OK, a win tonight and the hapless, helpless Steelers are one game back in the division after both Ohio teams shit the bed this weekend. I mean, really, a shutout? A loss to the previously-winless Jagwaggers?
The AFC North is plum crazy this year. For that reason alone you can’t write off the Steelers just yet. Three consecutive games at home gives them ample opportunity to get well. They just have to do it. And tonight would seem a good time to start, what with the indomitable Ryan Fitzpatrick under center for Hooston. J.J. Watt (and maybe Clowney) will make things a bit sporty, but their defense is otherwise anemic. Let’s hope Haley took something for his endzone allergy and they actually put up some damn touchdowns.
You ever get that feeling where you’re proud that the AFCN is the best division in football, but you still want everyone else in it to lose the rest of their games, therefore making it the worst division in football? It’s a little bit cognitive dissonancey.
Nice to see some good performances from so many rookies. Bryant just may be the right fit as the 2nd receiver. Wheaton is great in practice but just can’t seem to impress at game time. I don’t think they should give up on him but you have to earn it and he may be best suited as the slot guy for now or in a rotation like they did last night. Not a rookie but Mike Adams played very well after Gilbert went out too. I’ve always liked him and wanted to see him get another shot.
On D it was Tuitt and McCullers getting some good rookie snaps. We already know Tuitt is going to be a gamer but McCullers had some nice moments as well. He’s clearly the strongest guy on the team but it’s kind of funny to see how high he plays. Even hunched over he’s the tallest figure along the line. I loved that play where he walked the C backfield about ten yards; he didn’t see Fitzpatrick running the ball right beside him but still looked a great deal better than Cam Thomas’ human blocking sled impression.
Also, John Gruden is a moron. I’m at a loss for words at some of the stupidity from him.
I wonder if he just doesn’t grasp the playbook. You’re right, they never seem to be on the same page. I really thought he was poised for a decent year.
It was nice to see Mitchell cause a turnover but I’m not feeling very good about him either. Panthers fans told us he was overrated and they were right. He must lead the team in missed tackles, not a good sign from your deep safety.
Not much news this week except that Blount is now the Kick Returner. I don’t think Archer was the problem so much as the blocking but he’s not taking them out for now.
I’m really hoping Shazier is back this week. Spence and Williams have played well but Indy does a lot of underneath passing and they just don’t have the speed Shazier does to cover all those routes. Indy also turns the ball over a fair amount and I noticed Harrison chopping at the ball a lot more in the last game. Here’s hoping we get some déjà vu today watching Silverback pound the ball loose a few times.
Thanks to the Bengals HACKSPITCOUGH the Steelers have a chance to get back into the mix. The Colts are damn good, though. I really don’t know how this one is going to go.