Here We Go .... Again

The Steelers are halfway through their season and are coming off another close win against the Tennessee Titans. It wasn't what I wanted (missing my parlay by .5 points always sucks) but a win is a win. 

This win is what I feel we are now accustomed to as Steelers fans. This season, if we expect to win, it's not going to be a blowout, and it's going to come down to the final drive. So far this year the Steelers have not won a game by more than ten points. Out of the five wins the Steelers have this season, only two have been by seven or more points, and only one ending in victory formation. 

There were things I did like about last night, in particular the first drive. My biggest concern was keeping the Titans' offense off the field and giving the Steelers defense time to breathe. It wasn't a spectacular showing, but the Steelers did post 28:51 in time of possession last night compared to their average on the year of 27:09. That's not a huge difference but I am sure the defense noticed not having so many three-and-outs. 

What I was really happy to see was the run game getting going last night. Jalen Warren had the bulk on the ground with 88 yards on 11 carries plus another 25 through the air. While Najee Harris didn't produce the same numbers on the ground with 69 yards on 16 totes, what was impressive was his touchdown carry where he showed out when needed. With the extra 10 rushing yards by Calvin Austin, this ground game actually outpaced the passing yards at 166 to Kenny Pickett's 160 through the air. More importantly, though, they outpaced the Titans run game with the defense being able to hold Derrick Henry to just 75 yards on the ground. When Warren can outpace Henry, it speaks volumes about how the Steelers were able to come out with a win.

Now for the not-so-pleasant side of last night's game, yes, I mean Pickett. Now I, much like you, probably, had a lot of confidence after the Steelers first drive. Taking four minutes off the clock and scoring just felt good. It made me think the Steelers were back, here we go, second half of the season this is going to be a new revitalized team. Then, the missed passes, and not just a couple "ohhh!! He should have had that!!!", more like "Where the HELL are you throwing that ball!!!". You know the kind I'm talking about, the kind that you turn to your buddy with a buzz after drinking too many IC lights and telling him "If you put me in there for that play, I would have made that pass" as you eat your 5th piece of pizza and wings.

I honestly don't understand the inconsistency with Pickett at this point. I've blamed Matt Canada, I've blamed this offensive line, I've blamed Mike Tomlin, but last night made it hard to blame anyone but Kenny. I've stuck behind him more than I think most, I am still trying to give him the benefit of the doubt and I am hoping that with some more guidance, those missed passes become non-existent. There were a couple drops by Diontae Johnson last night and for the life of me I can't understand how George Pickens couldn't drag his left foot for that touchdown. Aside from that though, this offense looked good. The problem was Pickett not connecting on some key plays to convert third downs. 

Sitting at 5-3 with the upcoming schedule (Packers, Browns, Bengals, Cardinals, Patriots, and Colts) I am still confident this team can make the playoffs. What I am worried about is what happens next, are we a one-and-done wildcard team again? To quote Ayn Rand (shut up I was a nerd in college) "Do you know the hallmark of a second-rater? It's resentment of another man's achievement. Those touchy mediocrities who sit trembling lest someone's work prove greater than their own."

In other words, these Steelers have spent far too long being compared to the best, when being second-rate at best themselves. First, it was Tom Brady and the Patriots being the gatekeepers of their playoff berths, or advancements in them. The talent was there with the "Killer B's" but fell short time and again. Now, it's our own talent that brings our demise. If mediocrity is to be avoided, these Steelers need to stop comparing themselves to their competition and need to start being the competition.