Like I said

Tomlin needs to start the rookies. Well look what happened outside of Ogunjobi’s forced fumble I would say Benton was the best and most consistent Defensive lineman today.

Porter didn’t start but he got more playing time and yes it was a gift but he was still in the right place on coverage to make the interception.

Jones had a solid day and had some really nice run blocks to free up some positive gains on the left side.

I hope that Tomlin will commit to starting all of these guys consistently after the bye.

The run defense was significantly better today because we were playing three down lineman. Sure we gave up some big chunk runs on outside contain but that was not on the defensive line play. I know what they were trying to do. The Edge players take the running back and Holcomb is supposed to Jackson. It worked well a couple times but it bit us as well. Thats to be expected though going against Jackson.

I know Tomlin does not like to play with three down lineman often because that takes away someone in the backend but it supports my theory of at least having two big down lineman that can gap contain, tie up blockers, allow the MLB’s to flow freely to the ball and push the interior pocket so the QB can’t step up thus making it easier for the edge players to feast. Our Defensive lineman don’t need to get the sacks.

Did anybody notice how the MLB’s played pretty well today. Do you think that had something to do with keeping them clean?

If Tomlin can make that one little tweak on the defense perhaps when Heyward comes back and starting Benton next to him we would have our two larger lineman and most talent lineman to tie up multiple blockers and shut down the run and let everyone else feast. Benton is the closing running mate to Tuitt that Heyward has had since Tuitt.

Ogunjobi is a nice serviceable rotational guy but not a starter at the pedigree Benton is in my mind.

The Cb’s are a mess but starting Porter in my mind can not be worse than what Wallace or Peterson can provide. I am sure Porter will take his lumps but lets cut him loose. His style of play only compliments our edge players.

On offense we went back to really committing to the run and putting Picket in positions that he is comfortable with. Third and manageable and we went back to the sideline back shoulder throws to Pickens that he seems to like. I don’t think this is a long term solution but it worked for this week anyway. My honest opinion is it is very hard to evaluate this offense and Picket when the offensive line doesn’t play well. I’m not sure what the issue is with the Center but he still is by far the weakest point of the offensive line and he has problems with the bull rush on both run and pass plays. It has effected Picket in stepping up in the pocket now. Whether real or perceived Picket has now developed the bad habit of bailing on the pocket too soon. It is obvious he doesn’t trust the Center to provide protection. I don’t know what the solution is but if Tomlin is gong to make any changes he should start with the Center.

This team is till relying on the splash play both on defense and offense. It makes for an exciting game but man that style of playing is not sustainable over the season and when you go against fundamentally sound teams who are good at blocking, tackling, yac, protecting the ball etc. those splash plays are very hard to come bye and you see what the end result is - See San Francisco. San Fran essentially did to Dallas yesterday what they did to us. Dallas is similar to us on the defensive side when it comes to feasting on splash plays and turnovers. San Fran exposed that.

It just isn’t winning football long term. Hopefully we can find a solution to the Center issue, the CB issue and we start the Rookies. We shall see.

 

Great post about the positives and negatives with the 2023 Steelers.
I agree wholeheartedly that Jones, Benton and Porter (in that order) are ready for more snaps. Jones needs to be written in as a starter in pen, Benton and Porter may reach that point in another 1-2 games, but should play a lot regardless.

As to the back shoulder throw, I would argue that every single time a corner back plays up on Pickens, the only questions should be whether to throw back shoulder or send Pickens deep. I really don’t care what play is called, Pickens against press coverage is a mismatch. This should be an automatic.

I also agree with you that the run defense improved. if we are better right now with 2 down linemen then so be it.

Mason Cole is the weak spot on the line. We need to draft a real center. I feel like the position has not been a strength for the Steelers since Pouncey. I good center improves every lineman.

 

In the first quarter alone Highsmith lost containment and gave up 5 long runs

After that I got tired of counting

 

And the fingers on your other hand were busy holding a beer.