New Game Same Problems In Pittsburgh
Oct 29, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) scrambles with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Following the pattern from their previous six games, the Pittsburgh Steelers came out flat on offense. Four consecutive three-and-outs led to an early 6-0 deficit. Pittsburgh had opportunities later in the game, but they were never able to get over the hump. What was exceptional this week was their bad luck, from significant injuries to controversial calls — and controversial non-calls.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to be a good if unexceptional football team. While they never pulled away from Pittsburgh, they were also never in danger of losing control of the game. They are extremely well coached and took advantage of the Steelers’ bad start to cruise to victory.
Offensive Execution Was Pathetic
For the second-straight week, Matt Canada had a decent day as a play caller. I know every sports fan in America would love to tar and feather Canada for his lack of creativity — it’s understandable. Yet again, though, the plays were there but the execution was lacking.
Same old song. Mike Tomlin on #Steelers first half offensive struggles pic.twitter.com/ePWH9TWaK6
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) October 29, 2023
Steelers fans have been screaming for the offense to be more aggressive early. That’s exactly what happened on the first offensive snap. Diontae Johnson was wide open and Kenny Pickett missed him. Unfortunately, that set the tone for the game.
Another missed opportunity came in the second quarter. The Steelers had driven 93 yards and shown some life on offense, only for Pickett to again make the wrong read and double down by making a late, off-target throw in the end zone to Johnson.
The running game was nowhere to be found. Jaylen Warren was the leading rusher with 19 yards. There were no lanes as the offensive line just could not stay on blocks. Najee Harris didn’t help with his horrible vision and inability to hit the cut-back lanes that were there. The overall offensive execution was just a complete mess.
Defense Did Their Best
Time and again this season, the Steelers’ defense has hung tough while the offense pulled itself together. While Jacksonville moved the ball, the defense was able to hold them to nine points in the first half thanks to a pair of turnovers.
Trevor Lawrence was efficient early. WR Calvin Ridley continually found holes in the Steelers zone with crossing routes and intermediate routes. Pittsburgh defensive backs seemed to give Ridley a ton of respect and were playing too far off him early.
The Black and Gold trailed 9-3 at the half but made one mistake that seemingly ended the game. Damontae Kazee got caught way out of position in cover 2 and allowed a long touchdown pass.
Terrible angle by the safety Damontae Kazee on Travis Etienne’s TD.
I’m not certain, but I think the Steelers were in a Cover 2 because JPJ opened to the inside. #HereWeGo https://t.co/HJHfvYtmpv
— Mark Bergin (@MarkBergin_) October 29, 2023
Blame Game
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that NFL officiating has been poor over the last five years. Whining about the refs is, for the most part, a loser’s mentality. But it’s hard not to be infuriated when a questionable call eliminates all momentum in a tight contest.
That’s what took place right before the half. Nevermind the obvious roughing-the-passer non-call when Pickett got knocked out of the game. The mind-boggling offsides call on the Steelers to negate a 56-yard field goal caused a lot of TV remotes to get flung across the room throughout Pennsylvania. Head coach Mike Tomlin was befuddled.
I’ve never seen that in 17 years#Steelers Mike Tomlin on offsides call wiping out made field goal pic.twitter.com/M6HN5sO4Ai
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) October 29, 2023
It took the air completely out of the stadium and sapped the Steelers. Again, whining about the officiating is no excuse for poor execution. Pittsburgh had plenty of opportunities to win the game. But when the calls are that egregious, it has a collective effect.
This was a huge missed opportunity for Pittsburgh. With the next two games at home against squads they will be favored to beat, they could have distinguished themselves as a power player in the AFC.
The loss isn’t devastating by any means. The margin for error is razor thin now, though. With a quick turnaround against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, it’s important to refocus and come out swinging early — and maybe hope the odds even out and the flags fly in their direction.
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