As of today, are the Steelers the 4th best team in the AFCN?

[Ice]

The Ravens' line is a mess. It should get better, but what they were doing Thursday night is not sustainable.

[stillthere]

Worst case scenario is tied for first or in sole possession of 1st by the end of the week 1

[W&M_Steeler]

This is going to be one weird season for sure. I think everybody here agrees the Steelers need to get off to a hot start, because the schedule is very favorable the first half of the year. Getting off to a hot start is gonna be difficult when we have such a clusterfuck on the o-line (and losing Seumalo for probably 6 weeks is a huge cherry on top that shit sundae.)

That's why I predicted things to come crashing down for Cool Shades but I'll admit nobody has any type of clue what will happen this year. They could be 6-11 or 11-6.

Nothing that happens would surprise me.

Luckily the Steelers don't have to start the season this year against any team anywhere near as good as the 2023 49ers. I doubt either team will be favored by much more than a FG in the first 9 games, and I see the Steelers winning between 4-6 games with or without Seumalo during this opening crapshoot.

I might reconsider if the Steelers start 0-3.

I think 1-2 is damn likely

3-0 after three games of pure Tomlin ball. No reason to see it stopping absent a slew of key injuries to Boz and to TJ and other primary defensive stars. If the Steelers go 6-8 the rest of the season, NHALS will be secured once again. They'll get smoked when they face real offenses like the Chiefs, but they'll keep beating these middling teams in ugly, low-scoring slug fests. Watson and the Browns look like crap. I think 9-8 or 10-7 is still likely,

[bradshaw2ben]

Luckily the Steelers don't have to start the season this year against any team anywhere near as good as the 2023 49ers. I doubt either team will be favored by much more than a FG in the first 9 games, and I see the Steelers winning between 4-6 games with or without Seumalo during this opening crapshoot.

I might reconsider if the Steelers start 0-3.

I think 1-2 is damn likely

3-0 after three games of pure Tomlin ball. No reason to see it stopping absent a slew of key injuries to Boz and to TJ and other primary defensive stars. If the Steelers go 6-8 the rest of the season, NHALS will be secured once again. They'll get smoked when they face real offenses like the Chiefs, but they'll keep beating these middling teams in ugly, low-scoring slug fests. Watson and the Browns look like crap. I think 9-8 or 10-7 is still likely,

They played better than expected and earned the 3 wins, even though today was a great win with an asterisk.

[W&M_Steeler]

I think 1-2 is damn likely

3-0 after three games of pure Tomlin ball. No reason to see it stopping absent a slew of key injuries to Boz and to TJ and other primary defensive stars. If the Steelers go 6-8 the rest of the season, NHALS will be secured once again. They'll get smoked when they face real offenses like the Chiefs, but they'll keep beating these middling teams in ugly, low-scoring slug fests. Watson and the Browns look like crap. I think 9-8 or 10-7 is still likely,

They played better than expected and earned the 3 wins, even though today was a great win with an asterisk.

Looking at the Steelers schedule, I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers are 7-2 or better after week 10 absent significant injury. The first 9 opponents look even weaker than they did before the season started? No one really scary- maybe old man Rodgers. Fields is looking better than expected, and the interior line looks good.

[Pabst]

Browns fans are imploding and it gives me the happies

[Jobu]

Browns fans are imploding and it gives me the happies

Yes!

[TTP]

Don't look now but the Cowboys have pulled within 3 of the Ravens with about 3 minutes to go. Epic meltdown in Baltimore if Dallas completes the comeback.

[jmacinwbp]

I think 1-2 is damn likely

3-0 after three games of pure Tomlin ball. No reason to see it stopping absent a slew of key injuries to Boz and to TJ and other primary defensive stars. If the Steelers go 6-8 the rest of the season, NHALS will be secured once again. They'll get smoked when they face real offenses like the Chiefs, but they'll keep beating these middling teams in ugly, low-scoring slug fests. Watson and the Browns look like crap. I think 9-8 or 10-7 is still likely,

They played better than expected and earned the 3 wins, even though today was a great win with an asterisk.

Great win, no asterisk. Pittsburgh knocked all of those SD/Bolt players out today with physical play. Were you saying Herbert was an asterisk after his 9-9 start? We also lost players to injuries, but in the end put a lot more hurt on them then they did on us. Also, ours was the superior QB of the day.

[tbsteel]

3-0 after three games of pure Tomlin ball. No reason to see it stopping absent a slew of key injuries to Boz and to TJ and other primary defensive stars. If the Steelers go 6-8 the rest of the season, NHALS will be secured once again. They'll get smoked when they face real offenses like the Chiefs, but they'll keep beating these middling teams in ugly, low-scoring slug fests. Watson and the Browns look like crap. I think 9-8 or 10-7 is still likely,

They played better than expected and earned the 3 wins, even though today was a great win with an asterisk.

Great win, no asterisk. Pittsburgh knocked all of those SD/Bolt players out today with physical play. Were you saying Herbert was an asterisk after his 9-9 start? We also lost players to injuries, but in the end put a lot more hurt on them then they did on us. Also, ours was the superior QB of the day.

Well, I think Herbert was the clear superior QB for most of the time he was out there before his injury, not to takeaway from how Fields looked today.

But yeah, no asterisk for me. We lost our starting tackle two days before the game, our starting EDGE, our technical #2 WR for most of the game, and our third CB very early into the game. And, let's be real, technically our starting QB is hurt.

The Slater and especially Alt injuries came late.

The timing of the Herbert injury was very fortunate.

[jmacinwbp]

They played better than expected and earned the 3 wins, even though today was a great win with an asterisk.

Great win, no asterisk. Pittsburgh knocked all of those SD/Bolt players out today with physical play. Were you saying Herbert was an asterisk after his 9-9 start? We also lost players to injuries, but in the end put a lot more hurt on them then they did on us. Also, ours was the superior QB of the day.

Well, I think Herbert was the clear superior QB for most of the time he was out there before his injury, not to takeaway from Fields looked today.

But yeah, no asterisk for me. We lost our starting tackle two days before the game, our starting EDGE, our technical #2 WR for most of the game, and our third CB very early into the game. And, let's be real, technically our starting QB is hurt.

The Slater and especially Alt injuries came late.

The timing of the Herbert injury was very fortunate.

In the first quarter and maybe some of the 2nd definitely, but Herbert went 3-for-9 including 0-for-5 on his final five passes, before leaving the game. Fields finished with more yds, more competitions, more yds/completion and more TDs, IMHO that is being superior on the day.

[Mick]

Prior to Herbert’s 0-for-5 finish, QBs had better passing efficiency spiking the ball to stop the clock than actually attempting to complete passes in second halves against our D this year. Which isn’t too out of line with what our D did against QBs in 2nd halves last season.

[anpsteel]

I’m guessing they are the 2nd est team, at this point, but their defense is absurd


Against San Diego (eff this LA crap )

They gave up 168 total yards and -5 on the 2nd half

Back up qb or not, that’s pretty impressive

[LakecrestSteeler]

I honestly do not know, but I think we are either 3rd or 4th in the AFCN. Opinions please?

I am guessing we are the best team in the AFC North right now. We have always been able to beat any AFC North team as long as Watt was playing well and we are able to stop the run.

Feels like we have legit depth in defense right now with inside and outside linebackers. And stopping the run the last 3 games puts them over the top in the division.

Offense is what it is and is not necessary in AFC North ball. AFC? That is a different story.

[bradshaw2ben]

3-0 after three games of pure Tomlin ball. No reason to see it stopping absent a slew of key injuries to Boz and to TJ and other primary defensive stars. If the Steelers go 6-8 the rest of the season, NHALS will be secured once again. They'll get smoked when they face real offenses like the Chiefs, but they'll keep beating these middling teams in ugly, low-scoring slug fests. Watson and the Browns look like crap. I think 9-8 or 10-7 is still likely,

They played better than expected and earned the 3 wins, even though today was a great win with an asterisk.

Great win, no asterisk. Pittsburgh knocked all of those SD/Bolt players out today with physical play. Were you saying Herbert was an asterisk after his 9-9 start? We also lost players to injuries, but in the end put a lot more hurt on them then they did on us. Also, ours was the superior QB of the day.

Sure the Steelers knocked players out but you ended up playing a team without 4 of their 6 best on offense and without its top defensive player. And it looked like it.

Somebody at Steelers HQ is working the voodoo doll masterfully the last couple of years. So many opponent star players either get hurt the week before PIT plays them or get knocked out early in the Steelers game. It’s certainly didn’t hurt today and they did what they’re supposed to do with a broken opponent.

[bradshaw2ben]

Great win, no asterisk. Pittsburgh knocked all of those SD/Bolt players out today with physical play. Were you saying Herbert was an asterisk after his 9-9 start? We also lost players to injuries, but in the end put a lot more hurt on them then they did on us. Also, ours was the superior QB of the day.

Well, I think Herbert was the clear superior QB for most of the time he was out there before his injury, not to takeaway from Fields looked today.

But yeah, no asterisk for me. We lost our starting tackle two days before the game, our starting EDGE, our technical #2 WR for most of the game, and our third CB very early into the game. And, let's be real, technically our starting QB is hurt.

The Slater and especially Alt injuries came late.

The timing of the Herbert injury was very fortunate.

In the first quarter and maybe some of the 2nd definitely, but Herbert went 3-for-9 including 0-for-5 on his final five passes, before leaving the game. Fields finished with more yds, more competitions, more yds/completion and more TDs, IMHO that is being superior on the day.

Listen, guys, if we started the game without Calvin Austin, and lost TJ Watt, both 1st round starting OTs, and Ben Roethlisberger in the game, would you be talking about what a great win it was for the Chargers and how they deserved credit for knocking half of our team out of the game? I've been here after even one or two of those type players gets knocked out and there's absolutely no one giving the opponent credit when that happens.

[LakecrestSteeler]

Well, I think Herbert was the clear superior QB for most of the time he was out there before his injury, not to takeaway from Fields looked today.

But yeah, no asterisk for me. We lost our starting tackle two days before the game, our starting EDGE, our technical #2 WR for most of the game, and our third CB very early into the game. And, let's be real, technically our starting QB is hurt.

The Slater and especially Alt injuries came late.

The timing of the Herbert injury was very fortunate.

In the first quarter and maybe some of the 2nd definitely, but Herbert went 3-for-9 including 0-for-5 on his final five passes, before leaving the game. Fields finished with more yds, more competitions, more yds/completion and more TDs, IMHO that is being superior on the day.

Listen, guys, if we started the game without Calvin Austin, and lost TJ Watt, both 1st round starting OTs, and Ben Roethlisberger in the game, would you be talking about what a great win it was for the Chargers and how they deserved credit for knocking half of our team out of the game? I've been here after even one or two of those type players gets knocked out and there's absolutely no one giving the opponent credit when that happens.

Very true. If it was a playoff game and those injuries happen then yes, but regular season it is just see you next game or wait until January. This was an injury fluke….wait until we are full strength.

[steelclan]

Well, I think Herbert was the clear superior QB for most of the time he was out there before his injury, not to takeaway from Fields looked today.

But yeah, no asterisk for me. We lost our starting tackle two days before the game, our starting EDGE, our technical #2 WR for most of the game, and our third CB very early into the game. And, let's be real, technically our starting QB is hurt.

The Slater and especially Alt injuries came late.

The timing of the Herbert injury was very fortunate.

In the first quarter and maybe some of the 2nd definitely, but Herbert went 3-for-9 including 0-for-5 on his final five passes, before leaving the game. Fields finished with more yds, more competitions, more yds/completion and more TDs, IMHO that is being superior on the day.

Listen, guys, if we started the game without Calvin Austin, and lost TJ Watt, both 1st round starting OTs, and Ben Roethlisberger in the game, would you be talking about what a great win it was for the Chargers and how they deserved credit for knocking half of our team out of the game? I've been here after even one or two of those type players gets knocked out and there's absolutely no one giving the opponent credit when that happens.

PS started the game without their starers at OG and RT. Then lost one of the better #2 OLBs in the NFL. Oh and if we went to be technical Fields is the #2 QB.

Plus the notion Slater would've made a difference defies logic. Herbig was killing him before he went off. Alt lasted well into the 4th quarter and wasn't exactly lighting it up. Watt was owning him in few 1 v 1s he got and in run game as well. Hell, Steelers tossed Heyward out to OLB on Alt's side and Alt got manhandled.

Herbert one good throw to Johnson aside was not playing well. Queen dropped a relatively easy Int.

I get reservations about this team. Still have ton of work to be a team that can make and win a playoff game but trying to downplay this result? You're avoiding the evidence of what occurred on the field.

Zero issue with having doubts with this team despite the start to the season but the notion injuries where the difference in this game? Is laughable.

Steelers defense physically abused Chargers O even when Herbert, Alt and Slater were in there.

[SteelerDayTrader]

In the first quarter and maybe some of the 2nd definitely, but Herbert went 3-for-9 including 0-for-5 on his final five passes, before leaving the game. Fields finished with more yds, more competitions, more yds/completion and more TDs, IMHO that is being superior on the day.

Listen, guys, if we started the game without Calvin Austin, and lost TJ Watt, both 1st round starting OTs, and Ben Roethlisberger in the game, would you be talking about what a great win it was for the Chargers and how they deserved credit for knocking half of our team out of the game? I've been here after even one or two of those type players gets knocked out and there's absolutely no one giving the opponent credit when that happens.

PS started the game without their starers at OG and RT. Then lost one of the better #2 OLBs in the NFL. Oh and if we went to be technical Fields is the #2 QB.

Plus the notion Slater would've made a difference defies logic. Herbig was killing him before he went off. Alt lasted well into the 4th quarter and wasn't exactly lighting it up. Watt was owning him in few 1 v 1s he got and in run game as well. Hell, Steelers tossed Heyward out to OLB on Alt's side and Alt got manhandled.

Herbert one good throw to Johnson aside was not playing well. Queen dropped a relatively easy Int.

I get reservations about this team. Still have ton of work to be a team that can make and win a playoff game but trying to downplay this result? You're avoiding the evidence of what occurred on the field.

Zero issue with having doubts with this team despite the start to the season but the notion injuries where the difference in this game? Is laughable.

Steelers defense physically abused Chargers O even when Herbert, Alt and Slater were in there.

False

[K_C_]

Listen, guys, if we started the game without Calvin Austin, and lost TJ Watt, both 1st round starting OTs, and Ben Roethlisberger in the game, would you be talking about what a great win it was for the Chargers and how they deserved credit for knocking half of our team out of the game? I've been here after even one or two of those type players gets knocked out and there's absolutely no one giving the opponent credit when that happens.

PS started the game without their starers at OG and RT. Then lost one of the better #2 OLBs in the NFL. Oh and if we went to be technical Fields is the #2 QB.

Plus the notion Slater would've made a difference defies logic. Herbig was killing him before he went off. Alt lasted well into the 4th quarter and wasn't exactly lighting it up. Watt was owning him in few 1 v 1s he got and in run game as well. Hell, Steelers tossed Heyward out to OLB on Alt's side and Alt got manhandled.

Herbert one good throw to Johnson aside was not playing well. Queen dropped a relatively easy Int.

I get reservations about this team. Still have ton of work to be a team that can make and win a playoff game but trying to downplay this result? You're avoiding the evidence of what occurred on the field.

Zero issue with having doubts with this team despite the start to the season but the notion injuries where the difference in this game? Is laughable.

Steelers defense physically abused Chargers O even when Herbert, Alt and Slater were in there.

False

That's one helluva argument you make right here.

Difficult to refute.

[Steeldrama]

I don’t THINK Chiefs fans are putting an asterisk on their win last night here in Hotlanta (don’t tell me global warming isn’t real) after the Falcons lost two starting linemen (albeit mediocre ones) greatly aiding the Chiefs defense in the 2nd half.

Yeah, I’m going to say I never heard of putting an asterisk on a game just because the opponent lost some key players due to injury.

That’s football.

Hell, that’s sports.

But hey, don’t let REALITY get in the way of a good agenda.

Any level of success attained by Tomlin deserves to be met with some skepticism.

Mr. 0-7 in his last playoff appearances earns all sorts of skepticism and criticism.

I am totally on board with the I can’t wait to move on from Tomlin and Art II and their archaic offensive philosophy mantra.

Yet,

That word “REALITY” keeps creeping in.

The REALITY of the 2024 Steelers (so far), particularly on offense is that despite numerous issues surrounding him, Justin Fields continues to play pretty well and THAT is proving to be quite upsetting to a few of you who have much loftier goals than a castoff having success in Tomlin’s brutally conservative offense.

I get it.

Fields is NOT the sacred cow, Big Ben Roethlisberger.

News flash.

The Big Bens?

They’re generational players.

There’s a reason it took 25 years to find him.

Anyway,

I’m a transplant Georgia homer.

Root for our kids to succeed at every level, HS, college and pro.

Fields was a 5 star STUD athlete down here.

EVERY school in the country wanted him.

Why?

Because he sucked??

Kirby “Smart” mishandled him from day 1 showing blind loyalty to the vastly inferior Jake Freaking Fromm (UGH).

I digress

This is not a Drama is endorsing Justin Fields as the savior at QB rant.

I'm simply saying the pedigree is there AND that he doesn’t suck NEARLY to the level some of you WANTED him to.

No, If I wanted to rant I would tell you that the NFL has and has always had a serious problem developing QB talent.

Look at the struggles of every recent QB save CJ Stroud (who looked pedestrian yesterday much to the detriment of my fantasy team).

The league needs to sit these rookies until they’re READY TO PLAY.

Not realistic

But something is WRONG with the approach to developing quarterbacks.

My 5 beers at the brewery posts yesterday attempted to hammer home the point that Fields performance YESTERDAY afternoon was NOT the issue to a sputtering Steelers’ offense.

Even a blind squirrel could see that nut.

EVERY offensive component necessary for success to play qb IN PITTSBURGH is lacking and was on full display yesterday, in the 1st half in particular.

It’s not just a Steelers’ problem, it’s a league-wide issue.

Fields, like most young, raw, talent needs TIME.

He needs proper tutelage.

All young QBs do.

Artie Canada probably isn’t that cat, but at least I for one could watch yesterday’s game OBJECTIVELY and see that Fields WAS NOT the problem.

That’s at least a starting point, but even just having a starting point is detrimental and THREATENS the dream of drafting a Cam Ward this year, an Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Nico Iamaleava in future years.

The agenda driven posters do not want Tomlin and Deuce committing to Fields or any other false hope qb as it takes away the undying dream that the next Big Ben is walking through that door on a big white horse (cow) to restore the Steelers to past glory.

Ahhh it's fun to dream

I hope it happens.

It’s not REALITY.

Not until we see who takes over for Tomlin and Art II.

What IF their successors ARE worse?

OOF

Happy Monday!

Go Justin!
Go Najee!!
Go Broderick!!!
Go Uncle Artie!!!!
Go Skenes!!!!!
GOOOOO LIVVY!!!!!!!!!!

[franco32]

Steeler Fields has been better than Bears Fields. We are all happy about that. I'm cheering for Justin. But, I have to see more. He's going more through his progressions, but he still sometimes holds onto the ball a bit long. His decision making is better. But sometimes he tries to force balls through tight windows. He had two passes that he zipped on the sideline that were a little too close for comfort. The throw that Muth dropped was a beauty, but again it was against really really tight coverage. The INT was a throw into tight coverage.

I appreciate that he's bold enough to try to zip it into tight coverage and there is a place for that with great QBs. But, I want to see more of the easy throws like he had to Muth over the middle yesterday and to CA3 on the TD. Those throws were on time and beauties. Let's see if he can keep progressing in that area.

One thing is for sure...as we stand here on Sep 23rd, I don't think anyone thinks Justin is capable of leading us to a Lombardi. And, you don't invest 30-40-50 million in someone that doesn't give you a shot at the big one. So, I think the fear here is that Justin is just good enough to get us to the playoffs and maybe squeak out one win, and then they we back up the Brinks truck for him.

[anpsteel]

Listen, guys, if we started the game without Calvin Austin, and lost TJ Watt, both 1st round starting OTs, and Ben Roethlisberger in the game, would you be talking about what a great win it was for the Chargers and how they deserved credit for knocking half of our team out of the game? I've been here after even one or two of those type players gets knocked out and there's absolutely no one giving the opponent credit when that happens.

PS started the game without their starers at OG and RT. Then lost one of the better #2 OLBs in the NFL. Oh and if we went to be technical Fields is the #2 QB.

Plus the notion Slater would've made a difference defies logic. Herbig was killing him before he went off. Alt lasted well into the 4th quarter and wasn't exactly lighting it up. Watt was owning him in few 1 v 1s he got and in run game as well. Hell, Steelers tossed Heyward out to OLB on Alt's side and Alt got manhandled.

Herbert one good throw to Johnson aside was not playing well. Queen dropped a relatively easy Int.

I get reservations about this team. Still have ton of work to be a team that can make and win a playoff game but trying to downplay this result? You're avoiding the evidence of what occurred on the field.

Zero issue with having doubts with this team despite the start to the season but the notion injuries where the difference in this game? Is laughable.

Steelers defense physically abused Chargers O even when Herbert, Alt and Slater were in there.

False

Bears eat beets

[Texas Steel]

No, If I wanted to rant I would tell you that the NFL has and has always had a serious problem developing QB talent.

Look at the struggles of every recent QB save CJ Stroud (who looked pedestrian yesterday much to the detriment of my fantasy team).

The league needs to sit these rookies until they’re READY TO PLAY.

Not realistic

But something is WRONG with the approach to developing quarterbacks.

My 5 beers at the brewery posts yesterday attempted to hammer home the point that Fields performance YESTERDAY afternoon was NOT the issue to a sputtering Steelers’ offense.

Even a blind squirrel could see that nut.

EVERY offensive component necessary for success to play qb IN PITTSBURGH is lacking and was on full display yesterday, in the 1st half in particular.

It’s not just a Steelers’ problem, it’s a league-wide issue.

Fields, like most young, raw, talent needs TIME.

He needs proper tutelage.

All young QBs do.

Artie Canada probably isn’t that cat, but at least I for one could watch yesterday’s game OBJECTIVELY and see that Fields WAS NOT the problem.

I basically said as much in the game thread. QBs get picked high in the draft by bad teams and then rushed out on the field. Compare to Brock "Irrelevant" Purdy that was able to sit for most of the season until he got dragged into action because of injury to the #1 AND #2 QBs. QBs like Ben are (as said elsewhere) generational, able to drop into game #2 and get the win.

As for our offense yesterday, watching the video posted in another thread about Fields' play... our O-line is incompetent. A lot of the rushed throws are because of the rush... the sacks were because blocks were missed... there were only a few passes where Fields had time and made a bad choice.

Fields isn't the end-all be-all, but I think with with the right coaching, he'll grow into our system and be better than any QB not named Roethlisberger that we've had in the past 30 years.

[steelclan]

I think it depends where QBs go.

Feels like any QB that goes to Vikings improves almost overnight. Even Joshua Dobbs looked decent for a time with the Vikings.

Same with GB, Malik Willis looks a competent back up with potential to get better.

49ers are another team with a QB friendly offense.

Then you have teams like the Bears who for whatever reason can't develop a QB. They would've fucked up Mahomes, Brady, Ben, Manning or anyone else.

Jim McMahon is still best Bears QB I can remember.

[stillthere]

Steeler Fields has been better than Bears Fields. We are all happy about that. I'm cheering for Justin. But, I have to see more. He's going more through his progressions, but he still sometimes holds onto the ball a bit long. His decision making is better. But sometimes he tries to force balls through tight windows. He had two passes that he zipped on the sideline that were a little too close for comfort. The throw that Muth dropped was a beauty, but again it was against really really tight coverage. The INT was a throw into tight coverage.

I appreciate that he's bold enough to try to zip it into tight coverage and there is a place for that with great QBs. But, I want to see more of the easy throws like he had to Muth over the middle yesterday and to CA3 on the TD. Those throws were on time and beauties. Let's see if he can keep progressing in that area.

One thing is for sure...as we stand here on Sep 23rd, I don't think anyone thinks Justin is capable of leading us to a Lombardi. And, you don't invest 30-40-50 million in someone that doesn't give you a shot at the big one. So, I think the fear here is that Justin is just good enough to get us to the playoffs and maybe squeak out one win, and then they we back up the Brinks truck for him.

If someone wants to pay 30+ million a year for Fields next offseason then let them and we will reap a nice draft pick.

[jebrick]

I think it depends where QBs go.

Feels like any QB that goes to Vikings improves almost overnight. Even Joshua Dobbs looked decent for a time with the Vikings.

Same with GB, Malik Willis looks a competent back up with potential to get better.

49ers are another team with a QB friendly offense.

Then you have teams like the Bears who for whatever reason can't develop a QB. They would've fucked up Mahomes, Brady, Ben, Manning or anyone else.

Jim McMahon is still best Bears QB I can remember.

Ben got dropped into a complete team with a oline and power running back. He also had a Coordinator/QB coach that did not have their head up his ass. IIRC, many of his games he read 1/2 the field.

For the Bears, Williams looked decent if he could throw on time but as soon as he get pressure he run backwards and compounds a bad play by taking 10+ yard sacks. They have zero run game which hurts. not being able to run against the Colts is telling. They need to get a new GM because the guy they have has botch stuff up for having 2 #1 picks in 2 years

[bradshaw2ben]

Steeler Fields has been better than Bears Fields. We are all happy about that. I'm cheering for Justin. But, I have to see more. He's going more through his progressions, but he still sometimes holds onto the ball a bit long. His decision making is better. But sometimes he tries to force balls through tight windows. He had two passes that he zipped on the sideline that were a little too close for comfort. The throw that Muth dropped was a beauty, but again it was against really really tight coverage. The INT was a throw into tight coverage.

I appreciate that he's bold enough to try to zip it into tight coverage and there is a place for that with great QBs. But, I want to see more of the easy throws like he had to Muth over the middle yesterday and to CA3 on the TD. Those throws were on time and beauties. Let's see if he can keep progressing in that area.

One thing is for sure...as we stand here on Sep 23rd, I don't think anyone thinks Justin is capable of leading us to a Lombardi. And, you don't invest 30-40-50 million in someone that doesn't give you a shot at the big one. So, I think the fear here is that Justin is just good enough to get us to the playoffs and maybe squeak out one win, and then they we back up the Brinks truck for him.

If someone wants to pay 30+ million a year for Fields next offseason then let them and we will reap a nice draft pick.

Oh he’s going to get $40M/yr minimum and the Steelers will likely be the team paying it.

[bradshaw2ben]

I think it depends where QBs go.

Feels like any QB that goes to Vikings improves almost overnight. Even Joshua Dobbs looked decent for a time with the Vikings.

Same with GB, Malik Willis looks a competent back up with potential to get better.

49ers are another team with a QB friendly offense.

Then you have teams like the Bears who for whatever reason can't develop a QB. They would've fucked up Mahomes, Brady, Ben, Manning or anyone else.

Jim McMahon is still best Bears QB I can remember.

Ben got dropped into a complete team with a oline and power running back. He also had a Coordinator/QB coach that did not have their head up his ass. IIRC, many of his games he read 1/2 the field.

For the Bears, Williams looked decent if he could throw on time but as soon as he get pressure he run backwards and compounds a bad play by taking 10+ yard sacks. They have zero run game which hurts. not being able to run against the Colts is telling. They need to get a new GM because the guy they have has botch stuff up for having 2 #1 picks in 2 years

In principle I agree but that team was so much less than the sun of its parts in 2003. They looked a lot more “complete” with a QB who could bail them out on 3rd downs or when pass pro broke down or receivers couldn’t separate.

[Pabst]

Jim McMahon is still best Bears QB I can remember.