Upon further Review - Steelers at Dolphins

I didn't go to this game, I had some other commitments but there I was, glued to the tube at 8:20pm.

First off, I am surprised at the Dolphins turnaround. It was barely 10 months ago when everyone was ready to trade Tua for a Bozooka Joe wrapper and the prize at the bottom of the Cracker Jacks box.

Enter Mike McDaniels, a guy that would have fit better in the "Revenge of the Nerds" movie than being on any NFL sideline. McDaniels waved his hand over a roster and said "Presto" and everything seems to be coming up gold. The first thing you notice about the team is the speed.

My first observation from the game was how fast the offense was moving, attacking the edges with world class sprinter Mostert and hitting 1.2 second to 2.5 second passes to their speedy WR corps which includes Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins put up 13 points on the Steelers defense who spent much of their time on their heels before they could make some adjustments.

About the 3rd Miami drive I was wondering about Austin's defense as Miami receivers where just roaming about open, almost like the Steelers DB's didn't even see them. Somewhere early in the 2nd Qtr, Austin's defense finally figured out that they need to cover and how to make tackles.

The Steelers offense is definitely a work in progress.

I was very glad to see that Najee Harris is regaining his 2021 form, showing agility and power without being hindered by steel plate in his shoe. Still, Harris only managed 65 yards at a 3.8 yds/carry clip. It even looked like the Steelers were going to rely on a ground attach for a brief time.

Since the Steelers cannot rely on their ground game, a lot of pressure is then shifted to rookie QB Kenny Pickett, who threw 44 times. 3 of his 44 passes went to the other team though the very first one was a blown pass interference call. Still, I would expect most offensive coordinators would want that pitch count much lower, probably around 20-30 range but it does show that they do have confidence in Kenny's abilities. Somehow, they've got to find a way to run the ball and control the game more effectively, especially against teams with good offenses.

Back to the Defense.
Zero sacks are something you rarely say when talking about a Pittsburgh Steeler defense, yet here we are, zero sacks on Tua. OK, TJ Watt is still not in the lineup. While the stats were fairly even up, it was Miami's quick start out of the gate that put them up combined with 2 costly picks from Pickett to end 2 potential game winning drives at the end that did the Steelers in.

The interceptions ended otherwise pretty impressive drives by Pickett showing the rookie can engineer those. Both picks came off targets to Dionte Johnson. The first one was a bad throw with 3 Dolphin defenders in the immediate area, even though the Dolphins DB's were backups that's a throw that should not be made. The second one was also a bad throw to an open target, as Pickett threw on the run and under threw DJ. The 2 picks will overshadow a bunch of really nice throws, laser strikes even.

But that's the life of a Rookie QB, there will be ups and downs and when asked to throw 44 times, they cast their pearls before swine. I still think that the anemic ground game needs some serious examination and even though the defense found their footing, I think they do need an injection of speed and youth.

This game shows only that the Steelers are not the worst team in the league, but nowhere near the top. A win against the Dolphins could have put them right back into the thick of things and they just aren't there yet.

 

Austin has been making just enough changes to keep the Defense competitive. The only change I see from Canada is that the first half jet sweeps and roll outs to the right now go to the left in the second half. The man is insanely inept.

 

Actually sweeps directions depends on what quarter

 

Najee only had 17 carries, these are the type of games you will get from him until they develop more of a down the field passing game.