Pickett has just one TD pass in his last six games

[Steel Maniac]

And I was wrong. Just one TD pass in seven starts now.

Yep. We’ll see what next week brings.

[Northern_Blitz]

Yep. We?ll see what next week brings.

I was hoping that we'd be able to average 20 ppg after we fired Canada. For reference, NFL average ppg is ~ 23.5. So this was still hoping for below average offense

So far we're at 13 ppg since the firing (16+10). Against 2 bad defenses.

To be fair, the weather was pretty terrible today.

But I don't think we'll average the ~ 23 ppg we'll need to get to that 20 ppg.

Although who knows. If Kenny's out and Mitch starts, I think we'll end up with more points and more turn overs.

[Buzz]

Itch gets the TD pass. Whodathunkit?

[skyhawk]

They get ultraconservative in the red zone. He'll never have more than 12-15 as long as Tomlin is around.

this. This. This.

[Northern_Blitz]

They get ultraconservative in the red zone. He'll never have more than 12-15 as long as Tomlin is around.

Can we get a definition of "ultraconservative"?

Then a description of the plays we ran on our first trip to the red zone?

[WindyCitySteel]

Can we get a definition of "ultraconservative"?

Then a description of the plays we ran on our first trip to the red zone?

Runs and short passes. How many throws into the EZ this year? Can you count them on one hand?

[Steel Maniac]

I love how all you people are writing a definitive narrative on DJ with six games and likely the playoffs still to go. You are all basically stating that it doesn't matter what he does the rest of the way, he is not worthy of keeping around.

I say that is foolish talk.

It may very well turn out to be true that his attitude continues, or he blows a few critical opportunities down the stretch and the team parts ways with him in the offseason. However, it might be true that he picks himself off the mat, gets his head on straight, and makes critical plays down the stretch that contribute to meaningful victories and a playoff win.

What if it's the latter? Will you all still feel the same way? Personally, I'm rooting for the former and see it as the more probable reality that awaits us.

Let's Go!!!

How do think his chances are now with Trubisky at QB?

[Northern_Blitz]

How do think his chances are now with Trubisky at QB?

He's already got as many TDs with Mitch as he had with KP.

It will be interesting to see how this offense looks with Mitch under center. Someone I think we all believe isn't a good QB.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

He's already got as many TDs with Mitch as he had with KP.

It will be interesting to see how this offense looks with Mitch under center. Someone I think we all believe isn't a good QB.

Mitch always had arm to throw it deeper with velocity on the ball. Now that he has a running game and better receivers, Mitch could/should do better. The key is how quickly he integrates all of the above into his game.

If I were king, I hire Ben as the QB coach for his input. It could be the smartest thing Tomlin has done in years.

[WindyCitySteel]

Mitch always had arm to throw it deeper with velocity on the ball.

Opposing DBs will be working the Jugs machine hard during game week...

[feltdizz]

Mitch always had arm to throw it deeper with velocity on the ball. Now that he has a running game and better receivers, Mitch could/should do better. The key is how quickly he integrates all of the above into his game.

If I were king, I hire Ben as the QB coach for his input. It could be the smartest thing Tomlin has done in years.

velocity? Mitch’s problem is decision making and accuracy.

He can throw a football but he tends to throw it to the wrong team or nowhere close to a WR.

[brothervad]

I really don't want to make this a defend Kenny Pickett post...he has issues and like Felt, I am losing patience and think it may be time to at least consider future options after the season. That said, I was watching the Sunday night game between the Chiefs and Packers and there was something noticeably different about the WR's for Jordan Love and the ones KP throw to.

I noticed a few throws where the Receivers battled to get the ball thrown by Jordan Love. That is not to say that Jordan Love didn't have a good game but, honestly I saw a desire in the WR's to get balls that were thown that could've/were been contested.

I can't say that I see that same desire in the Steelers WR's. I really think there is something wrong with the culture on the offensive side of the ball. I just don't see the fight that I am seeing in other teams.

I think there are a lot of reasons for this...I think the Defense First - Minimize mistake Offense plays a part, I think the lack of a ESP-like relationship/trust between WR/QB is a part of it. A poorly designed offensive scheme that players have no faith in to be successful plays are role, and honestly I feel like the WR corp is a bit disenchanted and while I don't think they are actively not having the fire I think it's more of a subconscious thing.

Finally, I think there is some attitude things going on with DJ and to a certain extent Pickens.

I could be wrong, and I am going on gut, but I just see more of a spark in other teams WR's...

Brothervad

[Chucktownsteeler]

I really don't want to make this a defend Kenny Pickett post...he has issues and like Felt, I am losing patience and think it may be time to at least consider future options after the season. That said, I was watching the Sunday night game between the Chiefs and Packers and their was something noticeably different about the WR's for Jordan Love and the ones KP throw to.

I noticed a few throws where the Receivers battled to get the ball thrown by Jordan Love. That is not to say that Jordan Love didn't have a good game but, honestly I saw a desire in the WR's to get balls that were thown that could've/were been contested.

I can't say that I see that same desire in the Steelers WR's. I really think there is something wrong with the culture on the offensive side of the ball. I just don't see the fight that I am seeing in other teams.

I think there are a lot of reasons for this...I think the Defense First - Minimize mistake Offense plays a part, I think the lack of a ESP-like relationship/trust between WR/QB is a part of it. A poorly designed offensive scheme that players have no faith in to be successful plays are role, and honestly I feel like the WR corp is a bit disenchanted and while I don't think they are actively not having the fire I think it's more of a subconscious thing.

Finally, I think there is some attitude things going on with DJ and to a certain extent Pickens.

I could be wrong, and I am going on gut, but I just see more of a spark in other teams WR's...

Brothervad

Pretty much what I've been saying and I mentioned something similar on another thread. I watched the last 2 quarters of this game and GB WRs are head and shoulders above any WR we trot out there. I don't think I have heard of any of them. They are big, fast, and hungry. Team first attitude.

Not to sound like a broken record but we need a serious influx of new WRs next season and I don't mean 30-ish has beens.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Pretty much what I've been saying and I mentioned something similar on another thread. I watched the last 2 quarters of this game and GB WRs are head and shoulders above any WR we trot out there. I don't think I have heard of any of them. They are big, fast, and hungry. Team first attitude.

Not to sound like a broken record but we need a serious influx of new WRs next season and I don't mean 30-ish has beens.

There are plenty of good receivers in the draft. We need a good #2 to replace Dj Johnson , who I'd gladly trade away for a 7th round pick to get him, and his massive salary / diva attitude off our books. The good news is the Steelers have a knack for picking wide receivers and we don't need to spend a first round pick on one.

I will be breaking down the day two prospects at WR, C, ILB, and S. I may list a total of 12 players at these spots. Stay tuned.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

velocity? Mitch’s problem is decision making and accuracy.

He can throw a football but he tends to throw it to the wrong team or nowhere close to a WR.

Velocity is one of Pickett's problems which he hides by seldom squeezing the ball in between defenders and showing it in post routes and squares in routes down the field. Mitch can do this.

We have go with Mitch. He plays less to lose the game and more to win the game. Pickens is a good 50/50 catcher ( he is more like a 70/30 type ) and 'Muth is aware and can use his size, and good hands to fight for the ball.

I can deal with the turn over, just not near on in our zone. ( past our 35 yard line ) Here it would be wise to play it safe and with the passes and run the ball.

-JB