an opinion from the beach

***sandfan*** · 11-01-2021, 08:05 AM

Ben played well. Did what was needed to get the win. I was impressed with his run on the 2 point attempt. He really wanted the game and it showed on that play. His numbers were not spectacular but he did what was needed to get the job done.

Watt had 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He continues to be outstanding.

I think the team is pretty set with the two new tight ends. Both can block and have better hands than Ebron. I'd like to see them try to trade Ebron in the next few days. Muth seems to be getting the targets normally set aside for JUJU. If he continues to develop that's a good thing for the future. It seems our wide outs aren't real capable at generating space. Too many throws are into small windows and contested. I don't know if that's a result of time allowed by the OL or lack of speed/quickness with the wideouts.

I think Tomlin made another critical in game error, I've grown to expect this, with his fake field goal decision. I'd have been more comfortable if the distance was more like 5-6 yards than something around 17. I can't be sure of the distance since I watched with no sound and lots of crowd noise. Three points, not automatic but pretty secure with Boz, was big considering the trend of the game and getting the ball to start the next half. Losing Boz but everything at risk, eliminated a lot of options as the game played out and made Tomlin, in my view, look foolish. I guess that's typical of someone who does not live in his fears whatever that means.

This was a much needed win. Obviously! By the way let's go Brandon and FJB!

***sandfan*** · 11-01-2021, 08:12 AM

I forgot to mention Harris. He continues to impress. A true three down back. I hope, considering the quality of the OL, he can make it through the season. I'd like to see the team give 5-10 touches to alternate backs to give him a break. Maybe that will evolve. For his sake I hope so.

***mcmillenandwife*** · 11-01-2021, 09:09 AM

Good stuff, Sand.

I think we can safely rate the 2021 draft an early success.

Najee Harris (1st) is already a star, and Pat Freiermuth (2nd) is rapidly becoming one. And while the line was terrible early and still has a long way to go, it has undeniably improved with rookie starters Kendrick Green (3rd) and Dan Moore (4th).

Our top 4 draft picks are offensive starters. That's pretty remarkable.

Tomlin drove me friggin' NUTS with that fake FG. But you know what? The team held it together and he still managed to pull out a win, so I have to give him credit for "not blinking" (even though I'm sick of that term). We've lost some heavy hitters in Tuitt, Alualu and Juju. Yet we're finding ways to get it done and have now won 3 straight with a pair of weaker opponents on deck (Bears and Lions) over the next two weeks.

Not to look too far ahead, because Chicago and Detroit are still NFL teams. But 6-3 seems likely to me. Then we begin to run a serious gauntlet and we'll see what happens. But we are legitimately alive and kickin' right now.

I'll take it. Smokin

***dbsfgyd1*** · 11-01-2021, 12:13 PM

Nice win for sure. 6-3 would be really cool, I’m a little nervous playing underdog out of conference teams on the road.

***mcmillenandwife*** · 11-01-2021, 01:12 PM

(11-01-2021, 12:13 PM)dbsfgyd1 Wrote: Nice win for sure. 6-3 would be really cool, I’m a little nervous playing underdog out of conference teams on the road.

Yes, we definitely have some recent history of playing down to the competition.

***Noll and Cowher teams no more*** · 11-01-2021, 05:10 PM

Right now Danny Smith is chewing a shit ton of bubble gum and using it to put Boz back together.

Was a great win! The run defense was great! Knocking the crap out of Mayfield out of bounds late in the game, during their comeback attempt, and him darting back onto the field pumping his arms with cocky overconfidence pumping up the crowd only to come up short was Awesome!!!!

Cam is a beast and he alone plays that d-line like he is all three positions morphed into one.

To the Cleveland fans....Happy Halloween you steaming pile of turds.

***mcmillenandwife*** · 11-02-2021, 02:07 AM

(11-01-2021, 05:10 PM)Noll and Cowher teams no more Wrote: Knocking the crap out of Mayfield out of bounds late in the game, during their comeback attempt, and him darting back onto the field pumping his arms with cocky overconfidence pumping up the crowd only to come up short was Awesome!!!!

Yes, that was a highly underrated moment! Roll

Thank you for pointing it out so I don't forget to fully enjoy it. Smokin

***RaynorShyne*** · 11-03-2021, 12:33 PM

(11-01-2021, 01:12 PM)mcmillenandwife Wrote:
(11-01-2021, 12:13 PM)dbsfgyd1 Wrote: Nice win for sure. 6-3 would be really cool, I’m a little nervous playing underdog out of conference teams on the road.

Yes, we definitely have some recent history of playing down to the competition.

Like a decades worth....

***mcmillenandwife*** · 11-05-2021, 05:09 PM

For fans of "The Office." Laugh

***Chucktownsteeler*** · 11-06-2021, 02:06 AM

The game wasn't as close as the score would indicate. The refs and Tomlin (with the fake FG) took points off the board.

Overall I am pleased with the direction we're headed and the play of the rookies. We are starting (4) rookies on offense, they are getting better every week.

Anything can happen, it is what team peaks at the right time and who is healthy at the right time.

If this keeps up I wouldn't be surprised if Ben is back next season.

***mcmillenandwife*** · 11-06-2021, 09:33 AM

(11-06-2021, 02:06 AM)Chucktownsteeler Wrote: The game wasn't as close as the score would indicate. The refs and Tomlin (with the fake FG) took points off the board.

Overall I am pleased with the direction we're headed and the play of the rookies. We are starting (4) rookies on offense, they are getting better every week.

Anything can happen, it is what team peaks at the right time and who is healthy at the right time.

If this keeps up I wouldn't be surprised if Ben is back next season.

Agreed, the Steelers dominated up front. Score doesn't show it, stats don't show it. But our offensive line --- I'll say it again, OUR OFFENSIVE LINE --- bullied the Browns front 4. Beat 'em straight up, all afternoon.

I'm shocked by it, and obviously encouraged.

I fully expect Ben to play next year unless we shock the world and win the Super Bowl this year.

***sandfan*** · 11-06-2021, 11:55 AM

If Ben stays healthy and the OL continues to improve I hope he will stay another year. At a discount for the team, he has enough cash, he can make a major difference. Another title does not rest in the expertise or leadership of Tomlin. I feel it would be Ben guiding another contender into the payoffs. As, I feel, it has played out over the last decade. Tomlin, les Ben, would be less than never having a losing season.

Assuming the draft plays out well it 's not an impossible scenario. That might be the best scenario for the city and my family would be very happy.