My observations from the Baltimore beat down

Ogunjobi is hot and cold. Really thought we'd be seeing more from Loudermilk this year. Looked like he had some potential last year but being hurt and not really showing anything else. Leal putting weight on and keeping his quickness is nice. Hope he makes the second year jump.

 

Watt made some great plays, but the Ravens also took advantage of the way he avoided the fullback for some big runs, too. He looks healthier lately, but he's got to do a better job in containment.

 

He might kick better if he doesn't have to play linebacker as well.

 

Watt needed to seal the edge better tonight, especially knowing the Ravens were going to run most of the time. The sack was a big play though.

 

Oops. The second time I did that tonight, for some reason. I caught the other one before I posted.

 

One other thing I haven't seen mentioned. Pickett has only thrown one interception in his last six games. I'm leaving out the first one against the Ravens because he didn't play much in that one. Obviously, the improved running game has helped, but it's great to see the rookie quarterback take care of the ball. That is especially true of doing it against the Ravens, who intercepted Trubisky three times.

Yes, Pickett needs to make more plays down the field, but he has stepped up in big-boy moments the last two weeks and that is huge.

 

I DVR'd the game and is currently watching the replay. Personally I feel that the first three Q's wasn't so much Pickett playing awful, but more to do with the Ravens having a great Defense in their own right. Pickett made some big time throws throughout the game. Perhaps he could've made a couple of more plays, but it happens. I'd also like to see Kenny push the ball downfield more; I also think he's doing simply what's asked of him as a game manager, those passes will definitely come at some point in his career. I wished he got up when he tripped over Warren's leg, but it's better stay down than force an ugly throw that leads to a turnover. For the most part this was the typical Ravens/Steelers slugfest. The defense bent some but played a great ballgame. They could've folded and came through, time and time again. I think the biggest positive in this game was that despite being down by 10 late in the 3rd, Canada and Tomlin stuck with the run game, and ultimate it came through in the end.

 

He's normally better at that. I think he's gun shy on the cut block after getting injured by it this year. For Player safety that's a block that can really end a career.

 

A full off-season with a dedicated coach/trainer and conditioning might make a big jump for him as far as pushing the ball downfield.

 

pat meyer.

 

Bosworth?

 

That was frustrating to hear this penalty two weeks in a row. I mean come on! I’ll forgive one week, but two weeks in a row is ridiculous.

 

11. Why is Bush on the field covering an all pro tight end?

 

This. They still need to add a D lineman but the Big O needs to be retained. And Leal will only improve.

The trenches will be added on both sides.

Robinson will be a part of this ILBer squad next season. He is a hitter and plays downhill. Better late then never getting him some solid reps. Wave Ba Bye to the mistake Devin Bush. Jack needs to be restructured if he wants to stay. And say what you want but Spillane he will be resigned. Been playing above the line of late.

I like Dan Moore. He has improved but is not a franchise left tackle. Will be solid back up and possibly can take the right tackle spot eventually. Dotson will be making peanuts next year so he stays but I would look for some competition for that spot. And hopefully Kendrick Green is sent packing. I believe he has been inactive the whole season. Why is he on the 53?

Sims is becoming a nice threat to have.

Offer a solid contract to Sutton. Homegrown goodness. And then add a FA.

 

He had some shizzle on that pick

 

number 8 all day long. for the love of all things holy RUN PLAY ACTION!

 

Fo sho

 

Leal and Robinson definitely need more playing time.... and Bush needs to get on with his life's work.

 

#2 was what stood out for me. The run blocking was much improved.

Maybe a combination of gradual improvement by the O-line and Harris in beast mode was the difference.

Another possibility is our guys just wanted the game more and with Tomlin being a players coach, they are motivated to get him a winning season.

 

I thought the announcers did a great job. Very entertaining

 

The best coaching move Tomlin has made this year, other than deciding on Pickett as his quarterback, was giving Jaylen Warren more snaps. It’s kept Najee fresher and has done wonders for our overall running game. I like the 1-2 punch approach (the Franco-Rocky approach) as opposed to running a guy until his wheels fall off.

 

I initially thought he should have gotten up too, but he was asked about it after the game and said he was living to play another down. Not knowing how close a defensive player was I think it was a smart play. You’re never more vulnerable as you are when you’re trying to get up after falling down. You’re stationary and can’t adequately secure the ball. A defender may be bearing down on him at full speed. Smart play.

 

has center become more of a need?

 

I think they need to upgrade there at some point, but Cole is at least adequate. I think cornerback, inside linebacker, strong safety, defensive tackle, offensive left tackle, and offensive guard are all higher priorities.

 

Maybe as to your last point about Moore, but if Pickett steps up instead of out and to his left, Moore has probably pushed the rusher past Pickett. It is very hard on an offensive tackle when a rusher is going wide and the QB rolls out to the same side. I’m not blaming Pickett but just pointing out that sometimes the Oline isn’t beat as bad as we think initially.