Beer We Go Steelers

We are back, this is our 2024 review of the current roster. Look for more changes as players get released and moved around. We will be doing the weekly game report.

Troy Fautanu T! Solid pick!

The Steelers made a major splash in the offseason to address their quarterback woes. Grabbing a past and hopefully future great:

• Russell Wilson: A veteran quarterback with a Super Bowl win and multiple Pro Bowl appearances. Wilson brings experience, leadership, and a dynamic skillset to the Steelers offense.
• Justin Fields: A young, talented quarterback with starting experience. Fields provides depth and competition at the position, and could potentially be the future starter.

BIG win for Omar Khan, trading for Fields and signing Wilson on a team-friendly deal. This gives them a strong starting option in Wilson with a high-potential backup in Fields, completely revamping their quarterback situation from uncertainty to a position of strength.

Trading Kenny Pickett was rough, but “we want volunteers, not hostages”

It was a microcosm of the season in one game. A tough start, too many mistakes, conservative play calling and then a valiant comeback attempt that came up just a bit short. That will be the tale of the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers as it was the tale of their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills 31-17 in a frigid Highmark Stadium.

The Steelers’ playoff hopes came crashing down, exposing several fundamental weaknesses that plagued their performance throughout the season. Mason Rudolph’s costly interception in the end zone early in the second quarter was a pivotal moment, but it was just one symptom of a broader offensive struggle. The running game, so vital to their recent success, was shut down by the Bills’ stacked box, failing to replicate any kind of late season success, the offensive line’s inability to control the line of scrimmage hampered both the run and pass game, and the play calling lacked the necessary imagination to effectively challenge the Bills’ depleted secondary.

Mason Rudolph’s early second-quarter interception in the end zone on 2nd-and-goal proved a pivotal turning point in the Steelers’ playoff hopes. Rudolph showed flashes of what got him to this point of the season, including leading the Steelers to within a touchdown in the fourth quarter, the early interception remained a critical turning point that ultimately overshadowed his late-game heroics.

It was a good effort especially rallying from 21 points down, but it was not enough.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Cam Heyward, who played his guts out on Monday night and played tough. Also Considered: Montravius Adams who has been a solid contributor since he has been with the Steelers, his blocked field goal started the would be comeback.

Beer of the Game: The Big IC Light, IC Light 24ounce championship cans! The result was lousy, but the beer was solid and very cold. KGB went with IC Light Mango which was very good!

“Steel the Snacks”: We came back with a vengeance with Buffalo Chicken sliders that were homemade, KGB did a phenomenal job and we had homemade slaw with the Sliders.

My Stat of the week: Fourteen points off turnovers. The Steelers turned the ball over twice, the Bills scored on both turnovers and in the end that was the difference in the game.

My thoughts on next week: It is going to be a long offseason without the Steelers!

Jersey of the Week: Steelers throwback practice jersey. NO NAME. I tried to stay with the winning theme and wore my Steelers throwback practice jersey.

The Steelers got it done and then compliments of former Steeler Mike Vrabel, walk into the playoffs…

It was a game they had to have, and they went and got it. The Steelers were able to manhandle the Baltimore Ravens J.V. squad defeating them 17-10 on a cold and rainy day in Baltimore. The Steelers punched their ticket to the playoffs with a little help from the Tennessee Titans, who sent the loud mouth Terrible Towel stomping Jaguars home!

Mason Rudolph put together a solid if unspectacular week and continued his winning ways. It would seem unfathomable that he would not start next week now. Rudolph finished 18 of 20 for 152 tidy yard in treacherous conditions and one huge touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson. Johnson led the team with 89 yards. What didn’t show up in the stat sheet was his ability to keep George Pickens under control, who was held without a catch and target.

The running game continued its’ renaissance grinding out 155 yards on the ground led by Najee Harris with 26 carries and 112 yards. Jaylen Warren contributed 33 yards on the ground with the longest run of the day, a 23-yarder. Warren seemed to struggle with the elements and fumbled twice, losing one. Both backs had five catches.

The defense knew the Ravens game plan and were able to thwart it. Tyler Huntley, filled in for Lamar Jackson and struggled for the most part. The running game never really got going and the defense held the Ravens to just 224 yards.

T.J. Watt had two sacks and finished as the league leader, before leaving with a knee injury. Markus Golden also recorded a sack, as he filled in for the injured Watt, that helped seal the victory. Mark Robinson had a big day with a sack and a fumble punch out late in the second quarter.

The secondary was never really tested, and Huntley finished with under 150 yards in the air. Eric Rowe’s forced fumble all but sealed the victory giving the Steelers excellent field position and setting up a 10-point lead late in the fourth quarter. Considering Rowe was on the couch as late as November it was a terrific job helping the Steelers leaky secondary.

Chris Boswell finished his outstanding bounce back season, with the clinching 25-yard field goal. He finished the season 29-31 on field goals. Pressley Harvin III was his usual maddening inconsistent self. He belted a great punt that trapped the Ravens inside the 10-yard line. The coverage team had too many men on the field, he then flubbed the re-kick a paltry 26 yards.

Calvin Austin III breathed life into the return game on punts, with 92 yards on five returns. He had a 34-yard return the Steelers didn’t capitalize on. Give credit to Godwin Igwebuike who made a heads up play on a Justin Turner kickoff, grabbing the ball with one foot out of bounds, costing the Ravens a penalty and giving the Steelers the ball at the 40.

It has been such a Jekyll and Hyde season for the Steelers coaching staff, but one thing was certain despite numerous injuries and all sorts of outside noise and distractions, Coach Tomlin kept the train on the tracks and the Steelers were able to make the playoffs!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Going Eric Rowe whose forced fumble, basically sealed the victory for the Steelers, six weeks ago he was on the couch watching football. Also Considered: Godwin Igwebuike who made a heads up play on the kickoff, with one foot out of bounds costing the Ravens a penalty and field position.

Beer of the Game: The Big Iron, Iron City 24ounce cans! Had to go with the original! The Steelers signature beer did the trick this week!

“Steel the Snacks”: No “Steel the Snacks” again because of the Saturday game.

My Stat of the week: Going with 19 sacks, T.J. Watt, is the first player in NFL history to lead the league in sacks in three different seasons, he is also only the fourth player to have two 19-sack seasons, Demarcus Ware, Mark Gastineau and his brother J.J. were the other three.

My thoughts on next week: Well by a minor miracle the Steelers will head into Buffalo for the first round of the playoffs. It will be a tough outing but the Steelers are made for these types of games. It looks like no T.J. Watt which will make this infinitely tougher. However the Steelers are likely to get back both starting safeties!

Jersey of the Week: Steelers 1962 Logo Jersey without a number. I love this jersey and I decided to give it a shot for the last weekend of the regular season!

The Steelers out muscled the Seahawks in a win that was a testament to their resilience and opportunistic play and after three years of slumber the offense finally looks like it is waking up.

The coaching staff deserves a lot of credit here. Mike Tomlin clearly had an aggressive game plan, and it set the tone. The Steelers went for it on fourth down three times and converted twice. They didn’t shy away after missing on their first attempt. Tomlin stayed aggressive turning Mason Rudolph loose and his faith paid off. The defense is banged up right now and the offense has stepped up these last two weeks.

Mason Rudolph is making a major case to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2024 and it begs the question why he didn’t get a better and longer look until now. He has absolutely delivered and made some of the biggest throws of the season. It is not an understatement to say that he saved the season. Rudolph finished 18 for 24 for 274 yards with no touchdowns. He also did a great job on the sneak play, something that the Steelers have been missing for years.

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren absolutely hammered the Seahawks front seven and controlled the line of scrimmage. Harris had two touchdowns and could have scored a third. Warren plays so much bigger than he is and has been a tough performer all season, he had one touchdown on an 18-yard carry, he also pulled in four catches.

You do not run that well without a strong performance by the offensive line. Broderick Jones had a highlight day and was handing out pancakes all over the field. Behind the line the Steelers finished with 202 rushing yards, second only to the 205 yards they grinded out against the Packers game in Pittsburgh.

George Pickens had another big day, and his media troubles seem to be in the rearview mirror. He finished with seven catches for 131 yards including a highlight reel catch, a 34-yarder early in the fourth quarter, that will be on the NFL highlight reel this season. Diontae Johnson had four catches for 76 yards. Pat Freiermuth contributed with 44 receiving yards on three catches.

Nick Herbig had arguably the biggest play of the day getting his strip sack midway through the fourth quarter. That turnover gave the Steelers the ball deep in Seattle territory and let them build their lead to 10. Myles Jack once again had a very good day with eight tackles in the game filling in for an injured Elandon Roberts. Cam Heyward had a batted down pass and played well, setting the point of attack.

The secondary struggled but made plays when they needed to. Patrick Peterson did a nice job playing safety. Eric Rowe did a solid job and led the team in tackles with 10. He was a nice mid-season pickup. Joey Porter Jr. hung tough against DK Metcalf.

Chris Boswell made all three of his field goal attempts. He is now 28 for 30 on the season. Pressley Harvin III only had to punt once and he banged a 46-yarder inside the 20.

After a disastrous start of the month, the Steelers recovered and worked their way back to playoff contention.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Najee Harris AND Jaylen Warren who both absolutely stomped the Seahawks defense, for a whopping 197 yards between them. The best run though was the one Najee didn’t make, sliding before the goal line and sealing the victory. Also Considered: Mason Rudolph who has brought the offense back to life.

Beer of the Game: We went to an Irish Pub to watch the game and celebrate the ball dropping in Dublin. I had Guinness and KGB had Smithwicks. Both are our favorites.

“Steel the Snacks”: We didn’t steel the snacks this week again. We did go with wings, onion ring, appetizers, and corned beef sandwiches at the pub!

My Stat of the week: It is now 17 season that Mike Tomlin, has not had a losing season. The media downplays this and for whatever reason the fan base hates the stat, but there is something to be said about the fact that the Steelers are in contention the last week of the year with the number of injuries they are battling and the horrible start the offense had this season. ALSO, The Steelers have scored 30 points in back-to-back weeks for the first time this season and the first time since 2018 when they did it week 2 and 3.

My thoughts on next week: It is Raven’s week! Funny thing about this, the Ravens are in great shape after pulverizing two of the NFL’s best teams in consecutive weeks. They are likely to play only backups and that scares me more than if they went with their varsity. (I still hate Cody Carlson) Don’t think for one second that Baltimore wouldn’t love to send the Steelers home this week!

Jersey of the Week: Joey Porter #55, Away Jersey. I guess technically this is a throwback, but when I bought it, it was new. Chose this one in conjunction with D-Man wearing his Joey Porter Jr. jersey!

The Steelers led by Mason Rudolph won a must win game against the Cincinnati Bengals..

It was just short of a Christmas miracle, somehow the Steelers beat up the Bengals 34-11, dealing Cincinnati a serious blow to their playoff contention and putting up of their best offensive performance in several years!

With starter Kenny Pickett still sidelined due to injury and a wildly ineffective Mitch Trubisky on the bench, the Steelers looked to former backup and current third stringer Mason Rudolph. Who surprisingly thrived after waiting to get the start. He threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with George Pickens for both scores. Pickens finished with a stellar 195 yards and 2 touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as a rising star after a media storm surrounded him all week.

Najee Harris had a tough grind out game with 78 yards and a touchdown, accounting for a big piece of the 113 yards the Steelers garnered.

It was a dominant performance for the defense up front. The Bengals were held to just 59 yards on the ground and put Jake Browning on his heels most of the game. Browning finished with 335 yards, but he was picked off three times and sacked three times. Alex Highsmith had a sack and an interception; T.J. Watt had a sack and was all over Browning. He was held on nearly every play, that isn’t hyperbole either.  With Elandon Roberts going down again, Charlie Batch #16, 😊 check that Miles Jack stepped in and had a very strong game, considering two months ago he was on the couch!

The patchwork secondary hung in there and made plays. It was a solid professional game for Patrick Peterson who was forced into playing safety. He teamed up with Eric Rowe who also was on the practice squad and both had interceptions.

Chris Boswell, drilled both his field goal attempts including a 50-yarder. It was another Pressley Harvin inconsistent performance, continuing his maddening season.

The Steelers were decimated all week between the media and the injuries and the fact that they came roaring out and basically ended the Bengals season can’t be overlooked. Coach Tomlin deserves a lot of credit for not listening to the naysayers, sticking with George Pickens and getting the middle of the lineup defense ready with guys who were not even in the league two months ago.

The last few weeks have been frustrating, and to quote Tomlin, “They don’t seek comfort.” But name another team who lost their starting Quarterback, ALL of their middle linebackers to injury, two Hall of Fame talents for a long period of time, their other starting safety to a ridiculous suspension and were still in contention going into the last two weeks of the season.

That deserves our praise NOT our derision!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Mason Rudolph for a very strong performance. Great job by the in-game promotion staff who played “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” after the game! Also Considered: George Pickens who had a very hard week in the media but saved his best performance for Sunday! Najee Harris, who had a string bounce back game as well. How about Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt both with big performances.

Beer of the Game: Went with a local Long Island Beer, WHB Pumpkin Beer. Solid well-rounded beer and had to take it easy because of holiday obligations.

“Steel the Snacks”: We didn’t “Steel the Snacks” again, so no coney dogs and skyline chili this season, we did start cooking for Christmas Eve dinner and the Feast of the Seven Fishes!

My Stat of the week: Must go 290 yards and a 124 QB Rating for Mason Rudolph, the best by a Steelers QB this season! It was a terrific performance for a guy who had zero looks from other teams and patiently waited to get his chance in the starting lineup.

My thoughts on next week: VERY TOUGH game to win in Seattle. While the playoffs remain a long shot, there is so much to play for. The Steelers will need a herculean effort and these next two weeks will determine the long-term plan for the franchise. The mainstream media is obsessed with disrespecting the non-losing season streak for Coach Tomlin, but it is important, and the team knows that.

Jersey of the Week: Even though it was “Immaculate Reception” day, I went with a blank jersey with the Steelers helmet on the front. It was to try and break the bad mojo.

The Steelers are in an absolute free fall and the ’23 season seems all but over at this point. Losing to the Indianapolis Colts and getting absolutely blown of the field in the process, 30-13.

It was a nightmare performance for Mitch Trubisky, whose time in Pittsburgh looks like it is about to come to a harsh end. His inconsistencies continue to plague the offense. The off-balance interception in the fourth quarter exemplifies his decision-making concerns. Trubisky through for 169 yards a touchdown with two interceptions. The underwhelming stats also reflect his inability to consistently move the ball downfield.

After a mid-season renaissance the run game once again has gone AWOL. Najee Harris had one of his worst days in his Steelers career. His 3rd Quarter fumble all but sealed the Steelers fate in the game and he was unable to get any sort of consistent production. Harris finished with an underwhelming 33 yards. Jaylen Warren faired slightly better but was still mostly a non-factor. He had 40 yards on 10 carries.

The defense was playing with third and fifth string middle linebackers and neither Mykal Walker, nor Mark Robinson were able to stop touchdown passes in the middle of the field. The secondary lost Damontae Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick on consecutive plays. Kazee was thrown out of the game for a nasty uncalled for hit, and Fitzpatrick went out with a knee injury. That opened the flood gates for the Colts passing game and Gardner Minshew picked apart the patchwork secondary.

The special teams had an up and down day. Bordering on the spectacular and the absurd. Conor Heyward had a blocked punt that led to a Steelers touchdown. Chris Boswell missed an extra point and then was not allowed to come out and attempt a 57-yarder for some reason. Presley Harvin was inconsistent as usual.

What has happened to the Steelers? They are going in the wrong direction!

It was and awful game on so many levels.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Conor Heyward, who had his first blocked punt of his career. That’s how far we have fallen, that this warrants the game beer. Also Considered: T.J. Watt who proves every week what a force he is.

Beer of the Game: Stuck with Sam Adams Winter Lager. The beer was great again the game not so much!

“Steel the Snacks”: Had the week off because we headed to a Holiday party!

My Stat of the week: Absolutely sickens me. THIRTEEN STRAIGHT running plays and the Steelers just could not stop it. Absolutely awful! It was also the first time the Steelers have lost at Lucas Oil Stadium and it marked the 100th loss of Mike Tomlin’s career becoming the 10th head coach to lose 100 games with one team. (Chuck Noll is the other Steelers coach on the list)

My thoughts on next week: It is a toss up game. The Steelers played strong against the Bengals last time out in Cincinnati, but they are soft in the middle from the defensive line through the safety position, that plays to the Bengals strengths.

Jersey of the Week: Franco Harris #32, Fashion Jersey. Keeping with tradition and honoring the passing of a Steelers legend last year!

The Patriots got off to a fast start and then held on to beat the Steelers 21-18 in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a frustrating 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football in Week 14, damaging their playoff hopes. A non-existent offense, a slow start and, allowing the Patriots to build an 11-point lead at halftime doomed the team. Despite a late rally in the fourth quarter, the Steelers were unable to overcome the deficit.

Offensive Struggles:

The Steelers’ offense continues to be a major concern. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw for 190 yards and a touchdown, but he also had an interception that the Patriots converted to seven points. The running game was ineffective and a non-factor, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren combining for 40 yards. The offensive line struggled to protect Trubisky and created no running room.

Defensive Lapse in First Half:

The Steelers’ defense slept walk through the first half and were missing several key players. Alex Highsmith left with a concussion, and it looks like T.J. Watt played most of the game with a concussion. Mykal Walker was targeted all night and despite pulling down and interception, was no match for Hunter Henry in coverage.

The defense allowed Bailey Zappe, the Patriots’ rookie quarterback, to throw three touchdown passes and 240 yards. The defense tightened up in the second half, but it was too little too late.

The special teams had a good game after two tough weeks. Chris Boswell returned to form and drilled a 56-yarder, Miles Killebrew coming off his worst week as a Steeler blocked a punt that helped get the Steelers back into the game.

Despite all their struggles the Steelers put themselves in position to win the game, putting together a six play drive in waning moments of the fourth quarter, they were moving the ball, but then for whatever reason threw a low percentage pass to Diontae Johnson on 4^th and 2. The Patriots all but ran out the clock after that.

The loss to the Patriots dropped the Steelers’ record to 7-6 and put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

On Saturday December 2, the Steelers had their playoff fate in their own hands and were banged up but ready to make a move on the Ravens, one week later they are now on their last legs and it looks like they are in a free fall.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: NO ONE!!! Also Considered: The special teams Miles Killebrew redeemed himself after last week’s debacle. Elandon Roberts played well despite having a groin injury.

Beer of the Game: We tried to “Steel” the beer as well. Went with one of my favorites is Sam Adams Winter Lager. The beer was great as usual, even if the game was not.

“Steel the Snacks”: We went with Boston Turkey Sliders and a side of Boston baked beans with brown bread. That was the lone bright spot of the night.

My Stat of the week: Where do you want to start? None are good; Mike Tomlin is now 3-10 v. Bill Belichick on his career. Coming into the game, the Patriots scored 13 points in their previous three games. They had 21 in two quarters. After rushing for over 100 yards in five consecutive the Steelers finished with a paltry 82 yards.

The Steelers are the first team over .500 in the history of the NFL to lose to TWO teams that were 2-10. Just an embarrassing statistic.

My thoughts on next week: The Steelers need a statement win against a game but reeling Colts Team, a victory will help keep the Steelers in a playoff spot and possibly quiet down a very contemptuous fan base, which has completely lost faith in Coach Tomlin.

Jersey of the Week: Franco Harris #32, BWG Steelers last season shirt. Went with a shirt instead of a jersey to help Franco a year after his passing. Trying to spend the month Honoring Franco Harris!

It was what has been called a “Tomlin Special” or in a more familiar parlance a “Trap Game”. No matter what it was called, it was an awful performance and one of the worst losses in the last twenty years.

The Steelers’ loss to the Cardinals was a frustrating one on so many levels including a Biblical rainstorm, numerous injuries, and worst of all a number of critical errors that cost them the game. Egregious mistakes included illegal formations, penalties, and poor special teams play. The loss was a reminder of the importance of focus and execution in the NFL, as even small mistakes can have a big impact on the outcome of a game.

One of the costliest mistakes of the game was Elandon Roberts’ personal foul on third down, which gave the Cardinals three points. Roberts also left with an injury and his absence was severely felt. This penalty extended the Cardinals’ drive and allowed them to score a field goal instead of punting the ball away. Joey Porter Jr.’s defensive pass interference penalty was another costly mistake, as it led to a Cardinals touchdown when the Cardinals would have kicked a field goal. These penalties were both critical moments in the game, and they ultimately helped the Cardinals win the game.

In addition to the penalties, the Steelers also made a number of other mistakes that contributed to their loss. The team had two illegal offensive formations, which gave the Cardinals five yards and a first down. The Steelers also had a timeout for being a player short in the huddle, which gave the Cardinals five yards and the ball. These mistakes were all a result of poor communication and execution, and they showed that the Steelers were not prepared for the game.

What happened to Miles Killebrew? Chipping in just a downright awful day. He racked up three penalties, two of which were personal foul penalties that cost over 30 yards in field position. Even Chris Boswell had an off day and missed a crucial kick after the weather interruption.

It was clear the Steelers did not have any sort of cognitive game plan and that falls on the coaches. This is a turn the page nightmare.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: NO ONE!!! Also Considered: We have never given this to an opposing player, but I was half tempted to give it James Conner who had a great game.

Beer of the Game: So trying to make up for last week, I alternated Yuengling and Modelo per quarter…did not work!

“Steel the Snacks”: We decided to go with steak sandwiches on garlic bread with fresh mozzarella. They were outstanding. We also had miniature cup of mash potatoes in a small cup with scallions. The snack deserved a better outcome.

My Stat of the week: The Cardinals have not won in Pittsburgh since 1969, when they played in St. Louis and before Three Rivers Stadium. The seven games of not giving up over 20 points is now over, to a team that has been last in almost every offensive category.

My thoughts on next week:  As in two days from the time you read this. I wrote last week the Cardinals made me nervous. The Patriots scare me to death. Bill Belichick has had the Steelers number for nearly 20 years. A big bounce back game will be a major boost to a sagging fan base.

Jersey of the Week: Dermontti Dawson #63, Throwback (1967) the Golden Triangle design by Ambassador Rooney, I have had HORRIBLE luck with any of my Dermontti jerseys despite that fact that he is arguably my favorite Steeler of all-time.