This loss was just disappointing. I know going undefeated wasn't realistic, but was still hopeful to see it. I put the blame on coaching more than anything else. Cowardly Gannon came back with his bend and break defense. Run defense may have looked bad, but only gave up just over 3 yards per carry. It was the passive, soft zone, playing way off nonsense that cost them IMO. Made it way too easy for Heinicke and never forced him into mistakes.
Officiating isn't the reason they lost, but it sure as hell didn't help. Apparently Goedert not only had his head ripped off but they also poked him in the eye. How is that missed? I see people defending the BG call, but watch with sound and hear how late the whistle was. He was already sliding into him, thinking he was getting up because again, no whistle. Nothing he could do to stop. Just frustrating when you're having a bad night and crap like this piles on top of it. Not going to argue any of this, just my opinion on the calls.
Thought Hurts played well enough. Even the pick was a good throw that bounced off Brown's hands, but my god what was he thinking on the last drive bailing immediately and running into a sack? Not a good sign panicking in the first high pressure situation. Hopes he learns from that.
Even with all this, they were still one play away from possibly winning. (Watkins! Why?) So there's my bright side for the rest of the season.