It is hard to feel disappointment about a 3-1 start considering all the media left the Steelers for dead before week one. They were so close especially after a goal line stand that left the Rat birds with less than three minutes and one timeout, it gives you pause. At the end of the day you have to score points and while it was preferred that the Steelers go 4-0 without Ben. I think Sunday it was evident he was sorely needed and should quiet any Batch should start rumors!
The game plan was in the immortal words of Myron Cope “EL STINKO” and the coaching staff has to take the blame here. I was extremely disappointed in the defensive play calling for the last series. Going to the prevent defense basically cost the Steelers the game. When they finally dialed up the blitz it was picked up and it was fatal. TJ Howdoyouspelmyjerkname drove the dagger in when he caught the winning pass with about 32 seconds left which made the loss an even tougher pill to swallow.
The offensive game plan was about as exciting as a white bread sandwich. After the week Batch had I figured they might try and do something resembling a forward pass. They just weren’t aggressive and for the most part they moved the ball when they needed to which makes it all the more frustrating. The network actually posted a stat that Batch hadn’t completed a pass in over ONE HOUR of time. It was just a completely awful performance. I communicated with Captain Tailgate in the stands and his response was “Offense needs to step the F-up”. That was an understatement and one first down would have sealed it, in the end it cost us the game.
Special teams played a mediocre game! I am not going to criticize Antonio Brown as he was trying to be aggressive but how about telling him how precious time was at the end. Jeff Reed also played a HORRIBLE game and while I would give him a “mulligan” he has not been reliable this year. We aren’t going anywhere without him so I hope he straightens out! Dan Sepulveda did a solid job.
Here are the positives! THE STEELERS are 3-1 and if you asked me would I sign up for this at the beginning of the season I would have! The defense played a solid game and their effort would have been good enough to win almost any other week. I also am starting to like the O-line. Flozell has done okay and at times he has showed flashes of dominance. I think Legursky is the unsung hero as he played great, Starks played well Sunday, ‘Kemo” is a mauler on run blocking and still struggles with the pass and Pouncey is just plain terrific! Penalties aside I like these guys.
If Ben plays like Ben can, this team will be DEADLY, I honestly believe that!
THE FACTS
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Max Starks, why would an O-lineman get the game ball considering the Steelers only averaged 3.1 yards per rush and 84 yards rushing? Ask yourself how many times Batch was seriously rushed to make a throw. Starks dominated Suggs and while he had one sack he really was a non factor.
Where I watched the game: Back on the Couch watching the big screen! I was in contact with the Captain the whole game who was in the stands at the ‘Burgh!
My thoughts on Next Week: BYE WEEK, happy to be going into the bye at 3-1. Next week’s posting is going to be about the “Ben issue” and then I am never going to bring it up again.
We are 3-1! BEER WE GO STEELERS!! BEER WE GO!