Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
colts and jags losing are probably the most important
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2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Banged up team loses to Buffalo. Looking ahead to 2024 now (14 Viewers)
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fred_1_15301
Footballguy
It’s pretty unlikely. I was looking with my son yesterday and our odds were the lowest of all the teams in the hunt (including the Bengals). The win yesterday was probably more costly than helpful.
McBokonon
Footballguy
So was 2021 but a terrible Jax team beat the Colts and the Raiders won after almost tying the Chargers - all this after the Steelers beat the Ravens after converting on 4th and 8 in overtime.
You never know. All of the teams we’re competing with are mediocre and/or inconsistent, too.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
They lost to every single one of them and are left to pray for lady luck once again.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
It really doesn’t even matter (much like in 2021)
McBokonon
Footballguy
Well, no, but that’s not what I was responding to.
Hooper31
Footballguy
Welcome to Seattle next week. Both look like teams that are likely early exits in the playoffs. Seattle fans of old would relish a Steelers loss next week. The 2005 Super Bowl still stings like it happened yesterday.
Trends and things to know about Seattle.
Questions:
Trends and things to know about Seattle.
- Seattle pass blocking is improving drastically with the return of RT Abe Lucas. Will be a good matchup there next week against Watt.
- Ability to run the ball has been hit and miss. Ran it great the two previous weeks. Not so much @ TEN.
- Geno has played better than his statistics this year. As a Seattle homer I'm glad he's still under center. The Seattle offense is about finding big chunk plays down field. If Geno has time he delivers a pretty ball.
- The Seattle pass defense is night and day better with SS Jamal Adams on the field. The past two weeks he hasn't even bothered to be on the sideline. My gut says healthy scratch and his knee isn't anywhere near as bad as advertised. He may have very well played his last down as a Seahawk. The team and the fans are ready for him to just quietly go away. SS Julian Love has been a huge upgrade. Hopeful that rookie CB Witherspoon returns healthy next week. A bad hip-pointer has sidelined his the past two weeks. He's a difference maker. Perhaps the best instincts in a DB I've seen since watching Ed Reed. The kid just makes plays. Seattle won't play like CIN. Seattle won't be beat over the top. A Pete Carroll defense is all about not giving up big plays. If you have a patient offense the opportunity will be there to nickel and dime your way down the field.
- Seattle run defense has major issues. LB Bobby Wagner is Canton bound, but his time as a positive difference maker has largely passed. He will still make stops in the run game, but his ability to run in pass defense is over. If LB Jordan Brooks misses time with the an ankle injury they could be in major trouble. PIT fans will recognize LB Bush and they'll be glad he's there. Just doesn't look like he wants to hit ball carriers with any violence.
Questions:
- Who do you WANT to see under center next week?
- SEA OTs are solid. Does PIT have enough inside pass rush to cause problems?
- Does the PIT offense have the patience to slowly work their way down the field?
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
I made the mistake of looking ahead at playoff scenarios. In order for the Steelers to make the playoffs, they absolutely need to win out. I think it likely ends next week in Seattle but if they somehow win, they need Baltimore to beat Miami so that they’ll rest their starters against the Steelers. If all this happens, they still need either Houston or Indy to lose next week (preferably both). If one of Houston or Indy wins next week, they need that team to then lose in the head to head matchup in week 18. If all this happens, the Steelers are in!
So you’re saying there is a chance?
So you’re saying there is a chance?
McBokonon
Footballguy
I’m flying out and spending the weekend there and going to the game. I was thinking of wearing my Super Bowl XL Champion shirt as a troll job but considering it’s also NYE and people will be hammered, I might reconsider.
Hooper31
Footballguy
Seattle fans are generally not overly emotional ******** looking for a fight, but it only takes one. Seriously though, other than San Francisco, I’m super confident that any form of poll would show that the Seattle faithful dislike PIT more than any other team.
H8fulHuck
Footballguy
Great post. Answered my take above.
Steelers fans have been let down every time we get our hopes up. Expectations are low. Part of us wants to see the coaches exposed so we can make major changes especially OC. We know deep down Tomlin isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Part of us would love to see Maaaaa-son Ruuuu-dolph blossom into the #1 QB heading into 2024.
Hooper31
Footballguy
I strongly believe that the Rooney family has been one of the best ownership groups in the NFL for a long time. Their willingness to stick with coaches for the long haul has led to stability that other fan bases can't relate to. I have no idea which NFL teams have the best record over the past 50 years, but I have to believe that Pittsburgh is near the top of that list. Perhaps on top?
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Man, we are really running through linebackers and safeties this season. Just signed Jaylon Smith, as it looks like Roberts is out this week.
H8fulHuck
Footballguy
QB school Mason Rudolph eval
I find videos like these interesting. Rudy was killing it with 3 step drop speed outs vs Cinci especially picking on the corner to his left.
Also calls out coaches play calling flaws. Runs these mirrored 10 yard outs on 3rd down and long when we need more than what the play is designed to win. Play design doesn't allow the WR to cut upfield meaning a 'successful' play is still going to end up in a 4th down.
I find videos like these interesting. Rudy was killing it with 3 step drop speed outs vs Cinci especially picking on the corner to his left.
Also calls out coaches play calling flaws. Runs these mirrored 10 yard outs on 3rd down and long when we need more than what the play is designed to win. Play design doesn't allow the WR to cut upfield meaning a 'successful' play is still going to end up in a 4th down.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Start Kenneth Walker everywhere you own him, folks.
Pickett has been a disappointment this year and there’s no denying it. If we want to say the scheme, play calling, and being coached not to take chances has played into that I can’t argue.
Personally I start Mason no matter what this week. He has a better arm than KP, seemed to be making quick decisions vs Cin, and was willing to throw the ball downfield.
Not saying Mason will be the next Kurt Warner but he deserves a start this week with a quick hook to KP if he falls flat.
The Steelers selected Rudolph in the third round (76th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. His college teammate James Washington was drafted by the Steelers in round 2. Big Ben grumbles, mumbles, bumbles, stumbles, rumbles and pretty much shuns Mason potentially hindering his development. 2019 Mason tosses 13 touchdowns in 10 games. Looked like a statue at times seemed indecisive. Was continually being compared to Ben there's definitely a difference in talent.
Haskins signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 21, 2021. He was named the third-string quarterback behind Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph and was inactive for all but one game that season. Haskins signed a one-year, restricted free agent tender by the team on March 16, 2022. I was so happy that the Steeler's signed him and pretty much were slow walking him. Then deeply saddened.
Mitch TooRisky On March 17, 2022, Trubisky signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. My thoughts where he looked good at Buffalo in mop up duty. Had a good year in 'Chicago where he made the playoffs and pro bowl.
Pickett was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (20th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft on 4/22/2022. As much as I like Ben the player it's equally so with Kenny the person. I personally feel if he came back to Pitt for an impossible 6 year. His stats would have declined big time. I didn't view him as a 1st round QB. It's brutal and I wish I could have a mind eraser anytime someone brings up KP my mind goes immediately to 6 TDs this year. KP is the definition of oversaturation for me.
So back to Mason. Obviously, Steeler's staff, GM, ownership, felt the need to sign Haskins, TooRisky, and Pickett. Meanwhile probably not even thinking about giving Mason Rudolph another chance. Until there is hand is forced due to Pickett injury and TooRisky pretty much doing nothing with his last chance. Will Mason this weekend play another very good game and open up fan's eyes even more. Will George Pickens have another good game. Stay tuned.............
Kurt Warner was bagging groceries. Then signed by the Rams and won a Superbowl. Ends up a Cardinal where he is coached by Ken Wisenhunt in the Superbowl in 2009. Ken's road to the Superbowl was much more difficult than Tomlin's. After 3 straight non-playoff seasons Ken is fired in 2012.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
I’ve flip flopped so many damn times but I’m in the “extend Tomlin” camp now. Amazing what you can do with a competent offense and QB.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Mason obviously gives this team the best chance to win. Problem is they will go back to KP at some point.
Blick
Footballguy
Can only hope for a REAL battle in camp.
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crushedspirit
Footballguy
Still would like to know why Trubisky got the nod over Mason weeks ago. It's a night and day difference between them, so it had to show up in practice as well.
Steelers4Life
Footballguy
In only 4 of 17 seasons have the Steelers won a playoff game coached by Tomlin.
It's disappointing that the bar has been lowered this much.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Win against Baltimore backups (hopefully) and an unlikely Jags loss to the Titans and we should make the playoffs. The offense has looked much better with Rudolph. They better not go back to Pickett next week.
dickey moe
Fingerpicker
Amazing that Tomlin has kept this team in contention. All you haters are crazy.
Steelers4Life
Footballguy
Tomlin being stubborn and not starting Rudolph even after Pickett got hurt is the reason they're not already in the playoffs. He allowed Trubisky to blow 3 games before making the change that needed to be made weeks earlier. Tomlin's decisions and playing down to competition costs them games every year.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
So it looks like we make the playoffs with a win and either a Buffalo or Jax loss.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
This team should not be praying for a miracle to make it in. Look at the jobs some coaches have done in Cleveland, Houston, and Indianapolis with the talent they have in comparison.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
I would love for them to get in even if it’s a likely first round exit. With the amount of injuries the Steelers have had on D, I don’t think we need to apologize to any of those teams if we get in.
20 teams are still in contention, it's not that high of a bar.
cdclopper
Footballguy
It's the same game plan as for when KP was playing. They're still running the ball most of the time, very often on both 1st and 2nd downs. What's the difference, Mason has been making big throws down field when he gets the opportunity. KP instead is too timid to step up in the pocket to make a throw, nor is he willing to give his receivers a chance to make a play, or is just too slow in his processing to get them the ball.
3C's
Footballguy
We'll see what comes out at noon, and I suppose this is an in the moment thing, but I wasn't far off:
'as to who will start at quarterback next week against the Baltimore Ravens,' "We'll talk about that next week," said Tomlin. "Right now, we're just appreciative of the victory."
I’m hoping the reason Tomlin was noncommittal yesterday about a starting QB because he wants to sit KP down and tell him he’s not starting before Tomlin shares with the media.
How can Mason not be the starting QB at this point? Offense has looked like a real O the past 2 weeks.
Also, thought it was interesting the KP was inactive yesterday. Was that due to health or is he now 3rd string? KP has to be above Mitch, right?
3C's
Footballguy
On one hand, I could see them not naming a starter in an effort to play the "make them prepare for 2 QBs" game, but I don't think the Ravens are really worried about who starts. So I could certainly see it being something along the lines of what you say, make and announce the decision internally before blasting it out to the media. And as Tomlin also said, give the media something to "buzz about" for a day or so.
For yesterday, I think they're still playing the injury card with Kenny and they were only going to have 2 QBs active so the 3rd is inactive. Kenny was the "odd man out" there. Mitch is definitely 3rd now. And officially, for now, Kenny is 1st on the team depth chart.
karl.Racki
Footballguy
I think if the Steelers win Saturday, they are in, with no other help, but if Miami beats Buffalo, they can be the 6-seed. If Buffalo wins, Pittsburgh is the 7-seed.
I could be totally wrong, but that is the way it looks.
I could be totally wrong, but that is the way it looks.
Being brutally honest here if anyone is hoping Kenny Pickett starts then you're literally looking at .5 TD a game. The guy has thrown for 6 touchdowns in 12 games this season. Ask yourself is it due to the fact he played at Pitt, you live in Pittsburgh, watch the sports only when the local news is on, read the post-gazette, see a billboard, commercial. Your mind has been blitzed with KP for the last 6 years.
Dionte Johnson and George Pickens were angry Bears grumbling taking plays off under KP and Mitch. With Mason they are getting fed and appear to be more jovial.
As soon the Steeler's season ends, they need to cut Mitch. Mitch could be the highest paid 3rd string QB in NFL history. When he was the backup, he was the highest paid backup QB in the NFL.
Dionte Johnson and George Pickens were angry Bears grumbling taking plays off under KP and Mitch. With Mason they are getting fed and appear to be more jovial.
As soon the Steeler's season ends, they need to cut Mitch. Mitch could be the highest paid 3rd string QB in NFL history. When he was the backup, he was the highest paid backup QB in the NFL.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
No they still need help I believe. Easiest path is a win and either a Bills or Jags loss. Believe it or not they still have a slim shot even with a loss. I expect both the Bills and Jags to win unfortunately.
karl.Racki
Footballguy
Yeah, after I sent that, I saw the ESPN predictor and saw they need Bills to lose mostly, but can get in with a Jags loss and I believe a Colts loss.
That said, I think Miami will beat Buffalo. Miami plays so different at home, and I am not sold on Buffalo the last 2 weeks.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
If the Jags lose, they don’t even need a Colts loss. In that instance, the winner of the Colts/Texans game wins the division and we would have the better record than the Jags and the loser of the Texans/Colts game. No tiebreaker to worry about.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Bills or Jags need to lose, and Ravens need to not care. Texans and Colts play each other, so one of them is making it as well.
Even if Steelers win they can finish out of it, so help is needed as usual.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
I’m sorry but the Ravens would be foolish to start any of their key players. They are far and away the best team in football and will only need to beat 2 teams to get to the dance.
belljr
Footballguy
Burn it down remember!!!! Lol
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
It’s amazing. Living in Philly and watching the play of the Eagles right now I feel that the Steelers would beat them with Rudolph if they played today. I never would have thought that 3-4 weeks ago. The Steelers have established dominance in the running game and have competent QB play. The defense if ever healthy would be good enough for this team to be a top 4-5 AFC team. But alas that wasn’t in the cards this year.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
I expect them to start for a half at least. Foolish to sit everyone and have the team go stale heading into the playoffs. They will be rested for 2 weeks as is awaiting the first round winners.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Best example was that George Pickens catch in the second half. Pocket collapsing, and Rudy steps up and then just fires one deep that was basically all arm.
He isn’t an amazing qb or anything, but he is the best of these 3 right now. Despite KP’s preseason performance, Rudy was best qb all summer. Not sure why Canada hated him.
Trubisky got the starts because Rudy got no reps since August.
Local Pittsburgh radio speculates that KP was healthy enough to dress Vs Seattle but obviously didn’t.
The conclusion is KP either didn’t want to dress bc didn’t want to be the backup or obviously a decision in the organization was made not to dress.
All speculation but I buy into the “KP was healthy enough” thought.
The conclusion is KP either didn’t want to dress bc didn’t want to be the backup or obviously a decision in the organization was made not to dress.
All speculation but I buy into the “KP was healthy enough” thought.
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