Beer We Go Steelers

The Steelers defense crumbled against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. Falling 35-25 for their second straight defeat.

It was another gut-wrenching defensive performance. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Green Bay Packers exposed a deep, systemic breakdown on the defensive side of the ball. The sheer number of problems is overwhelming, but the failure of the defense—and the coaching staff to fix it—cannot be overstated. The secondary is an absolute disaster, and the entire team played with unacceptable undisciplined emotion.

It’s hard to believe that at one point this looked like the best secondary in the NFL. The players are there but they clearly struggle to all fit together. Either way, the defense’s poor play is a direct reflection on the coaching staff. Once again, there were no adjustments made to stop the bleeding. The undisciplined penalties were a big problem, too.

The secondary was absolutely torched again. Green Bay QB Jordan Love was tossing the ball around at one point in the second half, the guy completed 21 consecutive passes. He finished the night with a stunning 360 yards and three touchdowns. Over the last two games, the secondary has allowed a combined 702 passing yards (remember Flacco’s 342 yards just 10 days ago?). He also threw up to lolly pop tosses that resulted in huge plays. This isn’t just bad football, this is a defensive disaster that is just embarrassing. As if it couldn’t get worse, the Steelers also lost DeShon Elliot in what appears to be a serious injury.

It is not all on the secondary though, what happened to the pass rush? The supposed strength of the team was nowhere to be found. Even James Harrison as the honorary captain, didn’t help.

T.J. Watt was non-existent and is having a tough year impacting games. He finished with six tackles against the run, but never really came close to a sack. The other outside linebackers were nowhere to be found, too. The Packers didn’t allow a sack and the front seven only registered five QB hits all game. It was a flat-out embarrassing performance.

In the middle, Payton Wilson led the team with nine tackles, but it was a rough night for Patrick Queen, who was practically invisible with only three tackles and several crucial missed tackles that turned routine plays into big gains. This whole unit needs to be reengineered.

The run defense continues to improve and kept the Packers mostly in check. The Packers made the adjustments and shifted to the short passing game, which the Steelers had no answers for. The interior pass rush was also woefully inept. Cam Heyward did have seven tackles and was the lone bright spot. No other defensive lineman had more than two.

The offense at this point needs to be the strength of the team. Aaron Rodgers’ stat line—219 yards, two touchdowns, and a clean sheet with no interceptions—was completely wasted. There were several key mistakes that hampered the scoring chances.

The offensive line is getting better every week. Th run blocking was solid, and the pass protection for the most part held up well. The Packers had three sacks, including two from Rashan Gary. Micah Parsons had the other but all three can be contributed to the Steelers playing so far behind the sticks. It wouldn’t be the Beer We Go Blog if we didn’t mention “extra” tackle Spencer Anderson reeling in the first catch of his career.

The running game is finally on track. The Steelers rushed for 93 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The Packers had the NFL’s second-ranked run defense entering the game. The Steelers had more yards at halftime (81) than the Packers had been giving up on average in games (76). Jaylen Warren continues to run hard and provide some punishing runs. He finished the game with 62 rushing yards. Kenneth Gainwell’s was having a solid day until he fumbled late in the game, he chipped in with 31 yards on only six runs.

Roman Wilson had the biggest night of his career. He hauled in four passes for 74 receiving yards and scored his first career touchdown. DK Metcalf grabbed five passes for 55 yards, but dropped a first quarter touchdown and midway through the fourth quarter, he was called for a personal foul, turning a 3rd-and-2 into a 3rd-and-17, on a drive the Steelers needed to convert on. Calvin Austin had four catches on his return.

There are not enough superlatives to describe Chris Boswell. He had another monster night hitting all four of his field goal tries on a less-than-ideal playing surface. He banged three 50+ yarders with room to spare. Corliss Waitman was solid in his efforts as usual.

The officials again were horrible and missed an obvious offsides call on the Packers early in the third quarter, this is the second week in a row that the ref’s inability to handle the game cost the Steelers. But that being written good teams can overcome bad calls. The inability of the coaching staff to reel in the emotions of the players played a big role in the eventual outcome.

The fan base is going to be very restless this week. The Steelers defense which looked to be nearly unstoppable on paper is absolutely atrocious in execution. Despite what looks like a star studded cast they can’t seem to find any success. It is the coaches’ responsibility to make the adjustments.

With the division still in their control, they need to fix this and fix it now.

Beer We Go Steelers, Beer We Go!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Has to be Chris Boswell, he is an absolute force and a bright spot this season.  Also Considered: Spencer Anderson for his first career catch, Jaylen Warren who is starting to find himself.

Beer of the Game: IC Light for me as we were in the Burg for the game. KGB went with Blockhouse Pumkin also from Iron City Brewing.

“Steel the Snacks”: We did “Steel Snacks” since we were at the tailgate of “The Terrible Bra and Grille” KGB picked up Sunseri Atomic Rolls, and we had a hot sausage sandwich made by one of the tailgaters.

My stat of the week: Another tragic one this week, 360 yards thrown by Jordan Love, the most yards against the Steelers this season and the third quarterback this season to pass for over 300 yards.

My thoughts on next week: The Steelers are in big trouble right now. They have one of the highest scoring offenses coming to town in the Indianapolis Colts against one of the worst secondaries in football.

Jersey of the Week: My Gamer, Joe Greene #75 Home black. This is my go to Jersey when I am in attendance for games.

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Cincinnati Bengals in an awful performance that highlighted critical issues on the defensive side of the ball, despite the best performance of the season from the Steelers’ offense. While quarterback Aaron Rodgers tossed four touchdowns and the running game flourished, costly errors and a defensive collapse against the Bengals’ passing and running attacks proved to be the difference.

The secondary was exposed by the Bengals’ star receivers. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins dominated, with Chase recording a remarkable 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown, and Higgins adding six catches for 96 yards and a score.

Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin’s unit had no answer, regardless of whether they employed man or zone coverage. Even when double-teaming both receivers, quarterback Joe Flacco was able to find success, including a critical late first-half connection with Andrei Iosivas. It was a tough night for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. struggled, incurring two more pass interference penalties and being victimized in man coverage. DeShon Elliot led the team in tackles with nine.

The run defense was embarrassing. The Bengals, who entered the game with the league’s worst rushing attack (averaging 57 yards per game), gashed the Steelers for 142 yards on the ground, accumulating 97 by halftime. Aside from an early sack by Keeanu Benton and a late-game effort by Cam Heyward that set up a Watt sack, the pass rush from the outside linebackers, including Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, was largely a non-factor. Inside linebacker Cole Holcomb led with seven tackles, but the inability to stop yards after contact, particularly by Chase Brown on the second level, gashed the Steelers.

The Steelers’ offensive line is beginning to come together. They had their best game of the season. Showcasing elite run-blocking that allowed the backs to average 7.4 yards per carry, while Aaron Rodgers was not sacked for the second consecutive game. Running back Jaylen Warren tied his career high with 127 rushing yards and totaled 158 yards from scrimmage. He had an outstanding day.

The offense made two critical errors and were hampered by poor decision-making. Aaron Rodgers threw two interceptions, giving Cincinnati 10 points off turnovers.

You are starting to see the offense and what the vision is, the tight ends carried the passing game. Pat Freiermuth finally broke through with a significant performance, catching five passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. The tight end trio (Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington) combined for 141 of Rodgers’ 249 passing yards. It was good to see Roman Wilson get some action and he chipped in two catches. DK Metcalf had 50 yards and three catches.

In special teams, rookie returner Ke’Shawn Williams provided a spark, averaging 30.3 yards per kickoff return and executing a 17-yard punt return. Punter Corliss Waitman was effective, pinning the Bengals inside the 20 on both attempts. Chris Boswell bounced back from last week and put together his usual performance.

It was a lousy night.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Jaylen Warren who put together his best game of the season and was outstanding, averaging a WHOPPING 7.9 yards per carry.  Also Considered: Pat Freiermuth who finally had his breakout game, putting up 111 yards and scoring what was the go ahead touchdown at the time.

Beer of the Game: Montauk Pumpkin Ale, I had spent the later part of the day there and thought this was a good omen…it wasn’t.

“Steel the Snacks”: KGB made Skyline Chili over spaghetti, she absolutely nailed it and the magic of the snacks worked at least for a little while.

My stat of the week: BWG are Tomlin supporters, but his record on Thursday Night Division opponents is a huge negative mark on his career. Mike Tomlin’s record in Thursday Night Football road games against AFC North divisional opponents is now 0 wins and 7 losses (0-7), that is just embarrassing.

My thoughts on next week: The Steelers will have plenty of time to get ready for the Green Bay Packers, we will be there!

Jersey of the Week: No Jersey as it was a work day, I did wear my black sport coat with a gold pocket silk.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially 4-1 and sitting atop the AFC North after a dominant 23-9 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, marking the 22nd consecutive regular season home victory over the Browns, a streak that must frustrate the Cleveland Browns.

This victory was the best of the season and highlighted execution on both sides of the ball, particularly against a vaunted Browns defense that entered the game giving up a league-low 247 yards per game. The Steelers absolutely torched that average, putting up 335 total yards.

The number one key to the offensive game plan was neutralizing Myles Garrett, and the offensive line, spearheaded by Broderick Jones, executed flawlessly. Garrett, who boasted pre-game about adding Aaron Rodgers to his “graveyard,” was kept off the stat sheet. Effective use of chip blocks and double teams kept him away from the Steelers’ 41-year-old quarterback, and when Jones was in a one-on-one, he pushed Garrett around and mauled him. Rodgers was not sacked, marking the second time in three games the offensive line has pitched a shutout keeping Rodgers off the ground.

Arthur Smith’s play-calling was sharp from the jump, highlighting the kind of week-to-week schematic evolution that defines a top offensive coordinator. On the very first play, he dialed up a shot out of a jumbo personnel package featuring tight end Darnell Washington and extra lineman Spencer Anderson. Washington snuck through the line for a huge 36-yard gain, immediately setting up the first of Chris Boswell’s three field goals.

Aaron Rodgers continues to prove he is exactly what this team needs. He followed up a high-scoring game with another incredibly efficient performance, going 21 for 30 for 235 yards with two touchdowns and, most importantly, zero interceptions. He now boasts a stellar 11 touchdowns against only three interceptions through the first five games. His veteran pocket presence was on full display as he evaded the rush and even found ways to gain positive yardage, including a clever flip to Jaylen Warren to avoid a sack and pick up a first down.

The line’s ability to control the line of scrimmage was not just for pass protection; it was the driving force behind a resurgent run game that recorded an even 100 yards. The coaching staff made a concerted effort to keep a rotation going, giving Jaylen Warren (returning from a knee injury) the lead role, while Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson also chipped in. Warren led the team with 52 yards on a 4.7-yard average. Fresh legs wore down the Cleveland defense, with all three backs ripping off runs of 10 yards or more. Warren and Gainwell were also productive out of the backfield, combining for eight catches.

DK Metcalf is quickly becoming the Steelers’ big-play threat they envisioned. He took advantage of single coverage all afternoon, finishing with four catches for 95 yards. Three of those receptions went for 25-plus yards, including a touchdown early in the fourth quarter that stretched the lead to a comfortable 17 points. The tight end room also had a productive day, with Darnell Washington’s 36-yarder to start the game and a nifty 12-yard touchdown snag by Connor Heyward.

On defense, the plan was simple and executed to perfection: stop the run and force rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel to beat them. They held the Browns to a meager 65 rushing yards on 17 attempts. With the run game shut down, Gabriel was forced into a massive 52 drop-backs, continually having to check the ball down to underneath receivers.

The pass rush was relentless. Rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon continued his impressive debut season, picking up another sack and leading the D-line with four tackles. The outside linebacker rotation might be the best in football and proved to be too much for the Browns. Nick Herbig, who is quickly making a name for himself, added two sacks to lead the team with 4.5 on the season. Even with Alex Highsmith returning from his high-ankle sprain (and adding a half-sack), Herbig’s playing time remains a priority, and he continues to capitalize. T.J. Watt added a half-sack and forced several errant throws from Gabriel.

The full-strength secondary was outstanding, getting a major boost from the return of Joey Porter Jr. (five tackles, two pass breakups) and the continued strong play of the safety duo. Jalen Ramsey, just two weeks after a hamstring injury, tallied his first two-sack game of his career along with six tackles. DeShon Elliott led the entire defense with twelve tackles. The secondary held firm, not allowing the rookie quarterback to reach the end zone even on multiple late-game red zone drives. Jabril Peppers chipped in and had a fumble recovery negated by a penalty.

Special teams took a major step back. Chris Boswell was 3-for-4, with his only miss being after a slip on the sloppy Acrisure turf. However, punter Corliss Waitman shanked one punt for 34 yards, and a promising 47-yard return by new practice squad elevation Ke’Shawn Williams was nullified by a questionable blindside block penalty.

It was a solid and decisive victory, the Steelers now have a quick turnaround.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Broderick Jones, who has been BBQ all season for his lackluster play, he took on the best defensive end in the NFL, and he put him in his pocket. Also Considered: Aaron Rodgers for his outstanding play, Nick Herbig who is becoming a huge asset.

Beer of the Game: KGB and I both went with Guinness.

“Steel the Snacks”: KGB made Cleveland Po’boys, which were Kielbasa, with BBQ sauce, French fries, and Cole Slaw on the bun. The snacks had a significant effect on the game as usual.

My stat of the week: I am superstitious, so I am not going with 22 in a row during the regular season. I am going with TWO, the number of tackles that Myles Garrett had in the game. He was shut out.

My thoughts on next week: As in this Thursday, the Steelers will go on the road and battle a Joe Flacco led Bengals squad. Flacco brings the Bengals back from being an “also ran” to a tough team. Why the Browns would trade him in the division is beyond me.

Jersey of the Week: Heath Miller, 83, Blackout Jersey. I love this jersey and it is one of my favorites, I was hoping that it would help start up the Tight End group, which might be the best in football, it did help them out, but we want to see more ‘Muth.