Positive Takeaways
Mike Tomlin’s Bravery: Tomlin’s bold game day decisions show his fearless leadership, he didnt seem concerned when game was on a knife edge Q4
Terrrell Austin’s Strategy: Using players in their optimal roles, a strategy not always guaranteed under previous Defensive Co-ordinators.
Cam Heyward's Performance: A dominant display that seemed to turn back the clock.
Danny Smith’s Special Teams: His experience, schemes and tenacity really making a difference this season.
Russell Wilson’s Play: His timing, short area accuracy, swift decision-making, field reading, and pocket movement were on point. His rhythm with the wideouts is only improving.
Queen’s Prowess: All over the field with excellent tackling, first notable performance as a Steelers linebacker
Return of Center Zach Frazier: A significant boost for the run attack.
Arthur Smith’s Playbook: Wide receiver routes in sync and complementing the rest of the scheme, unlike previous coordinators. Also a functioning redzone package of plays.
Use of TEs in Run Game: This run game offense is a physical machine.
Running Back Rotation: A well-executed committee approach with 3 backs with different skill sets
Offensive Line’s Dominance: Imposing their will in the run game during Q4. Moore and Mason McCormick showing solid progression.
Left-Footed Punter: Causing problems for return men, leading to two muffed punts and a turnover.
New Player's Impact: Smith had a strong performance against the run, and Mike Williams immediate impact as a legit deep threat and boundary target—ideal for WR2.
Fake Punt Call: Great strategic call, though poorly executed. Clearly seen something on tape and tried to exploit it (not everyone agrees - many thought it was too risky)
DB Deshon Elliott: Opposing offenses have to get through this man
Negative Takeaways
Slot CB Beanie Bishop’s Limitations: Limited change of direction, need to protect him in space.
RT Broderick Jones: Lack of refinement and aggression need to be worked on.
Defensive Vulnerabilities: A bend-and-sometimes-break defense. Relies heavily on pressure; otherwise, susceptible to big plays.
TJ Watt: Despite only being chipped or doubled on 62% of pass snaps, didn't take over the game like he usually does.
Onto the Ravens - don’t believe the hype , it will be a tough game vs Lamar Jackson - he's progressed in the last 2 seasons and resist lazy comparisons between him and Jayden Daniels. Lamar is a better runner and Daniels is a better anticipation passer. This is a huge game that could go either way.
Here We Go
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