It was an ugly game all around and once again it came down to making plays and executing and the Steelers did neither, getting demolished by their cross-state rival Philadelphia Eagles. Changes need to be made all around, but at the end of the day, it is the complete and total lack of any kind of execution that is frustrating to watch.
The Steelers offense was once again absent and struggling. They mustered just one touchdown on a great play by Chase Claypool but other than that there was not much to write about on a dismal day that saw no room to run, no way to pass and no push up front.
Kenny Pickett is playing like a struggling rookie, while there are always flashes of brilliance in every game, he continues to make costly and crucial mistakes. Pickett finished 25 for 38 for 191 yards with no touchdowns a lost fumbled that all but sealed the loss and of course the now ceremonial fourth quarter pick when the Steelers are driving. Not that it mattered in this game, but it would have at least provided some spark. The offensive line had their worst game of the season regarding protection, with Pickett getting dumped six times. Once again penalties plagued the unit, with two illegal formations and of course an illegal man downfield penalty, which happens every game now.
The running game is non-existent for the third straight season. What has happened to Najee Harris? Too much dancing and not enough smashing, despite opportunities he is not capitalizing, and his season must be considered a huge disappointment at this point. He finished with 32 yards on eight carries and led the team in catches with six, but he made a crucial mistake on a catch that cost the Steelers a first down. Jaylen Warren was somewhat of a bright spot banging out 50 yards on only eight carries.
The lack of production by the Wide Receivers is mind boggling. The talent in this group is limitless and deep, but once again just doesn’t show up on the stat sheet. George Pickens was shutout although he made a catch that Coach Tomlin failed to challenge. Diontae Johnson had five catches for 35 yards. Chase Claypool had the longest catch of the season for 25 yards and he combined with Pat Frieiermuth for eight catches and 102 yards between them.
The defense has not come up with any timely plays this season and Sunday’s game epitomized that. Minkah Fitzpatrick missed an almost guaranteed interception on the Eagles first touchdown of the game. That put the Steelers down by seven. Ahkello Witherspoon looked very rusty in his return, he was victimized by A.J. Brown for two big scores. He was eventually replaced in the second half by James Pierre.
The front seven put in a respectable if not mediocre performance. Malik Reed, finally had his first sack as did recently brought up Carlos Davis. The pass rush though is always a step too slow and Alex Highsmith and Cam Heyward consistently draw the double team. Even the blitz is not working on big downs. The Steelers bottled up the running game for the most part, but Miles Sanders made every play he needed to in the game and finished with 78 yards on only nine carries.
The Special teams had a newcomer this week, Nick Sciba the most accurate kicker in NCAA history. He converted both of his field goal chances and his extra point try, but it is clear why he isn’t in the NFL, his kickoffs are awful, and he even booted one out of bounds. Pressley Harvin had an improved game including a 55-yard bomb. Steven Sims didn’t really contribute and the coverages and returns were okay, but of course racked up a holding call as well as an illegal formation.
The coaching staff had another rough game. Coach Tomlin missed a clear winnable challenge on a catch by George Pickens, he also opted for the Field Goal when the Steelers trailed by 18, while that was mathematically correct, you can feel at that point there was no longer a chance to win the game. Teryl Austin didn’t make the needed adjustments and even with a respectable performance up front, gave up way too many big plays. At this point how much worse can this offense get. They lead the league in three and outs and a successful running game is a distant memory. Despite having big splash receivers, they never throw downfield. That is partially a rookie quarterback issue, it is partially the worst offensive line in the leagues fault.
The Steelers head into a much needed by week, looking for something to salvage this disastrous season.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Seriously hard to give it to anyone, the performance was that bad, Honorable Mention: Carlos Davis for his first sack and Nick Sciba going three for three on his professional NFL kicking debut.
Beer of the Game: Broke out some Sam Adams Winter which was outstanding as usual, while it didn’t produce any Steelers results.
“Steel the Snacks”: Classic Philadelphia Cheesesteak. They were homemade and the steak was a boneless sirloin pan fried and cooked by KGB and shaved down and then cooked with the peppers (Yes we use peppers) and onions with Provolone.
My Stat of the week: Six sacks, by the Eagles defense, I have said it before and will continue to say it, I was worried putting Pickett behind this line, he is absolutely getting creamed as predicted. Also, Pickett now has thrown EIGHT interceptions in 165 attempts, that is just too many mistakes.
My Thoughts on next week: The Steelers head into a much needed by week, the season is all but over, however there is still much to play for!
Jersey of the Week: We had to go to a memorial service in the morning, so no jersey this week. For the game rocked the new BWG shirt.