in a series of AWFUL calls by the officials. The new kickoff rule never really played a role and of course the coverage and return units need to clean up the penalties.

By no means was it a perfect victory, but overall, the victory was a positive start to the season. The offense is a work in progress but for the first time in a long time, their looks like a solid plan. The defense will only get better.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Little Bos is all “growns” up… Chris Boswell banging out SIX field goals, three of which were 50+ is just impressive. We have been very blessed to have the Bos and he saved the day yesterday, with a good punt as well. Also Considered: Scotty Miller, how hard do you think it is to come off the street and have to hold for an NFL kicker with the game pretty much on the line. T.J. Watt who is just an absolute monster. Cam Heyward with a big day.

Beer of the Game: Called an audible and went with old faithful Miller Lite, never disappoints and I did the aluminum bottles which were ice cold. KGB and Little Miss Tailgate went with Corona Light.

“Steel the Snacks”: Fried Chicken and Waffles a southern staple and Perogies a Pittsburgh staple. Eating the leftovers as I type this blog. PHENOMENAL and something they drew rave reviews on Social Media.

My Stat of the week: SIX Field goals for 18 points tying a Steelers record and three of those were for 57, 51 and 56. The 56 was with one second left. It was an outstanding performance.

My Thoughts on next week: This is the CLASSIC Steelers trap game that has plagued Mike Tomlin throughout his career. Houston pulled the upset yesterday with a big win over Jacksonville and the Steelers have the Ravens looming the following week. On paper this should be a big win, they need the offense to perform like it did yesterday and they will make quick work of the Texans.

Jersey of the Week: Went with Cam “Steelhead” Heyward #97 Away, he just signed a long-term deal with the team, and he will go down as one of the greatest players in Steelers history.

We are back, this is our 2024 review of the current roster. Look for more changes as players get released and moved around. We will be doing the weekly game report.