Let’s be realistic for a minute.

[SteelerFan448]

This is not exactly true. The Eagles game was the only game we really didn't have a chance. We beat Balt once and had chances the second game, especially the first half. We also had alot of injuries which certainly didn't help. The KC game was 16-10 at halftime and we could have taken the lead. Momentum is a weird thing so if we scored instead of a turnover who knows what would have happened.
In the playoffs we match up well with a few teams, but beating Buffalo or KC is a tough ask for any team. Losing to the Texans would be a disappointment, and losing to the Ravens would just suck, but i do not expect a competitive game against Buffalo

The game is played for 4 quarters. The Steelers lost by double digits in all three games. That's bad.

 

[Confluence]

The game is played for 4 quarters. The Steelers lost by double digits in all three games. That's bad.

Exactly

They lost the 4th Q badly in each game, lost the second half, didn't get a Q1 td, and really have only been competitive in Q2.

They have been outscored 90-40, decisively ***-whipped when it matters most

 

[Steelr4evr]

Exactly

They lost the 4th Q badly in each game, lost the second half, didn't get a Q1 td, and really have only been competitive in Q2.

They have been outscored 90-40, decisively ***-whipped when it matters most

Back in the 90's they wore t-shirts that said "60 Minute Men". They're down to "20 Minute Men" now.

They also used to pride themselves on not allowing a 100 yard rusher and had very long streaks of that not happening. No weak links allowed on defense.

The 70's Steelers defended every blade of grass and gang attacked the ball carrier like he burned their mother's house down,pissed on the ashes and shot the dog.


I don't what I could call what we have now from about 2020 on. I don't see the pride or cohesiveness of past defenses. To me it's just a bunch of guys half assing it while collecting large paychecks. All talk and no action.

 

[Lloyd]

It is hard for a long term employee in any line of work to consistently have the hunger and drive.

Long timers get complacent, things become too routine, employees feel no heat and can’t even comprehend being fired once with a company long enough. They begin to just act robotic and no longer grow for at least 95% or more of them.

They become emboldened and think they know everything. I’ve seen it in every line of work
I’ve been in.

Too me Mike Tomlin exemplifies all of these traits of a long time employee.

He preaches to players beginning every year that they must always be growing and getting better or someone will come along and take their job/steal their lunch.

Unfortunately Mike doesn’t seem to be practicing what he preaches. We’ve seen little to no growth and all the complacency traits of a long term employee. Resigning him was a huge mistake. Ownership should have made him prove his worth with a deep playoff run. All they did is make him more entrenched in his complacency.

We'd like to think Shades is beyond the typical complacency that following a head man being in charge for too long, but alas he has not; he's fallen for the typical "been there too long, going through the motions" trap. He has been for a long time, since 2011 I'd say. If not since 2011, I'd say 2016 for sure. All that talent, so more rings to show for it.

 

[Lloyd]

There’s at least 10-15 better back in the league than Najee, that’s conservatively speaking.

He just gets a lot of carries.

He’s one of the biggest contributors on the field to the crappy offense the last several years by such a high percentage of the offense going through the hands of such a mid player.
It is Tomlin’s fault he utilizes him so much, but that doesn’t make Najee any less mid.

Najee is a nice 2 back, but that's where it sends. Should have never stopped seeking for a legit #1 back. But he was a Rooney pick so slow motion it is.

 

[MT~Forged]

I thought the change at GM would potentially be a positive development, but with the struggles of Broderick Jones and JPJ and the way the WR position was handled during the off-season, a lot of the luster has already come off of Khan.

I don’t think Kahn has done a bad job, just the opposite, if you truly believe he is the one making the picks.

Jones - he was drafted to play LT. Yes he had limited experience, yes he was a work in progress. Then TOMLIN stuck him at RT. Playing him out of position, just like he has done with other players. Yet the player is always considered the failure. Sure, it is possible that Jones may not work out, but the guy really hasn’t had a true shot at the spot he was drafted for.

Porter - This was a good pick, and I can’t figure why anyone is questioning it. The issue I have is AGAIN, TOMLIN. He has publicly said that he is not responsible for coaching up players, they are expected to know everything already. The current issues with Porter are all coaching issues (grabbing, holding and trash talking).

 

[MT~Forged]

I’ve got a feeling there is a “no Steelers talk” clause at some of the family gatherings.

He does live and breath STEELERS everything as it is his livelihood.

He most certainly has some big decisions to make and I’m sure him & his son have been discussing many a things as the season progressed and as it is finishing up. I’m thinking that coaching is a “hot” topic amongst themselves and those behind the scenes decision makers.

The topic of on-field scheme has to be one of them. I think Art 2 has tried to guide by talking about running the ball, then also the play off wins. the problem is there hasn’t been any ramifications or “hot” seat5 like atmosphere to put any fear into the HC-ing staff. Complacency has fathered itself many times within the organization / players.

If rushing was to be the mandate, how come we don’t have a rushing type OL, we’ve invested heavily but no return. (Hint) OL coaching has sucked for several years. Scheme has most to do with the OL failures, coaching doesn’t seem to be able to translate teaching to on field applications.

Injuries suck, but every team has injuries yet, this team seems to not be prepared for such a thing. Barely starter talent with bottom line back-ups, not the current ingredient for today’s NFL and offense factored play. Coaching can’t get the maximum out of the players they bring in, it’s like either they have to be pro-bowl talent before they get here or they are just a failure. “If you don’t know by now, we can’t help you” really seems to define this coaching staff.


Salute the nation

Rooney talking has zero effect on Tomlin. Tomlin has been there way too long, and the media builds him up. The ONLY leverage Dookie hasis to fire Tomlin, and he is not going to do that and have to absorb all the negative PR and media uproar. He will just sit with his thumb up his azz and wait for Tomlin to retire or decline the job, just like he has for the last number of years. Him and Tomlin are a perfect pair, they both talk and talk, yet do nothing.

 

[Hypocycloids]

Najee is a nice 2 back, but that's where it sends. Should have never stopped seeking for a legit #1 back. But he was a Rooney pick so slow motion it is.

So Harris happens not to be Tomlins fault? Thats odd coming from you.

 

[stillwright]

Najee is a nice 2 back, but that's where it sends. Should have never stopped seeking for a legit #1 back. But he was a Rooney pick so slow motion it is.

Doubt they resign him. I personally think he is a good player. Rarely misses games when injured. Plays hurt when he is banged up. Rarely fumbles. Tried to be a lockerroom leader type of player also until Tomlin chuckled and told him to simply worry about playing RB. Thousand plus yards in each season. The 5th year option for $7 mill was a no brainer to me.

Running into boxes with 9 men on 1st down on every play sucks......for him and the schematics of our offense.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Doubt they resign him. I personally think he is a good player. Rarely misses games when injured. Plays hurt when he is banged up. Rarely fumbles. Tried to be a lockerroom leader type of player also until Tomlin chuckled and told him to simply worry about playing RB. Thousand plus yards in each season. The 5th year option for $7 mill was a no brainer to me.

Running into boxes with 9 men on 1st down on every play sucks......for him and the schematics of our offense.

Under the O’Canada O, many opposing teams stated it was the easiest offense to defend. I haven’t yet heard that about A.Smith’s O yet, although that run / run / pass is a “play the odds” for most defense.

That fact in itself, is a big part of why this “O” can’t seem to get going. Continuously in 3rd & long situations.

All this combined does allow one to see Najee in a better light, but the numbers are what they are and s faster shiftier RB will be brought in.

It all starts with the OL, although heavily invested in, has been coached way below the line.


Salute the nation

 

[stillwright]

Under the O’Canada O, many opposing teams stated it was the easiest offense to defend. I haven’t yet heard that about A.Smith’s O yet, although that run / run / pass is a “play the odds” for most defense.

That fact in itself, is a big part of why this “O” can’t seem to get going. Continuously in 3rd & long situations.

All this combined does allow one to see Najee in a better light, but the numbers are what they are and s faster shiftier RB will be brought in.

It all starts with the OL, although heavily invested in, has been coached way below the line.


Salute the nation

We have the fast shiftier back on our roster already. Question will be can he hold up to the pounding of being a number 1 RB. How will he do running into 8, 9 or more in the box constantly? Can he stay healthy? Will he learn to hold onto the ball better? We will find out next year perhaps.

 

[Drink IRON City]

We have the fast shiftier back on our roster already. Question will be can he hold up to the pounding of being a number 1 RB. How will he do running into 8, 9 or more in the box constantly? Can he stay healthy? Will he learn to hold onto the ball better? We will find out next year perhaps.

Yeppers, all true, but if we get rid of Najee, I want a faster shiftier than Najee RB to replace him. Hopefully a true #1.


Salute the nation

 

[stillwright]

Yeppers, all true, but if we get rid of Najee, I want a faster shiftier than Najee RB to replace him. Hopefully a true #1.


Salute the nation

So you have no belief that Warren can be that guy? So what round are you looking at to draft a RB? Who do you have your eyes on? Any possible FAs out there that you think will fit your criterias?

 

[Drink IRON City]

So you have no belief that Warren can be that guy? So what round are you looking at to draft a RB? Who do you have your eyes on? Any possible FAs out there that you think will fit your criterias?

I’m not saying that, what I’m saying is by releasing Najee, we need a replacement. If we are going to bring in a replacement, why not go for high quality, RB is the easiest position to replace / find.

Warren has been very good and these next two games we will find out about the starting RB role he will endure.

I also think this running offense currently in play, makes the RB’s job more difficult. This is contributed to all the things involved, OL play / coaching / no surprise per down being played, all combined to make it an easier defense.


Salute the nation

 

[Hypocycloids]

I don’t think Kahn has done a bad job, just the opposite, if you truly believe he is the one making the picks.

Jones - he was drafted to play LT. Yes he had limited experience, yes he was a work in progress. Then TOMLIN stuck him at RT. Playing him out of position, just like he has done with other players. Yet the player is always considered the failure. Sure, it is possible that Jones may not work out, but the guy really hasn’t had a true shot at the spot he was drafted for.

Porter - This was a good pick, and I can’t figure why anyone is questioning it. The issue I have is AGAIN, TOMLIN. He has publicly said that he is not responsible for coaching up players, they are expected to know everything already. The current issues with Porter are all coaching issues (grabbing, holding and trash talking).

I think Tomlin is right.
After 8 years of high school and college Porter is expected to know the basics as does any paid professional in their respective fields.

I'm not at all against firing Tomlin, but some of the reasons given to place blame on him have been far reaches IMO.

If blame is to be put on any one coach it should be Austin.
If you want to blame Tomlin for hiring and not firing Austin, I wouldn't argue with that.

 

[Punxsutawney]

I don’t think Kahn has done a bad job, just the opposite, if you truly believe he is the one making the picks.

Jones - he was drafted to play LT. Yes he had limited experience, yes he was a work in progress. Then TOMLIN stuck him at RT. Playing him out of position, just like he has done with other players. Yet the player is always considered the failure. Sure, it is possible that Jones may not work out, but the guy really hasn’t had a true shot at the spot he was drafted for.

Porter - This was a good pick, and I can’t figure why anyone is questioning it. The issue I have is AGAIN, TOMLIN. He has publicly said that he is not responsible for coaching up players, they are expected to know everything already. The current issues with Porter are all coaching issues (grabbing, holding and trash talking).

My question with Jones is if he is truly so out of position at RT, why did he look so much better there last season? Maybe he's frustrated with being stuck on the right side to the point it is affecting his effort and performance, but even if that's the case, that doesn't reflect too well on him in my opinion.

I just tend to think his issues run deeper than merely the side he is playing on, but we'll see.

Porter's tendency to grab receivers was one of the reasons he slipped in the draft. He seemed to get away with a lot as a rookie that opposing teams are now asking officials to watch for.

He still has to prove that he can adjust his style of play, while remaining effective enough.

 

[Troglodyte]

If blame is to be put on any one coach it should be Austin.
If you want to blame Tomlin for hiring and not firing Austin, I wouldn't argue with that.

Tomlin is to blame for everything except for being head coach, that blame goes to Rooney.

 

[SteelerSask2]

There’s at least 10-15 better back in the league than Najee, that’s conservatively speaking.

He just gets a lot of carries.

He’s one of the biggest contributors on the field to the crappy offense the last several years by such a high percentage of the offense going through the hands of such a mid player.
It is Tomlin’s fault he utilizes him so much, but that doesn’t make Najee any less mid.

Sorry not gonna sat Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are better backs then Najee and Warren cause they aren't. The offense as a whole led by top three play caller in the league makes it better. Just another failing of this coaching staff.

 

[SteveA]

REALISTICALLY

We can knock off KANSAS CITY and end the THREE-PEAT

Then will get blown-out the next game

 

[stillwright]

I’m not saying that, what I’m saying is by releasing Najee, we need a replacement. If we are going to bring in a replacement, why not go for high quality, RB is the easiest position to replace / find.

Warren has been very good and these next two games we will find out about the starting RB role he will endure.

I also think this running offense currently in play, makes the RB’s job more difficult. This is contributed to all the things involved, OL play / coaching / no surprise per down being played, all combined to make it an easier defense.


Salute the nation

So do you think Harris is the main issue and any replacement will simply be better?


Harris will be FA...no releasing involved. You say finding a replacement for RB is the easiest....was Harris a failure? Since Bell, our RBs haven't been special minus Harris. Harris is the 13th RB ever to record 1000 plus yards per season in his first 4 years in the history of the NFL. Not shabby with all of the issues you stated above with our OL...offensive system....play calling etc.

 

[Lloyd]

Doubt they resign him. I personally think he is a good player. Rarely misses games when injured. Plays hurt when he is banged up. Rarely fumbles. Tried to be a lockerroom leader type of player also until Tomlin chuckled and told him to simply worry about playing RB. Thousand plus yards in each season. The 5th year option for $7 mill was a no brainer to me.

Running into boxes with 9 men on 1st down on every play sucks......for him and the schematics of our offense.

He's not as good as the Steelers try to pretend he is. They thought they were getting another Henry, that ain't what they got. Henry minus the 5th gear, maybe the fourth.

 

[stillwright]

He's not as good as the Steelers try to pretend he is. They thought they were getting another Henry, that ain't what they got. Henry minus the 5th gear, maybe the fourth.

Another Henry? Really? Harris is a lot better than what you believe he is. On a team as the Ravens or Eagles I think his stats would be way more impressive. Put Henry or Barkley on the Steelers and their numbers would not be near where they are at this point. Probably drastically lower. We of course will never know.

We have run a horrible offensive system during Harris' time here. He runs into a stacked box probably more than any other RB in the last 4 years with an OL that isn't that good.

 

[Lloyd]

I don’t think Kahn has done a bad job, just the opposite, if you truly believe he is the one making the picks.

Jones - he was drafted to play LT. Yes he had limited experience, yes he was a work in progress. Then TOMLIN stuck him at RT. Playing him out of position, just like he has done with other players. Yet the player is always considered the failure. Sure, it is possible that Jones may not work out, but the guy really hasn’t had a true shot at the spot he was drafted for.

Porter - This was a good pick, and I can’t figure why anyone is questioning it. The issue I have is AGAIN, TOMLIN. He has publicly said that he is not responsible for coaching up players, they are expected to know everything already. The current issues with Porter are all coaching issues (grabbing, holding and trash talking).

Jones, a 1st round pick, is probably signed off by Rooney, that is true. We've seen some evidence where Roonets have admitted their voice in 1st-round picks, they admitted they overruled everyone and took Big Ben. But, of course they admitted input of that draft pick.

Porter wasn't a bad draft pick, but he has his faults.

 

[Lloyd]

Doubt they resign him. I personally think he is a good player. Rarely misses games when injured. Plays hurt when he is banged up. Rarely fumbles. Tried to be a lockerroom leader type of player also until Tomlin chuckled and told him to simply worry about playing RB. Thousand plus yards in each season. The 5th year option for $7 mill was a no brainer to me.

Running into boxes with 9 men on 1st down on every play sucks......for him and the schematics of our offense.

Yea, schematics indeed and playcalling. Not a steelers highlight.

 

[Lloyd]

Unfortunately our D hasn't been anything special of late either.

So, it will be a shootout again, like last time.