Thoughts after the Massacre at Heinz Field

The best thing about 5-0 is imagine how much more potential is still out there with this team. Minkah showed today what we all have been asking for, Haden played a lot better. Just think how much better the Steelers can be if DeCastro and Juju can reach Dotson and Claypool level. Wow a team in my opinion no one would want to want face in the playoffs.

Keys for the next 11 weeks:

- need to start games fast like today, we still have not scored a TD on any of our opening possessions

- health, asking a veteran team (that plays physical) to stay healthy for a 11 week schedule will be tough. Critical to develop depth and also a lead on teams so our starters do not need to play the whole game.

- veterans players need rest during the week, I know Tomlin already does this but it will be critical moving forward.

- depth at LB. Bush lose today is big, even though he was not making a lot of Splash plays he was solid in the middle. Spillane did well filling in but honestly I don’t know that much about him or the depth behind him. Do we trade for a great/solid player right now to replace him (ala Minka)? Is anyone available? So many questions here or are we comfortable with what we have? Is Bush equal to when we lost Shazier and its impact? Front office needs to make the right call.

- play calling needs to stay aggressive and creative. I love the mixture right now of pass and run and where I think Ben has made his biggest improvement is decision making. People said he did not have a great game, I think he played within the offense, made timely pinpoint throws and most of all no mistakes.

- Special teams and field position. A little concerned about our punter, not seeing hang time or distance to change field position. This is very important against quality teams. Do like Ray Ray on KR and PR, he is playmaker. Boz has been reliable.

 

To answer your concern about the ilb position, I liked what I saw from spillane, and I'm more than confident in ulysses gilbert and even marcus allen at the position.... No moves need to be made here..... We have plenty of depth.... The only position I think we can't replace on defense is NT and safety

 

I thought the Browns would be a bit more competitive. It shows how important Ben is to the offense. Did that revenge thing from the Browns really fire up the team?

 

I'm not sure how the Bush injury affects the team. Has me a bit worried. Posters on here who know the Steelers better then I do seem to think it won't be too much of a problem. Hope not!!

 

Were a much better team than I was expecting this year. Wasn't convinced Ben had much let in the tank.

Were definitely looking like a true contender, but the tough parts of the schedule are still to come.

 

Devin Bush going down is a huge loss, even though he cannot
pass defend he is good in the run game and going forward spying Lamar Jackson.
USS Gilbert will get a look they will be watching the waiver wire.