Beer We Go Steelers

LET”S DO THIS!!! BEER WE GO STEELERS!!

It has been awhile! We are excited for the 2019-20 Season! The Steelers are in a “transition” year but that seems to be a good thing as they move to be more focused on football and less focused on the drama. They look poised to make big waves. We pivoted on this year’s shirt and have dedicated them to Darryl Drake!

The Steelers have been good, now it is time to be great!

The Steelers once again seem to put together a very solid draft on paper;

Here is the BWG Analysis:

Round 1 (10): Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan

For the first time since 2003 the Steelers made a bold move and traded up to grab Bush. Bush is a stout athletic defender that will immediately pay dividends. He has great instincts and will be a three down linebacker. He also can help in the pass rush from the outside or in the gaps. In our analysis this was the biggest need the Steelers had and this is the perfectt casting for that need.

GRADE: Six Pack

Round 3 (66): Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo

Every year the Steelers draft someone and it just doesn’t add up. (See Colin Holba) This is that pick, it felt like a huge reach and while he seems like a capable player and it would be foolish to second guess the Steelers on receiver talent, spending a third rounder on him seemed like a huge stretch. He will be in the slot and brings great speed to the offense. Smaller player, but plays bigger than his size, improved his hands in his Senior season. He also can be a return man if needed. His being drafted could spell the end of Eli Rogers or fan favorite Ryan Switzer.

GRADE: 2-Beers

Round 3 (83): Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State

The Steelers also find gems later in the draft and this could be one of them. Layne lacks elite speed but he was a steal at this number. He had a round two grade. He can play both man and zone coverage and plays as if he is a giant. He has mediocre hands despite being a converted wide receiver, he seems like an Ike Taylor clone! He is a cover three coordinators dream and will make immediate impact.

GRADE: 5-Beers

Round 4 (122): Benny Snell Jr., RB, Kentucky

This was a little bit of a reach as Snell lacks certain speed and explosiveness. The Steelers needed running back depth and Snell gives them that, He looks like a between the tackle, short yardage back, with one cut, downhill ability. He has good NFL genes being the nephew of NFL great Matt Snell. While he is limited he should compete for a roster spot and carve out a place in the running game.

GRADE: 3-Beers

Round 5 (141): Zach Gentry, TE, Michigan

This was a great pick. Scouts are torn on this guy and you can read a report praising him or condemning him. He graded out exactly where they grabbed him and he will compete for the spot vacated by Jesse James. He has monster intangibles like a whopping 34 1/8 catch radius and being a former quarterback a high football IQ. Has huge upside and is exactly what you are hoping for this late in the draft. He also fills some depth issues.

GRADE: 4-Beers

Round 6 (175): Sutton Smith, LB, Northern Illinois

A small school phenom who will need to really step it up to be a force in the pro game. He is a one trick pony (pass rusher) and will provide needed depth at the linebacker position. Getting after the quarterback is important and will have a chance to make the team.

GRADE: 2-Beers

Round 6 (192): Isaiah Buggs, DE, Alabama

This could be the steal of the draft. He is an ideal 3-4 end or could play in the middle on the nickel and dime. He has solid NFL quickness and strength. His conditioning is a question mark and probably hurt his draft stock. He graded out as a round three prospect and the Steelers nailed this pick! Will make an immediate impact and strengthens an already strong defensive line.

GRADE: 5-Beers

Round 6 (207): Ulysees Gilbert III, ILB, Akron

Nice speed and a productive tackler who was selected for his coverage skills. He has a high motor and will be a nice addition to the team. Strong upside prospect that can compete for a spot on the depth chart. His skills translate well to special teams and looks like a nice pick in this round.

GRADE: 3-Beers

Round 7 (219): Derwin Gray, OT, Maryland

A great value pick in this spot, he will provide depth and compete for a backup role. Has the skills to compete against undrafted free agents and last years picks. He graded out as a fifth round pick and has size that scouts want. This was a good grab in the seventh and he will play somewhere in the NFL in 2019.

GRADE: 4-Beers

OVERALL DRAFT GRADE: ALMOST FULL CASE (A-)

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Michigan Wolverines linebacker Devin Bush Jr. on Thursday with the 10th overall pick.

Okay fair to say I am the worst blogger ever. I have just been swamped with my real life and at some point we will do a comprehensive write up of the AB debacle and the Le’Veon Bell business meltdown!

Today is Draft Day and as Alexander Pope says, “Hope springs eternal..” Very excited for the draft and while the Steelers have had an uneven performance over the last few years, there is plenty to be excited for! For every Jarvis Jones there has been a T.J. Watt.  So let’s dive in on what is needed.

NEEDS:

Cornerback: I can probably steel (pun intended) one of my past draft previews as this has been the toughest code to crack. While I am not ready to give up on Artie Burns, the Steelers need an upgrade across the board at this position. They need someone opposite Joe Haden who can play and contribute consistently. The Steelers have money invested in the top three spots, but this should be a day one (If there is a steal) or day two pick.

Inside Linebacker: You can not replace Ryan Shazier, it is just not possible as he was a once in a lifetime talent. Also I am not a revisionist historian, I was excited about the pick of Shazier but puzzled, that is why I am a blogger and not a GM. He was the cog that made the Steelers defense run and it is obvious that he is sorely missed. Job Bostic was badly miscast and Vince Williams was somewhat exposed without Shazier. The Steelers invested in Mark Barron but I still see this as a big need. This has to be a day one or day two pick.

Safety: The Steelers also need to crack this challenge. Morgan Burnett was a bust and it will be a long time before the Steelers make that type of move again. The depth chart is extremely soft and the Steelers need an upgrade at this spot. While this is probably a bigger need, than Cornerback or Inside Linebacker, this is a strong safety class for 2019 and the Steelers need an upgrade in coverage ability and overall athleticism and there are several value picks available. This is a day two need or early day three.

Wide Receiver: Well we had to get here at some point.  There is no formula to replace someone like Antonio Brown and a rookie certainly can’t do it. While I think the Steelers are in good shape at this spot, they need to invest a pick or two here. They have clearly proven they do a great job at finding talent here. This is a day three look.

Running Back: While the Steelers struck gold with James Conner, this position needs better depth, especially with a renewed emphasis on the run. This is a late day three pick, where there is always value at the end of the draft.

Also need another edge rusher and offensive line depth.

The Steelers got fleeced by the Raiders for AB and an unfortunate chapter is now behind us..

Just a quick note, we will be commenting on the Antonio Brown situation this week as well as discussing Mike Tomlin.

STAY TUNED

This is our 412 post! 

This is much earlier than I anticipated but here is the Beer We Go Steelers 2018 Report Card. Coach Tomlin always says, “The Standard is the Standard!” This season was a tremendous disappointment by any standard marked by too much controversary and complete under achievement.

Despite a tremendous cast of talent, the Steelers missed the playoffs for the first time in five years. The season also ended in bitter fashion with the Antonio Brown controversary.

GRADES: 

Coaching: C-, The Steelers finished at 9-6-1 and were inconsistent the whole year. It was a roller coaster ride all year long with terrible low spots and outstanding high spots. Mike Tomlin is getting crushed in the media for the end. He never gets the credit he deserves when they win and consistently takes the blame when they lose. There were several distractions and too many mistakes and that starts at the top.

Keith Butler’s, defense was inconsistent all season. They blew FIVE fourth quarter leads and surrendered a 16-point lead against the Chargers, the worst collapse in Steelers history. They blew a 14-point lead to the Browns in the fourth quarter that mercifully ended in a tie, they blew a lead to the awful Raiders. The Turnovers were non-existent, and the pass rush was spotty and inconsistent. Joey Porter was the first casualty of the purge.

Randy Fichtner offense was up and down all season. They looked brilliant at times but in a theme that was consistent with the entire season…they made too many mistakes. Costly turnovers were the difference this season. Fumbles at key times and costly interceptions doomed the team.

Danny Smith’s special teams also were lousy, highlighted by the horrible play of Chris Boswell. Boswell was the worst kicker in the NFL coming off a Pro Bowl season. His problems looked mental and he missed several key kicks and extra points. The return game was a disaster and went several weeks getting flagged on nearly every return. The good news, the Steelers threw a touchdown on special teams and blocked two field goals and two punts.

In another common theme, is it possible NOT to lose to an under .500 team on the road during a season? The Steelers lost to the awful Raiders which all but cost them the division and lost to the Broncos who were horrible. Not to mention a tie to the Browns. This is the worst mark against Mike Tomlin and his team.

QB: A, Big Ben had a great year again. He passed for a mind boggling 5000+ yards and over 30 touchdowns. He had a very good season and did a great job leading the Steelers back in several games. He consistently gives the Steelers a chance to win the game. Joshua Dobbs took a step forward.

RB: A-, Did anyone’s contract situation ever go worst than Le’Veon Bell. The offense never really missed until injuries reared their head. James Conner had a HUGE year and was on track to be the best running back in the NFL. When he was injured, Jaylen Samuels did a great job, including pasting the Patriots. Stevan Ridley, was a disappointment and made key mistakes. Roosevelt Nix played a key role on special teams (His fake punt faux pas not withstanding) and plays a great old school fullback.

WR: A+, This is the best receiving core in the NFL. The Steelers had two 1000 yards and 100 catch receivers, Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. AB and his crazy behavior not withstanding is an absolute force and one of the best players in Steelers history. His problems are all off the field and he was a distraction at times. JuJu Smith-Schuster had a huge season and continues to emerge as a superstar. James Washington took time to develop but looks like he will be a star. Ryan Switzer was an unsung hero and did what was needed. Eli Rogers did a nice job when he returned.

TE: B, Vance McDonald finally showed what the Steelers were waiting for. He played great and had the highlight of the season in Tampa! Jesse James contributed nicely and together they had over 1000 yards between them. Xavier Grimble contributed when called upon and is a solid blocker, but his fumble in Denver was a key lowlight of the season.

OL: A, The Offensive Line is outstanding and one of the best in football. The protection was excellent, giving up only 24 sacks and the running lanes were consistent if unspectacular. Alejandro Villanueva built on his success from the previous season and absolutely dominated in some games. Maurkice Pouncey and Dave DeCastro both played at a high level and the old pro Ramon Foster did well. Matt Feiler did a terrific job filling in for an injured Marcus Gilbert and looks like he will be a mainstay.

DL: B, Cameron “Steelhead” Heyward, anchored a line that played well. Heyward had eight sacks and played at an All-Pro level. Stephon Tuitt had five and a half sacks stayed healthy and anchored the line. Javon Hargrave had a great bounce back year and had seven sacks. Tyson Alualu did well when called upon and played well. Mt. McCullers made some strides but is still not a huge factor. This is now the strength of the defense.

LB: C-, A very inconsistent season for the linebackers again, the usual strength of the Steelers defense. There is no way to compensate for the loss of Ryan Shazier and the Steelers never did anything to find someone for the spot. L.J. Fort was the closest thing, but he is not Shazier. Jon Bostic was badly miscast in the middle and Vince Williams played well but was a liability in coverage. T.J. Watt had a MONSTER year and looks like he finally will break the curse of OLB first round picks. Bud Dupree was inconsistent and while he is serviceable seems to be a disappointment. Anthony Chickillo is a high motor tough player.

DB: C-, The Steelers secondary was inconsistent. Joe Haden played well and did a great job. Terrell Edmunds played the most snaps of any rookie and had a good rookie season. Artie Burns was a disaster and his lack of development really hurt the Steelers. Sean Davis had a good bounce back year. Coty Sensabaugh was serviceable but isn’t the answer. Morgan Burnett came on strong after a slow start. This unit needs a serious makeover in 2019.

Special Teams: D+, Chris Boswell, AKA “Little Bos” was awful and his touchdown pass was his only highlight. His kicking can be the attributed to the reason the Steelers didn’t make the playoffs. Jordan Berry did well overall. Kameron Canaday was a non-factor which of course is a good thing. The return teams were a non-factor despite having Ryan Switzer. Penalties plagued this unit!

One more thought…the officiating was terrible this year.

BEER WE GO STEELERS! BEER WE GO!

We will be publishing regularly so please stay with us! Next Up…The Case for Tomlin!

The Steelers put together a mediocre performance to snatch a victory from an over matched Bengals team, but the playoffs are not in the picture as the Ravens held on to beat the Browns. Ironically, it was a stout fourth quarter defense and timely kicking that won the game for the Steelers…something missing all season.

The defense held Jeff Driskel and the Bengals to a measly 196 yards of total offense, with 70 plus yard coming on two plays from Joe Mixon. The Bengals never found any kind of groove and were completely out manned all game. The Steelers recorded four sacks and never gave up a pass longer than 15 yards. It was a good performance for the defense led by T.J. Watt who had a sack and a forced fumble and Cam Heyward who had two sacks!

Playing without Antonio Brown, the offense was off all day. James Conner returned to limited action and had 14 carries were 64 yards. He finished a solid season with 973 and 12 touchdowns. The running game never got going despite playing against the worst run defense in football.

Ben Roethlisberger passed for 287 yards and one touchdown. He never found his rhythm and had a pick six on what he thought was a free play. The offense was held to its fewest points of the season scoring only 13 against the worst defense in football. Eli Rogers had a nice game with seven catches and Jaylen Samuels chipped in with seven tough catches.

Matt McCrane, who signed on Friday, had three field goals including the game winner and was called “the top of a participation” trophy by Steve Tasker. He did a nice job given the circumstances.

Why the Steelers didn’t jump the Bengals off the bus, is going to be the conversation in the press this week. They played an uninspired game given what was on the line. Blowing a 2 ½ game lead with six to play is a complete embarrassment. Needing a Browns victory and the Ravens getting the necessary stop, is insult to injury.

It will be a long off season!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Ben Roethlisberger who didn’t play a great game but finished with 5000 plus yards and 35 Touchdowns. Also considered: Matt McCrane who came off the couch to kick three field goals, Joe Haden who played a great game while his wife was in labor.

Where I watched the game: At the house with a fire and my new Steelers quilt! The beer of choice was Samuel Adams Winter Lager and we had left over six-foot hero from a party we had the night before. I had Chicken Cutlet with roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella and KGB had Italian.

My Stat of the week: Going with Ben Roethlisberger throwing for 5,129 yards the most in Steelers history and he is one of only seven people in NFL history to do it.

My Thoughts on next week: The Steelers will have to contemplate a long off season and think about how a Super Bowl contender got ousted in the regular season.

This week’s Jersey: Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster, #19 Golden Jersey. It might be one of my favorites now and was a gift from KGB