What I think I know after week 2

[bradshaw2ben]

2-0 with some help coming in Semaulo and Roman. Not pretty, but I'll take it.

If they don't bring in a QB who plays significantly better and is good enough to overcome the desire to play ugly football, it won't matter. In two games that have literally one attempted throw beyond 10 yards and inside the numbers . It was nearly intercepted.

[bradshaw2ben]

@Steelperch I'm with you on most of this. One huge difference with NO is their OL is destroying in the run game-- best in the NFL right now in that phase. Could be their talent is better, could be coaching, could be both. The left side of their OL is a LT who everyone said was a guard or RT at best & a LG who was a UDFA, now on his second team. They are KILLING guys in the run game. D-E-D Dead. I know Seumalo will help but right now Zach Frazier is the only OL they have who is dominating anywhere close to that level, and I'm sure they'll beat it out of him before too long. Fautanu had a good first game and I'm looking forward to see if he can overcome the horrid coaching and offensive mentality.

So, in a nutshell:
• this offense without Pickens would be easliy the second worst in the NFL (hi, there, Carolina!)
• the offense is not going to significantly improve because of their philosophy
• the offense lacks QB & dynamic skill players not wearing 14 won't get better unless their OL becomes dominant
• the OL won't improve as long as they keep jerking guys around, playing them out of position, & coaching them horribly

Can anyone see a pathway for the Steelers offense to score 27-34 points in a game where their defense has a tough day vs a good opponent/great QB? I'm not sure I can see a path to them breaking 20 consistently.

[Orangesteel]

I can’t.

And I don’t even like what we are doing in the run game right now. What’s our longest run of the season? Like 13 yards?

Of course the Steelers didn’t hire a guy like Kubiak because he would immediately butt heads with Tomlin and probably quit.

[Deebo]

@Steelperch I'm with you on most of this. One huge difference with NO is their OL is destroying in the run game-- best in the NFL right now in that phase. Could be their talent is better, could be coaching, could be both. The left side of their OL is a LT who everyone said was a guard or RT at best & a LG who was a UDFA, now on his second team. They are KILLING guys in the run game. D-E-D Dead. I know Seumalo will help but right now Zach Frazier is the only OL they have who is dominating anywhere close to that level, and I'm sure they'll beat it out of him before too long. Fautanu had a good first game and I'm looking forward to see if he can overcome the horrid coaching and offensive mentality.

So, in a nutshell:
• this offense without Pickens would be easliy the second worst in the NFL (hi, there, Carolina!)
• the offense is not going to significantly improve because of their philosophy
• the offense lacks QB & dynamic skill players not wearing 14 won't get better unless their OL becomes dominant
• the OL won't improve as long as they keep jerking guys around, playing them out of position, & coaching them horribly

Can anyone see a pathway for the Steelers offense to score 27-34 points in a game where their defense has a tough day vs a good opponent/great QB? I'm not sure I can see a path to them breaking 20 consistently.

I've been saying the same thing all offseason:
-we're a Pickens hamstring from being flat out dreadful
- this "live on the margins" philosophy is moronic and causes you to lose games you could win and vice versa

[lifelongsteel]

The Steelers appear to have exactly 3 players who can make an explosive play - Pickens, Warren and Fields (with his legs). If a D doubles Pickens and plays a lot of guys in the box then all that's left are long, low probability passes to Pickens.

They really need Roman Wilson to step up the way former 2nd/3rd round rookie WRs have in the past, or this team has almost no chance of getting to 24+ points in any game without defensive touchdowns.

[franco32]

No one is saying we are going to be the Saints and score 91 points in two games. However, we could and should be better than what we've shown.

1. I actually think the Oline has done nice work so far (especially Frazier) but even Daniels was good on Sunday. Obviously Seumalo improves things as well. The difference is that the Saints have Kamara hitting the holes/gaps vs. Najee. Until we feature Warren more, we'll be more pedestrian. But a fix is there.

2. At QB, Carr is no superstar. Are we really that much worse though with Wilson or Fields?

3. Now WR is a big difference right now. They have much better depth after their #1. We only have Pickens. So either we have to say prayers for R Wilson to develop or we have to make a trade.

4. Arthur Smith has shown himself capable of some better play designs and running a successful offense. Will Tomlin stop handcuffing him when Russ is back?

[gojira5150]

The Steelers appear to have exactly 3 players who can make an explosive play - Pickens, Warren and Fields (with his legs). If a D doubles Pickens and plays a lot of guys in the box then all that's left are long, low probability passes to Pickens.

They really need Roman Wilson to step up the way former 2nd/3rd round rookie WRs have in the past, or this team has almost no chance of getting to 24+ points in any game without defensive touchdowns.

That throw Fields threw to Pickens for 50 (was called back for holding) was a thing of beauty. Maybe a handful of QB's in the league can make that throw on the run. JF can do it as he has a Canon. Do you think RW can make that play. He would have been sacked and probably fumbled. Be careful wishing for RW to start. He's older, can't really move and takes a number of sacks and fumbles.

[franco32]

The Steelers appear to have exactly 3 players who can make an explosive play - Pickens, Warren and Fields (with his legs). If a D doubles Pickens and plays a lot of guys in the box then all that's left are long, low probability passes to Pickens.

They really need Roman Wilson to step up the way former 2nd/3rd round rookie WRs have in the past, or this team has almost no chance of getting to 24+ points in any game without defensive touchdowns.

That throw Fields threw to Pickens for 50 (was called back for holding) was a thing of beauty. Maybe a handful of QB's in the league can make that throw on the run. JF can do it as he has a Canon. Do you think RW can make that play. He would have been sacked and probably fumbled. Be careful wishing for RW to start. He's older, can't really move and takes a number of sacks and fumbles.

Do I think RW can make that throw? Very unlikely. However, do I think RW can run a more complete offense capable of more than one 10+ yard throw over the middle in 2 games? Yes.

[gojira5150]

The Steelers appear to have exactly 3 players who can make an explosive play - Pickens, Warren and Fields (with his legs). If a D doubles Pickens and plays a lot of guys in the box then all that's left are long, low probability passes to Pickens.

They really need Roman Wilson to step up the way former 2nd/3rd round rookie WRs have in the past, or this team has almost no chance of getting to 24+ points in any game without defensive touchdowns.

That throw Fields threw to Pickens for 50 (was called back for holding) was a thing of beauty. Maybe a handful of QB's in the league can make that throw on the run. JF can do it as he has a Canon. Do you think RW can make that play. He would have been sacked and probably fumbled. Be careful wishing for RW to start. He's older, can't really move and takes a number of sacks and fumbles.

Do I think RW can make that throw? Very unlikely. However, do I think RW can run a more complete offense capable of more than one 10+ yard throw over the middle in 2 games? Yes.

With this o-line right now, we will see. RW will get buried as he's not mobile enough when protection breaks down (some of those plays JF makes with his feet and escapes, RW is taking a sack and possible fumble. Hope you are OK when that happens). At least JF can get out of harms way and make plays with his feet or arm.

[steelclan]

2-0 with some help coming in Semaulo and Roman. Not pretty, but I'll take it.

If they don't bring in a QB who plays significantly better and is good enough to overcome the desire to play ugly football, it won't matter. In two games that have literally one attempted throw beyond 10 yards and inside the numbers . It was nearly intercepted.

This is harsh. That throw that Fields made to Pickens down the sideline on the run was elite. Very few QBs make that throw and one ticky tacky holding call doesn't take that away.

Not to mention the complete BS call for 2nd week in a row on OPI that took a TD off the board.

Yes, Fields needs to improve but he is looking better than he did with the Bears and making some unreal throws. Cannot blame him when flags come flying out for at best weak reasons.

Fields did some things yesterday I have not seen previously from him. That timing route to Pickens on the 3rd & 11 was exactly what he rarely if ever did with the Bears. Of course, that drive was destroyed by Jones.

MOF is more on Smith for me but Fields needs to see that even if the play is not called there.

[Orangesteel]

Go ask Bears fans about the elite throws JF made for three seasons while in Chicago. He’s an athletic freak with a cannon. That is well known. And I’m starting to root for the dude because this injury drama with RW is exhausting and old.

They are trying to protect JF, they said it verbatim after the ATL game to stay away from Bates and Terrell and Simmons.

You cannot be a legit QB in this league, a game winner/playoff contender QB, until you prove you can process ultra fast and throw from the pocket over the middle of the field. A broken play across the body sideline throw on a frozen rope 51 yards downfield to Pickens was incredible to see - but it ain’t evidence that he’s finally found “it”.

[steelclan]

Go ask Bears fans about the elite throws JF made for three seasons while in Chicago. He’s an athletic freak with a cannon. That is well known. And I’m starting to root for the dude because this injury drama with RW is exhausting and old.

They are trying to protect JF, they said it verbatim after the ATL game to stay away from Bates and Terrell and Simmons.

You cannot be a legit QB in this league, a game winner/playoff contender QB, until you prove you can process ultra fast and throw from the pocket over the middle of the field. A broken play across the body sideline throw on a frozen rope 51 yards downfield to Pickens was incredible to see - but it ain’t evidence that he’s finally found “it”.

It also doesn't help that he has one legit WR. Pickens aside no one in the WR room can separate from Mr. Magoo.

[Steeldrama]

Really thought Fautanu looked the business. Fraser also another solid game. Oline with Sem back, TF fulltime at RT has a chance to improve significantly.

https://x.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1835791833357553929

[Orangesteel]

Go ask Bears fans about the elite throws JF made for three seasons while in Chicago. He’s an athletic freak with a cannon. That is well known. And I’m starting to root for the dude because this injury drama with RW is exhausting and old.

They are trying to protect JF, they said it verbatim after the ATL game to stay away from Bates and Terrell and Simmons.

You cannot be a legit QB in this league, a game winner/playoff contender QB, until you prove you can process ultra fast and throw from the pocket over the middle of the field. A broken play across the body sideline throw on a frozen rope 51 yards downfield to Pickens was incredible to see - but it ain’t evidence that he’s finally found “it”.

It also doesn't help that he has one legit WR. Pickens aside no one in the WR room can separate from Mr. Magoo.

I’m with you. And because of NHALS they likely won’t turn JF loose or let him cook because Tomlin has a record to maintain. But considering I barely watched JF except for highlights when he was in CHI he certainly has an arm.

[Havoc]

Go ask Bears fans about the elite throws JF made for three seasons while in Chicago. He’s an athletic freak with a cannon. That is well known. And I’m starting to root for the dude because this injury drama with RW is exhausting and old.

They are trying to protect JF, they said it verbatim after the ATL game to stay away from Bates and Terrell and Simmons.

You cannot be a legit QB in this league, a game winner/playoff contender QB, until you prove you can process ultra fast and throw from the pocket over the middle of the field. A broken play across the body sideline throw on a frozen rope 51 yards downfield to Pickens was incredible to see - but it ain’t evidence that he’s finally found “it”.

I'm not disagreeing with you Orange.

I liked that we moved Fields out of the pocket on some pass plays.

IMO, you have to let him be what he is during games and play to his strengths as much as possible and then try to develop him as best you can between games.

Get him on the move + throw downfield.

[bradshaw2ben]

2-0 with some help coming in Semaulo and Roman. Not pretty, but I'll take it.

If they don't bring in a QB who plays significantly better and is good enough to overcome the desire to play ugly football, it won't matter. In two games that have literally one attempted throw beyond 10 yards and inside the numbers . It was nearly intercepted.

This is harsh. That throw that Fields made to Pickens down the sideline on the run was elite. Very few QBs make that throw and one ticky tacky holding call doesn't take that away.

Not to mention the complete BS call for 2nd week in a row on OPI that took a TD off the board.

Yes, Fields needs to improve but he is looking better than he did with the Bears and making some unreal throws. Cannot blame him when flags come flying out for at best weak reasons.

Fields did some things yesterday I have not seen previously from him. That timing route to Pickens on the 3rd & 11 was exactly what he rarely if ever did with the Bears. Of course, that drive was destroyed by Jones.

MOF is more on Smith for me but Fields needs to see that even if the play is not called there.

Look, I know the things that Justin Fields can do. Helluva athlete, big arm, solid deep ball thrower, especially going to a dude like Pickens, who can track it and go get it. But you can't live on just a few deep sideline balls per game. You can't even live on leaving a clean pocket and making an elite throw very often. You have to at least be able to do the basics of the pass game from the pocket and make some throws into tight windows down the field. You're going to need to do that to score points. Maybe you'll need to do it as soon as this weekend. And that's where the Justin Fields train comes to a crashing halt.

When they play QBs and teams that can test their defense a little, they will need a QB to step up and do more than some scramble runs to the occasional safe deep shot. Until he shows me he can do any of that stuff, I refuse to get all hyped about the athletic stuff. It's dessert and I'm looking for proteins.

[bradshaw2ben]

Go ask Bears fans about the elite throws JF made for three seasons while in Chicago. He’s an athletic freak with a cannon. That is well known. And I’m starting to root for the dude because this injury drama with RW is exhausting and old.

They are trying to protect JF, they said it verbatim after the ATL game to stay away from Bates and Terrell and Simmons.

You cannot be a legit QB in this league, a game winner/playoff contender QB, until you prove you can process ultra fast and throw from the pocket over the middle of the field. A broken play across the body sideline throw on a frozen rope 51 yards downfield to Pickens was incredible to see - but it ain’t evidence that he’s finally found “it”.

But I was told we don't live in our fears!

[bradshaw2ben]

A broken play across the body sideline throw on a frozen rope 51 yards downfield to Pickens was incredible to see - but it ain’t evidence that he’s finally found “it”.

...especially on a play where he likely would have been sacked leaving a clean pocket if not for the hold.

[bradshaw2ben]

Go ask Bears fans about the elite throws JF made for three seasons while in Chicago. He’s an athletic freak with a cannon. That is well known. And I’m starting to root for the dude because this injury drama with RW is exhausting and old.

They are trying to protect JF, they said it verbatim after the ATL game to stay away from Bates and Terrell and Simmons.

You cannot be a legit QB in this league, a game winner/playoff contender QB, until you prove you can process ultra fast and throw from the pocket over the middle of the field. A broken play across the body sideline throw on a frozen rope 51 yards downfield to Pickens was incredible to see - but it ain’t evidence that he’s finally found “it”.

It also doesn't help that he has one legit WR. Pickens aside no one in the WR room can separate from Mr. Magoo.

They wouldn't use a real #2 WR threat more than a couple times per game, anyway. Too risky compared to everything else.

[steelclan]

A broken play across the body sideline throw on a frozen rope 51 yards downfield to Pickens was incredible to see - but it ain’t evidence that he’s finally found “it”.

...especially on a play where he likely would have been sacked leaving a clean pocket if not for the hold.

That "hold" was weak AF. I saw far worse on TJ Watt throughout the game.

[bradshaw2ben]

Really thought Fautanu looked the business. Fraser also another solid game. Oline with Sem back, TF fulltime at RT has a chance to improve significantly.

https://x.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1835791833357553929

This is going to go down as an all-time class of OL. There's a bunch of guys who are starting and balling out.

[bradshaw2ben]

A broken play across the body sideline throw on a frozen rope 51 yards downfield to Pickens was incredible to see - but it ain’t evidence that he’s finally found “it”.

...especially on a play where he likely would have been sacked leaving a clean pocket if not for the hold.

That "hold" was weak AF. I saw far worse on TJ Watt throughout the game.

As I keep explaining... in the NFL, you can hook a defender who is speed rushing you and probably not get flagged. But if you grab a guy from the side/behind and turn him 90 degrees... you're getting flagged.

I don't disagree that Watt doesn't get calls that he should get, but this particular call on Jones was legit.

[Steelperch]

@bradshaw2ben Fuaga is the RT I wanted the Steelers to get. Even I didn’t see him as a LT. Saints are dominating with talent not any better than what we have. Carr, Olave, Shaheed isn’t a top 16 trio in the league and Kamala is coming off of 3 Ho hum seasons. I think all of that points to a new OC who has turned things around in a big way. Carr has been very good, as he’s known to be against bad competition early in the season in good weather.

[bradshaw2ben]

@bradshaw2ben Fuaga is the RT I wanted the Steelers to get. Even I didn’t see him as a LT. Saints are dominating with talent not any better than what we have. Carr, Olave, Shaheed isn’t a top 16 trio in the league and Kamala is coming off of 3 Ho hum seasons. I think all of that points to a new OC who has turned things around in a big way. Carr has been very good, as he’s known to be against bad competition early in the season in good weather.

Doug Marrone, of all people... their OL coach is killing it.

[steelclan]

...especially on a play where he likely would have been sacked leaving a clean pocket if not for the hold.

That "hold" was weak AF. I saw far worse on TJ Watt throughout the game.

As I keep explaining... in the NFL, you can hook a defender who is speed rushing you and probably not get flagged. But if you grab a guy from the side/behind and turn him 90 degrees... you're getting flagged.

I don't disagree that Watt doesn't get calls that he should get, but this particular call on Jones was legit.

Nah. I disagree it was BS. He barely had a grasp on him, and he didn't turn him at all.

[VeritasSteel]

Your hypothesis is that Wilson and Semu are going to magically cause this offense to score more points?

I believe that if we are to win the SB this year, it will be because Wilson came in and just did the simple shit. Made the right reads and checks. He understands his play by play mismatches outside of GP. Simple stuff that seeing a defense or coverage 1000 times does for a guy. If Wilson saw a 6 man line front with two LBs mugging one side for a half- there are at least 2 TDs on the board.

That said, I see CA3 open, I see 88 professionally open and wide open a ton. Go look at that play that Fields zings it over #11's head. If he's reading the play from right to left and keying the right safety, it's an easy 70 yard TD to #88 at the top of his drop. There's a trips formation play in the Atlanta game where if he reads left to right, the near safety takes the first guy that flashes across his face. Now he's got #19 for a walk in TD. Those are reads a vet makes in his sleep. That's the difference between scoring 9 or scoring 21. No hero ball no great arm talent, just seen it here is the beater and let's go execute.

Semu takes the good work that Frazier is doing for the inside rush game wise and multiplies it. He also reduces that interior line pressure that we got from Denver's #99 all game long. Now with him at G not only are we getting 4+ YPC in the belly of the defense but we're also getting time for a huge play to develop off of play action into single coverage.

Fields is going to see a ton of 6-8 man gap fronts with run blitzes assignments designed to keep him in the pocket going forward. The Broncos lived in it after the second half, and he didn't make them pay for it. If Fields suddenly starts throwing a consistent zone beater to 88 or a man beater to 80. This entire offense would be like a retired Marine grandpa whipping every 20 year old's punk's ass he meets.

[Orangesteel]

Good shit Veritas. That’s what I meant by checking in with Chicago fans; I read quite a bit this summer and the consensus is all the same. It’s a processing issue and he just flat out doesn’t see guys that are open/wide open/professionally open (as you put it).

Maybe it is the perfect match in this 1WR offense that Artie Smith loves and we run the everliving crap out of the ball, but it doesn’t bode well for scoring and it really won’t help JF develop as a passer (if that’s even possible).

[SteelerDayTrader]

The fact that many of you think Shamoo at guard will be a needle mover is laughable mang. Lolololz

And as far as Friermuth and CA3 becoming consistent explosive weapons……Lolololz

RW is a better QB but he’s gonna get crushed if this OL doesn’t get a lot better fast

[Ice]

The fact that many of you think Shamoo at guard will be a needle mover is laughable mang. Lolololz

And as far as Friermuth and CA3 becoming consistent explosive weapons……Lolololz

RW is a better QB but he’s gonna get crushed if this OL doesn’t get a lot better fast

Gotta dance with the small amount of hope we've got. The party's already started and this is who we brought.

[bradshaw2ben]

Your hypothesis is that Wilson and Semu are going to magically cause this offense to score more points?

I believe that if we are to win the SB this year, it will be because Wilson came in and just did the simple shit. Made the right reads and checks. He understands his play by play mismatches outside of GP. Simple stuff that seeing a defense or coverage 1000 times does for a guy. If Wilson saw a 6 man line front with two LBs mugging one side for a half- there are at least 2 TDs on the board.

That said, I see CA3 open, I see 88 professionally open and wide open a ton. Go look at that play that Fields zings it over #11's head. If he's reading the play from right to left and keying the right safety, it's an easy 70 yard TD to #88 at the top of his drop. There's a trips formation play in the Atlanta game where if he reads left to right, the near safety takes the first guy that flashes across his face. Now he's got #19 for a walk in TD. Those are reads a vet makes in his sleep. That's the difference between scoring 9 or scoring 21. No hero ball no great arm talent, just seen it here is the beater and let's go execute.

Semu takes the good work that Frazier is doing for the inside rush game wise and multiplies it. He also reduces that interior line pressure that we got from Denver's #99 all game long. Now with him at G not only are we getting 4+ YPC in the belly of the defense but we're also getting time for a huge play to develop off of play action into single coverage.

Fields is going to see a ton of 6-8 man gap fronts with run blitzes assignments designed to keep him in the pocket going forward. The Broncos lived in it after the second half, and he didn't make them pay for it. If Fields suddenly starts throwing a consistent zone beater to 88 or a man beater to 80. This entire offense would be like a retired Marine grandpa whipping every 20 year old's punk's ass he meets.

The real issue for the Steelers OL has been Daniels, so unless Seumalo is coming in for him...