THings I Think I Think After Week 8

[Mojouw]

Ohhhhhhh Boy....So many things this week. Both good and bad! In no particular order:

1. Why is slot WR the position that talent goes to die in this offense? Manny Sanders, Wheaton, and now Jujubee and Eli Rogers. On a night where AB was getting wrapped up fairly tight, Jesse James was doing his usual disappearing act -- Eli Rogers might as well not have played. If anyone can figure out why the 3 WR in this offense can't seem to make anything happen, please let me know.

2. Continuing with the WR room. Okay - can we give Justin Hunter back? Once again, another NFL team and its fans (myself) included, got entranced by a dude who lights it up in practice and looks the part. Turn on the bright lights and strap on the pads -- Hunter disappears. Honestly, at this point, I would rather Coates still be on the roster and we can all argue about his "upside and potential" versus Justin Hunter and his annual disappearing act. Really thought the Steelers could reform him. Where the hell is Eli Rogers? Can we take out an ad on a milk carton or something? Long story short, once again, despite pouring resources into the position and looking loaded on paper -- the Steelers find themselves only 2 deep at the position. Which brings us to Martavis Bryant. Looks like the team needs him to step up and "be great" (to steal from Santonio). Anyone want to count on that in a crucial late-season drive?

3. For the second week in a row and again with success -- Haley and Roethlisberger remembered that you can attempt pass plays between the hash marks, not just along the boundary. I still find myself fantasizing about this exact same offense and defense with a healthy Ladarius Green tearing teams apart over the middle. Seriously, if that signing had worked out I really think that he would've been a "cure" for some of the red-zone woes. I think that I am finally on "team Shoes" and my new rallying cry is "Damn the torpedoes! Draft the best TE available ASAP!!!" Hopefully, Jujubee can be pressed into service as a match-up issue for safeties and sub-package CBs going forward -- he certainly seems to have the lack of fear needed to make a living over the middle.

4. Rosie Nix kinda forgot how to block this week. He missed several blocks.

5. Something isn't right with Ben. He looks like a guy who isn't cutting it loose back there. He looks like he is throwing darts and/or trying to "place" the ball. Needs to figure out why he is only throwing his fastball to AB. Just cut it loose - you have always been better when you don't try and aim it. In contrast, Stafford was just humming them in there last night. Stark contrast.

6. Talking about QBs still. Everyone wants to tell me that Cousins or Smith can be a short-term answer to the post-Ben QB "gap". Then I see those teams attempt to lean on their Qb and their guy come up short. Then I watch a guy like Stafford throw - what a difference. He ripped apart that Cover-2 hole repeatedly with no fear using throws that Smith and Cousins simply can't make. He also repeatedly stood in against a rush behind a porous line and got the ball out on schedule and without "happy feet". Look at that last Lions offensive play again. Stafford made something happen (it would've been picked) and gave his receiver at least a small chance. Dalton, rolled out and threw it away in a similar situation. Smith just wilts in those situations - same with Cousins. So what am I saying? Steelers need a guy with a good head for diagnosing coverages, a strong enough arm to hit that sideline throw between zones, and little fear of the pass rush. Sound like any bald headed rocket scientist anyone can think of?

7. I get the rampant disappointment that many have expressed with the pass rush last night.

• Butler got after it. He dialed up rushes and blitzes in all situations. I think we are looking at increasing confidence in leaving his main 4-5 DBs back their on their own. Nice to see the return of at least occasional "big" blitzes.
• Stafford was getting the ball out quick. Not sure that it was really the offensive line or it is hard to get to anyone who is throwing in 2-3 seconds.
• Dupree still has no counter-move. How is this possible? Can't TJ Watt just teach him that little inside rip move he has where he crosses the tackle's face and falls down? At least he is getting free.
• I think Butler needs to draw up a delayed blitz. Shazier or Hilton might have the speed to get home with a late start. Multiple times last night the only reason Stafford wasn't knocked flat was a great pick-up by the back. Maybe make that back face an impossible situation?

8. Whoa boy, that secondary though. Gave up yards last night in bunches, but that is by "design". Stafford beat the real open spot in any Cover-2. Hats off to him he made the throws that not many can make. I see all these comments that the Steelers corners sagged off. That's not true at all. Can't be giving a cushion from in front of the receiver. Now they have the bye week to patch the hole. Lions showed everyone where to attack the Steelers secondary - along the boundary between the safety and the CB and along the seams between the LB and the safety. Not totally original, but if you have the receivers and a strong armed QB - it can work. Long story short, Lions beat "hole in zone" in coverage more than they beat the Steelers DBs last night.

9. Artie Burns is one fearless cocky SOB. He is basically just daring guys to try and run past him. As Collingsworth said in the broadcast, I don't think he bothered to backpedal on a few plays last night! He starts getting his timing down, and he is going to start coming up with the ball.

10. Wille Gay and Mike Mitchell deserve medals for what they are doing. The level of communication and analysis they demonstrate on each play and on the sidelines is amazing. Wonder if Lake even needs to say anything on game-day?

One bonus observation: Ryan Shazier is straight matching wits with QBs out there. Stafford audible at least twice last night and Shazier visibly audibled right back. Just got right in Stafford's line of sight and said "your move". Awesome!

Bottom line, a lot to work on during the bye - but I am more optimistic about this year's team than many in recent memories.

[Moose]

Agree ! Gonna need some tweaks to make post season and SB. A good QB ( Stafford/Brady etc) with some good offense would rip our present defense secondary coverage.

[polamalubeast]

The steelers have always been at their best in the second half of the season in the few last years.

The steelers are 6-2 in their first 8 games this year, they were 4-4 after 8 games in 2015 and 2016 ...

[Texasteel]

[QUOTE=Mojouw;613347]

5. Something isn't right with Ben. He looks like a guy who isn't cutting it loose back there. He looks like he is throwing darts and/or trying to "place" the ball. Needs to figure out why he is only throwing his fastball to AB. Just cut it loose - you have always been better when you don't try and aim it. In contrast, Stafford was just humming them in there last night. Stark contrast.


As I got older I found that it was more difficult to concentrate. I'm not saying that Ben has forgotten how to play but QB is a position that you need to concentrate the whole game. Like his INT. From the time the ball was snapped to the moment he let the ball go he seamed to be looking straight at AB. How often have we seen Ben do that.

[Edman]

The Lions were coming off a bye week, and had even more extra time to prepare for the Steelers. They did a pretty good job. Fortunately, the Steelers D showed they have other ways of beating them. You can take all the yards you want, but you're not scoring. This was a wrinkle of Butler he did all last year to compensate for the lackluster secondary.

There was an open hole in the secondary, but the Steelers deliberately left it open all game to lure Stafford in. When the hole closed up, which was in the Red Zone, Stafford couldn't deal and started to screw up. Stafford is talented, but theres a reason why he's considered overpaid and overrated. Stafford is arrogant and easily manipulated. He played right into the Steelers' trap. Sometimes, it isn't a good thing to take what the Defense gives you and you actually have to make plays.

The Steelers clamped down everywhere else, but gave Stafford an open hole all game, knowing he would take it, and he took it hook line and sinker. Result: 423 yards passing, but no touchdowns. The Lions are held to 15 points. This is why Stafford will never be anything more than second-tier, and why the Lions are perpetually mediocre.

This is why I consider last night to be the Defenses' finest performance. They actually outschemed and outsmarted an opponent.

[Shoes]

The Lions were coming off a bye week, and had even more extra time to prepare for the Steelers. They did a pretty good job. Fortunately, the Steelers D showed they have other ways of beating them. You can take all the yards you want, but you're not scoring. This was a wrinkle of Butler he did all last year to compensate for the lackluster secondary.

There was an open hole in the secondary, but the Steelers deliberately left it open all game to lure Stafford in. When the hole closed up, which was in the Red Zone, Stafford couldn't deal and started to screw up. Stafford is talented, but theres a reason why he's considered overpaid and overrated. Stafford is arrogant and easily manipulated. He played right into the Steelers' trap. Sometimes, it isn't a good thing to take what the Defense gives you and you actually have to make plays.

The Steelers clamped down everywhere else, but gave Stafford an open hole all game, knowing he would take it, and he took it hook line and sinker. Result: 423 yards passing, but no touchdowns. The Lions are held to 15 points. This is why Stafford will never be anything more than second-tier, and why the Lions are perpetually mediocre.

This is why I consider last night to be the Defenses' finest performance. They actually outschemed and outsmarted an opponent.

Exactly, I'll take that all day.

[DesertSteel]

I think Ben's footwork must have gone bad. Terrible misses.

[SteelMember]

1. Why is slot WR the position that talent goes to die in this offense? Manny Sanders, Wheaton, and now Jujubee and Eli Rogers. On a night where AB was getting wrapped up fairly tight, Jesse James was doing his usual disappearing act -- Eli Rogers might as well not have played. If anyone can figure out why the 3

Imma give James a pass this week. He only had 3 targets, but one was for over 30 yards... and the one he dropped took a shot in the chin to dislodge. He came back a couple plays later.

[Mojouw]

I totally forgot about this:

Javon Hargrave single-handedly kept at least 2 Lions touchdowns off the board. Amazing performance.

[st33lersguy]

The defense stepped up when they had to but I really hope they don't plan on letting Brady travel into the red zone 5 times

Also, yeah, you are not alone hopping on the draft a TE early bandwagon. TE is one of the biggest needs right now

[AtlantaDan]

I think Ben's footwork must have gone bad. Terrible misses.

Or as was posted several weeks ago the leg injuries have caught up with him and his mechanics now require more use of his upper body

He had a long completion to Brown in the Chiefs game where he threw the ball flatfooted like he was pushing it

https://giphy.com/gifs/3ohhwFKMk0EKX...Ffeedly.com%2F

[SteelMember]

Also, yeah, you are not alone hopping on the draft a TE early bandwagon. TE is one of the biggest needs right now

Bryant for Ebron... straight up. Do you take it?

[DesertSteel]

Imma give James a pass this week. He only had 3 targets, but one was for over 30 yards... and the one he dropped took a shot in the chin to dislodge. He came back a couple plays later.

I thought James had a good game. Showed some YAC and toughness.

[AtlantaDan]

Bryant for Ebron... straight up. Do you take it?

And go with who as the third WR - Eli?

Hoping for better things from James and McDonald looks more likely than getting anything out of Rogers or Hunter

[SteelMember]

Or as was posted several weeks ago the leg injuries have caught up with him and his mechanics now require more use of his upper body

He had a long completion to Brown in the Chiefs game where he threw the ball flatfooted like he was pushing it

https://giphy.com/gifs/3ohhwFKMk0EKX...Ffeedly.com%2F

Frankenberger does have some bad knees now, but I think he just couldn't step into the throw in that example. Just a little hop there

[DesertSteel]

Bryant for Ebron... straight up. Do you take it?

No way.

[st33lersguy]

Bryant for Ebron... straight up. Do you take it?

Ebron? No

[Mojouw]

Bryant for Ebron... straight up. Do you take it?

No way. If Bryant gets his mind right, he is a force. Ebron is a drive killing enigma. This roster already has multiple big TEs with questionable hands.

No snarkiness intended, but how is Grimble any different than Ebron?

[SteelMember]

And go with who as the third WR - Eli?

Hoping for better things from James and McDonald looks more likely than getting anything out of Rogers or Hunter

I just put that together because they both seem to want out. Before last night and his 2 big catches, he has been relentlessly booed by the home fans.
He was a 1st round pick for them, so the "value" could be there if you thought a change of scenery could get him out of his funk.

[Mojouw]

I thought James had a good game. Showed some YAC and toughness.

He got open like twice and had his general pattern where he got in the neighborhood of a block, and then kinda didn't do anything. He let some backside pursuit through on a few run plays as well.

James is a tough kid and a gamer, but he is simply over-matched at the NFL level as a starting TE.

[SteelMember]

Ebron? No

So, a one year deal for Jimmy Graham then?

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He got open like twice and had his general pattern where he got in the neighborhood of a block, and then kinda didn't do anything. He let some backside pursuit through on a few run plays as well.

James is a tough kid and a gamer, but he is simply over-matched at the NFL level as a starting TE.

Heath Miller is not walking out of that tunnel...

[Mojouw]

So, a one year deal for Jimmy Graham then?

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Heath Miller is not walking out of that tunnel...

I understand that. But I would rather see Grimble or MacDonald at this point. Multiple offensive plays per game are getting blown up before they can start because James is a poor blocker. He certainly tries, but he seems slow to diagnose the rush, slow to identify a guy, and is poor at holding blocks once he picks a guy to hit.

Next time a run, screen, or pass play gets oddly blown up by a random free defender coming into the backfield or off the edge - look for #81. He is usually standing near the scene of the crime looking around wondering how his block is making the play.

[DesertSteel]

James is a tough kid and a gamer, but he is simply over-matched at the NFL level as a starting TE.

Perhaps in some ways, but at least he can catch a football, unlike McD.

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Multiple offensive plays per game are getting blown up before they can start because James is a poor blocker.

Do you isolate on him during the telecast? I admit that I rarely do, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

[BlackAndGold]

I understand that. But I would rather see Grimble or MacDonald at this point. Multiple offensive plays per game are getting blown up before they can start because James is a poor blocker. He certainly tries, but he seems slow to diagnose the rush, slow to identify a guy, and is poor at holding blocks once he picks a guy to hit.

Next time a run, screen, or pass play gets oddly blown up by a random free defender coming into the backfield or off the edge - look for #81. He is usually standing near the scene of the crime looking around wondering how his block is making the play.

McDonald has played great, we missed him last night in terms of run blocking. No doubt he is the #1 TE on this team.

Hopefully when the All-22 comes out we'll see how both JJ and Grimble faired.

[SteelMember]

I understand that. But I would rather see Grimble or MacDonald at this point. Multiple offensive plays per game are getting blown up before they can start because James is a poor blocker. He certainly tries, but he seems slow to diagnose the rush, slow to identify a guy, and is poor at holding blocks once he picks a guy to hit.

Next time a run, screen, or pass play gets oddly blown up by a random free defender coming into the backfield or off the edge - look for #81. He is usually standing near the scene of the crime looking around wondering how his block is making the play.

I believe McDonald was out and Grimble had quite a few snaps because of that.

Point was a TE that excels at both blocking and pass catching is a rare commodity. We have a roster that reflects the same as most other teams. One that blocks (slightly) better than the other, and one that catches/runs routes better than the other. I think the fact we're running a FB out there again is a real indication of our "overall" poor blocking at TE... but he's not getting that token pass play for his efforts either.

[Mojouw]

Perhaps in some ways, but at least he can catch a football, unlike McD.

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Do you isolate on him during the telecast? I admit that I rarely do, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

Not always, but I do attempt to see where unblocked players in the backfield or from backside pursuit are coming from and often I see #81 just kinda standing there looking at the play with this "Well, crap! It happened again!" body language.

It is most noticeable on outside runs where James is either supposed to be sealing the edge or leading the back around the corner. He, at best, gets in the way of his man. Rarely does he drive him back and rarely does he put the dude on his ass.

I actually could care less if a TE catches another pass all season. I would settle for the TEs holding and finishing there blocks. Ben, Bell, etc are getting a lot of heat for leaving plays out on the field. And rightly so. But these are the "little" things that lead to plays getting left on the field.

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I believe McDonald was out and Grimble had quite a few snaps because of that.

Point was a TE that excels at both blocking and pass catching is a rare commodity. We have a roster that reflects the same as most other teams. One that blocks (slightly) better than the other, and one that catches/runs routes better than the other. I think the fact we're running a FB out there again is a real indication of our "overall" poor blocking at TE... but he's not getting that token pass play for his efforts either.

That is a fair point. I would seriously contemplate a reserve linebacker or some one who can put guys on their back when blocking at this point.

Watch the Bell TD run again. James managed to "lead" Bell through the hole and not block a soul. Like find a guy and hit him. Honestly at the 3 yard line? Find anyone and put a hat on him - its almost guaranteed to be useful.

[SteelMember]

That is a fair point. I would seriously contemplate a reserve linebacker or some one who can put guys on their back when blocking at this point.

Watch the Bell TD run again. James managed to "lead" Bell through the hole and not block a soul. Like find a guy and hit him. Honestly at the 3 yard line? Find anyone and put a hat on him - its almost guaranteed to be useful.

That's very true, but I've watched others lead block 10 yards in front and not touch anyone either. I know it's probably different with Bell's style, but thinking just because you got through the hole doesn't mean he's right on your ass all the time.

[DesertSteel]

I actually could care less if a TE catches another pass all season. I would settle for the TEs holding and finishing there blocks. Ben, Bell, etc are getting a lot of heat for leaving plays out on the field. And rightly so. But these are the "little" things that lead to plays getting left on the field.

OK then why bother with a TE? Why not just use a 6th lineman?

I like my TEs to actually be able to catch a ball.

[teegre]

Or as was posted several weeks ago the leg injuries have caught up with him and his mechanics now require more use of his upper body

He had a long completion to Brown in the Chiefs game where he threw the ball flatfooted like he was pushing it

https://giphy.com/gifs/3ohhwFKMk0EKX...Ffeedly.com%2F

BB is not stepping up and/or aligning his feet correctly.

(That example, he might not have had room to step up.)

Look at the pass to a wide open Jesse James... and compare it to the TD pass to JuJu. His footwork in the first one is horrible, and it's good in the second one. IMO, it is as simple as that.

Now, it this due to his age... his injuries... or, as my brother brought up, for the first time in BB's career, it appears that BB is afraid of getting hit.

[Mojouw]

OK then why bother with a TE? Why not just use a 6th lineman?

I like my TEs to actually be able to catch a ball.

James' struggles in blocking are so detrimental to the rest of the offense, that I would rather have a 6th lineman in there.

I also want my TEs to catch. But, at this point, James' value in the passing game is far outweighed by how badly he is hurting the offense with his blocking.