The Steelers once again fell apart and the offense never got on track in San Francisco, sending Pittsburgh to an 0-3 start. It was another inconsistent effort by the Steelers on both sides of the ball as the defense surrendered the half time lead and the offense struggled to run the ball with any kind of consistency.
Mason Rudolph’s performance was passable in the second half after a rough first half. Rudolph was a paltry 8 for 15 for 40 yards in the first half and squandered opportunities for the Steelers to take a big lead. He finished with 174 yards two touchdowns and one interception.
He didn’t get a lot of help from the offensive line and the running game. James Conner never got on track and coughed up the ball in a big spot. The Steelers were driving to put the 49ers away and the fumbled caused new life. Conner finished with just 43 yards on 13 carries. The protection was okay but not great and running room is still hard to come by.
The defense again shows flashes of brilliance and then faded. The defensive line was gassed and gashed from being on the field too long and gave up 168 yards on the ground. The 49ers played an up-tempo offense and with the slow start by the offense the defense struggled keeping up, especially given the situation. The Steelers are soft in the middle and struggle in coverage especially with tight ends. Mark Barron continues to struggle and made several costly mistakes, and Bud Dupree still hasn’t found his stride. The 49ers converted 6 of 11 third downs.
T.J. Watt and Stephon Tuitt both have been standouts so far and Minkah Fitzpatrick had a nice first game.
Once again, the finger is going to be pointed at the coaches who continue to fail to adjust in a tough environment. The offense needs to figure out a way to run the football and the defense needs to figure out a way to stop it. Until that is done, this team will not start winning.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: We are going with Stephon Tuitt; he had another big day and was all over the 49er’s backfield. Also Considered: Mason Rudolph, he had an uneven performance but never shrunk from the moment and he had no help from the running game or the line. T. J. Watt who had a big interception.
Where I watched the game: In Saratoga, at a conference on my phone and at a bar called “The Stadium” which is my go-to for the Steelers games when I am away. I watched with my buddy Dan and the beer of choice was Miller Lite and the snack was ridiculously hot wings. The loss put me in a bad mood, and I was jerk most of the night afterwards.
My Stat of the week: 21-Points, which is what the Steelers defense has given up two weeks in a row during two heartbreaking losses.
My Thoughts on next week: The Steelers season is slowly slipping away, a loss to the reeling Bengals will be the nail in the coffin. Sooner or later the Steelers will put it together, this should be the week.
This week’s Jersey: David DeCastro #66, Away White.