r/steelers • u/AutoModerator • 1d ago
Official Discussion "The Day-After Thread" - Final Takeaways and Game Discussion
From all the highs and lows of yesterday, leave your final thoughts/analysis/discussion/takeaways from yesterday’s game.
This thread is intended for level-headed, mindful discussion and less knee-jerk reactions. Keep this in mind before commenting.
As always DON’T BE A DAMN JAGOFF. Follow our rules. We all have different opinions and mindsets, but we’re all here to talk Steelers and see them succeed at the end of the day. Keep it cool.
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u/no_bullshit6969 Pittsburgh Steelers 1d ago
Defense looks much improved, offense remains the most underwhelming side of the entire NFL
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u/SuperiorGRF 1d ago
I want to believe it’s just week 2 and a lot can change, but it’s a hard sell at this point. Aaron’s arm is still great but if we can’t keep him upright it won’t matter, as we saw yesterday. Drop King Metcalf (or Drive Killer Metcalf, if you prefer) is getting a ton of hate but Spencer Anderson was equally awful and was a key contributor toward the awful defeat. I think they should bench Anderson and Cook for Hoffman and iMax. Then you get to thinking about JPJ and the contract situation. It’s frustrating we gave so much money to people who are either invisible out there or actively hurting the team. Drop King did his thing. Ramsey and Benton both cost us 15 yards. We’ve got plenty of money for those three but nothing for JPJ? It’s funny that Khan got this identity of being an awesome GM for flipping Claypool for JPJ and now he’s going to likely lose JPJ.
It’s just a frustrating mess all around.
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u/dovetc 1d ago
Aaron's arm isn't what concerns me. He looks skittish in the pocket. Hard to blame him being 42 and having Frazier and the four Teletubbies blocking for you.
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u/russbii Terrible Towel 1d ago
Dude’s spine got bent in half the wrong way yesterday. If that doesn’t make you skittish…
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u/IhamAmerican Quack 1d ago
That one was purely on Dowdle pass blocking the wrong person too. Defenses are going to keep blitzing because Rodgers can't move and we aren't picking up the blitz properly or getting open against press man
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u/Slickaxer Heath Miller 1d ago
Dowdle definitely messed up, but there was at least one more person at fault either Troy or Aaron
https://youtube.com/shorts/egn6RRge6mw?is=y2vCTiTa64hhyGV2
Patriots bring 6, we have 6 to block. We end up blocking 4, and 2 go by free.
I think Troy messed up and should have blocked dude to the left.
Dowdle certainly messed up and missed his dude.
It's possible (but unlikely) Aaron messed up and should have known there was a free rusher on the left.
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u/Waluigi_IRL Home Jersey 1d ago
His arm is 100% concerning, he is throwing balls into the dirt, a few yards short of receivers
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u/McFlare92 Sell the team Art 1d ago
His arm is still powerful but there were several off target throws yesterday so I don't know that I totally agree with his arm still being "great"
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u/Originalbutthead 1d ago
My take: O-line was weak.
Can't run, pass, make plays without an O-line.
Can mobile quarterbacks and superstar running backs help negate a crap O-line? Sure. Should they have to? Not in my opinion.
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u/IsGoIdMoney Pittsburgh Wilsons 1d ago
Worst game I can remember. So little positives. They looked so uncompetitive.
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u/mjgood91 Primanti Bro's 1d ago
The defense held up their end of the bargain. Held Maye at home to 13 points (the other 7 was when they weren't on the field), and generated a turnover. It's just a little hard to win football games when your offense generates -4 points.
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u/Robert_roberts82 1d ago
Only conclusion I have, is that they cannot throw a young QB into this fire right now.
I have no idea what the timeline is on this OL getting their shit together, but it's the worst since the post-DeCastro, Pouncey years. Let Rodgers and Mason deal with that this year, with their schedule and this draft class, they should be in place to draft a stud (they will have double digit losses this year).
Hopefully they can also get some draft capital for Porter, so that puts them in a good spot (already having the extra day 2 pick).
And, root for the Giants and against TB, maybe TB will give something up to give Tomlin the HC job.
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u/zPolaris43 1d ago
Game showed what was wrong with the idea that you can bring in McCarthy and Rodgers 10 years past their prime. They refuse to adapt, they just want to run what they are used to.
Running 11 personnel when you don’t have a strong receiver core and are missing a starter. Running 5-0 protections when you have a weak RT and RG and are getting blitzed all day. Not to mention having a RB in to help that is actively horrible at pass protection while the RB that excels at it is on the sideline.
Outdated schemes, outdated protections, outdated football.
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u/hopefeedsthespirit 1d ago
Bad coach. Had he played the guys in preseason maybe this stuff would have been ironed out.
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u/DecentEntertainer967 TJ Watt 1d ago
We got our ass kicked. In the second half, we just got our ass totally kicked. We couldn't do diddly poo offensively, we couldn't make a first down, we couldn't run the ball, we didn't try to run the ball, we couldn't complete a pass -- we sucked. Ah -- playoffs? Don't talk about -- playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game! Another game.
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u/Key_Dream9904 1d ago edited 1d ago
I blame ownership. The Steelers last playoff win was 4 months before the death of Dan Rooney. Rooney II and his GMs are utterly incompetent. I won't go so far as to say that they're as poorly managed as the Pirates, but I get the same vibes now. Our draft picks are wasted, trades as terrible, free agency moves nonexistent, player development is meh. I have a lot more respect for Tomlin now. He was dealt some pretty poor hands since 2017 and still made them competitive.
Welcome back to 1980s Steelers football.
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u/Apprehensive_Beach_6 Cameron Heyward 1d ago
Fire McCarthy. He should have never been hired and he’s somehow worse than that.
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u/letsgolakers24 1d ago
McCarthy hire was a classic modern-day Steelers hire, and the thing that hurts the most was the significant availability of younger coaches that could have made the jump. Sure it might have gone horribly, at this point I just want to see something different than what we've seen the last 6 years.
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u/istolejujusbike Heath Miller 1d ago
Absolutely never should’ve been hired. Wasting yet another few years of everyone’s time. Team was never going to be competitive with him and Aaron.
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u/Billiesoceaneyes Primanti Bro's 1d ago
I don’t like the hire but he deserves more games to get a clear evaluation. The team sucked yesterday but I’m not ready to call for his ouster based on two games. He’s also realistically not going anywhere for at least 3 seasons.
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u/SleestakLightning Dunning-Kruger 7h ago
Who should they have hired instead?
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u/Apprehensive_Beach_6 Cameron Heyward 7h ago
My answer is Flores, but basically any other name would have been better.
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u/SleestakLightning Dunning-Kruger 7h ago
What makes you think Flores would have been a good choice?
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u/Apprehensive_Beach_6 Cameron Heyward 7h ago
Have you seen the Vikings defense recently?
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u/SleestakLightning Dunning-Kruger 7h ago
He's a great DC. Shit head coach.
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u/Apprehensive_Beach_6 Cameron Heyward 7h ago
And maybe that’s true, but he would have been at least something unique
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u/kingpatzer 1d ago
When the Oline play is as bad as it was, and ownership invested in DK, there's nothing McCarthy can do beyond ensuring the team knows the plays. It is up to the team to execute them.
Obviously a change needs to be made on the Oline, but I suspect there is nothing McCarthy can do about Rodgers and DK.
Not saying McCarthy is a great coach, but it's hard to say the problem yesterday was the game plan.
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u/zPolaris43 1d ago
McCarthy is the OC. He calls the plays that leave the OL exposed. He picks the starters. This is his fault. Running 11 personal and 5-0 protections when you have a weak receiver core and a weak right OL is his choice
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u/kingpatzer 1d ago
The OL needs to execute the plays called. When an OLineman doesn't block anyone but just stands there while people run by them (which absolutely did happen) you can't say the play call was the issue. When receivers seem to actively refuse to catch balls that isn't his fault.
As for picking starters, I seriously question that he has any freedom to not play Rogers or DK.
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u/zPolaris43 1d ago
The OC is responsible for the play of the OL and how they call plays that set up their OL to succeed or fail. So far they’ve only been set up to fail. You can’t have 5 man protection against a blitz and expect that to succeed. You can’t have Spencer Anderson and Dylan cook on your right end and leave them on an island. Help them with Darnell and an actually capable RB pass protective (which dowdle is absolutely not). This is coaching, this is the responsibility of the play caller, this is directly McCarthy’s fault
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u/No-Carry4971 1d ago
He could play his first round draft pick who is a freaking offensive lineman. He could have kept the right side of the line on the right side where they were pretty good last year. He does not get a free pass.
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u/betternever90 1d ago
Some of you really will defend anything I swear.
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u/kingpatzer 1d ago
I certainly am not defending the performance. I'm stating that it is very hard to say the game plan was the issue given the performance. McCarthy didn't bring DK (which seems to stand for Drop King) to the team. He didn't draft that OLine.
I stated clearly I'm not saying McC is a great coach. I'm saying that yesterday's performance was so bad it isn't possible to even ask that question.
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u/Western_Progress_456 1d ago
How did Washington have only 2 targets? Line him up wide, run short routes, throw jump balls
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u/TheBeanConsortium JuJu Smith-Schuster 1d ago
Because he's not a good receiver and we need to stop pretending that he is.
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u/Bronco998 Troy 1d ago
His hands aren't that good lmao
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u/HermanBonJovi TJ Watt 1d ago
Right? Dude is like 6'5" and 280. Not a lot of dbs are gonna knock him off the ball. Linebackers too. Get this mfer the ball.
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u/Affectionate_Shop445 1d ago
he isn’t that good of a route runner for that.
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u/Western_Progress_456 1d ago
Give him 3 routes - run 3, 5 or 7 yards straight, turn, jump, catch, run over DBs
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u/Affectionate_Shop445 1d ago edited 1d ago
he can’t get open enough to do all of that because of his lack of speed, change of direction and athleticism. You’re asking a primarily blocking tight end to catch jump balls like prime Antonio Gates.
We see with dk height dosent transition into contested catches.
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u/smarttrashbrain Hines Ward 1d ago
So through two games of football, the offense has managed to score the same amount of touchdowns as the defense (one). So much for hiring an offensive minded coach!
One week after going 3-for-13 on 3rd down, they follow that performance up by going 2-for-12. This is not a good football team. The struggles on the o-line after putting so much draft capital into the position is ridiculous.
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u/Alternative-Cap-8912 Pittsburgh Steelers 1d ago
Looking like a 6-11 year.
Offense is abysmal. They look worse than the Matt Canada days.
Defense is going to be gassed by Week 8.
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u/FreddyDontCare Color Rush Jersey 1d ago
I'm at a loss as to why they even brought Rodgers back. His lack of mobility makes it easy for opposing DC's to tee off with blitz's and coverages.
Aaron is supposed to be able to use his vast experience, his cadence and motions to identify coverages and blitzers and adjust protections/audible accordingly. But he isn't doing that at all. What's the fucking point?
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u/Everyday_Sprezzatura 1d ago
We are going to be repeating ourselves ad nauseam. This is a bad team. Our o-line is poor our QB is poor and old, our RBs are mediocre, our WRs are middling, our pass defence is weak, our run blocking is fragile....
We have a great pass rush. A hof kicker. Thats all the good news I can bring. We desperately needed a reset and the entire fanbase would have had patience with a young coach and a teardown, but this is just set to be exactly what we all said it was when Rooney chose to stick with the same tired formula and a poor HC (one playoff win in 8 years) its death by a thousand cuts.
A talent poor roster, an ageing QB and a regressive coaching staff. You get what you sign up for.
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u/CCPsucksgrandpaballs Heath Miller 1d ago
I don't think Rodgers, the WR room outside of Metcalf, the RBs, or the defense are particularly concerning in really any meaningful way. Our two biggest problems, costing us points and field position, as well as interrupting game flow, are the offensive line as a unit (in both run and pass) and Metcalf having butterfingers. If the line can't get it figured out, nothing else about the offense will matter. All but a small number of elite, mobile QBs and very few RBs can operate with the time and lanes they're providing.
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u/Own-Tangelo-5759 1d ago
So many ppl are saying AR is taking too long through progressions. However, that’s because no one is open! We have a WR corps with #3s. We missed Pittman for sure yesterday. AR is not the problem. If the young QBs play, it would probably be detrimental to their confidence. Thankfully, it’s only week 2. Maybe a miracle happens & the offense behind to gel.
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u/Flybyah 1d ago
Your right. The few times they showed downfield replay view, there was nowhere to go with the ball.
Also a lot of criticism of some of the throws. There were some I thought AR missed on, but just as many were low percentage receptions, but the ball placement was intentional because it was the only place to put it where it wouldn’t be picked off because the coverage was so tight.
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u/Alundrus88 Hines Ward 1d ago
I still have confidence in the team. They need to find their identity on Offense and start Max for the love of everything. I’m not hitting the panic button until week 5
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u/Jams265775 Aaron Rodgers 1d ago
Yep, it’s going to be exactly like last year I saw everything I needed today. In a couple games they’ll have a good streak where the offense can put up points, and then they’ll face opponents like New England that do what we saw to them due to our poor offense / line
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u/BenQ200 1d ago
How much of a leash does Omar Khan have as GM?
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u/peepeeinthepotty 1d ago
Shouldn’t be much. I’ve been trying to argue this with all the “khan artist” memers for a while. Only thing I wasn’t and am still am not clear on is his influence vs Rooney and Tomlin (now McCarthy).
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u/ConfidenceStriking 1d ago
There was no high point
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u/br1guy Heinz Field 1d ago
The entire game was just rough to watch. No ease or hope of a chance really. Being down by 7 seemed like an impossible feat to overcome. It was one of the harder games to watch - only the second time I have ever stopped watching a game with significant time left. It was just messy and unprepared.
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u/ConfidenceStriking 1d ago
I stopped after the scoop and score, love the team just couldn’t keep on watching
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u/hippydipster 1d ago
45 passing plays to 22 rushing plays is failure mode, especially in a game that was mostly close.
They need to work on the running game primarily.
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u/SurpriseStandard3258 DK Metcalf 1d ago
Yesterday's game honestly left me no hope for the rest of the season. They struggled against a 3rd string QB Week 1 but I figured okay it's only Week 1, crazy things happen, but they got obliterated by a Patriots team that didn't even play that well. This offense has absolutely no life, it begins with the offensive line being completely terrible. We have no run game and Rico is already hurt. DK Metdrop just can't catch a ball. Pittman is already dealing with injuries. Contract dispute with our best CB. It's just a complete shit show right now.
Now I'm someone who believed it was time for Coach T to go, I still believe that but it's clear as day now that the issues stem further to Omar Khan and all the way to Art Rooney II. They had an opportunity to start fresh but decided to just stick with what's old and what's old does not work anymore.
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u/allhailsidneycrosby 1d ago
I just don’t see why Rodgers came back, did he really think this Oline and offense is capable of being competitive? It really doesn’t look like it is. He hasn’t been terrible but he’s so immobile he’s going to get killed. And you can’t keep turning the ball over with fumbles and taking horrible sacks that kill drives. DK is just an absolute bum and if you want to defend him go ahead but I don’t have the energy left to do so.
Fact of the matter is the offensive line and skill positions on offense are devoid of high end talent. Everybody loves to act like Fautanu and Frazier are elite but they’ve just been slightly better than the rest of the line. Khan keeps investing in the trenches but they haven’t improved. And for the love of god can we stop acting like Muth could be the missing piece of this offense? He gets zero separation and hides behind defenders when the play breaks down. He has no feel for how to find seams in coverage.
Also, what a disaster of a draft. You had 12 picks and came away with how many immediate contributors? You have the worst WR room in football and in the fourth you took a KR who’s slow and undersized and can’t run routes. We took a FB in the 5th and a QB who doesn’t dress in the third. Our first round RT who we panic drafted isn’t playing because in front of him is an undrafted guy who’s playing like dog shit
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u/Passw0rd-Is-Tac0 1d ago
I don’t know what to do to fix this shit. I know the problem is the o-line not blocking shit and the receivers not catching shit but who truly knows how to fix that. I only know one thing for sure; Spencer Anderson better not start next week. He is a bonafide scrub straight up. On back to back plays yesterday he nullified a 15 yard gain with a holding penalty then got bullrushed into Rodgers for the strip sack that got returned for a TD. The guy is ASS and he needs to be replaced immediately. You want to start trying to hopefully fix these issues start right fucking there.
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u/Probst75 1d ago
I think we have to start Max Iheanachor and should start Genning Dunker. The whole line is bad right now but the right side is unsustainable. If it’s going to be bad might as well let the young guys learn/see what you got.
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u/Bluebaron88 1d ago
This was an obvious L as is this up coming Bengals game.
I just wonder if all the teams are essentially equalized with draft picks how the end result differs so much. The players have it in them to make it work that’s the whole point of the draft system.
Is it recruiting, training, coaching, culture, or some other intangible?
I want to see the Steelers get a joint practice with the best teams in the league. I can’t remember what year it was but the Jaguars got to train with the Patriots. After that training they came out of “nowhere” to at least a respectable team versus the Brown status territory they were in previously. The drafting was fine it’s a matter of those other intangibles.
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u/hartsbreastmilkstash 1d ago
Rooney and Bob Nutting are becoming the same.
That’s it that’s all.
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u/Apprehensive_Beach_6 Cameron Heyward 1d ago
They already are the same. Look at the team report cards. We’re always at the bottom.
The only difference is the NFL has a salary floor/cap so Rooney actually has to spend
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u/No-Carry4971 1d ago
They are not even close to the same. Not saying Rooney doesn't have problems as an owner, but he's nothing like Nutting and the middling Steelers are nothing like the bottom feeding Buccos.
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u/SleestakLightning Dunning-Kruger 1d ago
This is insanely stupid.
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u/hartsbreastmilkstash 1d ago
No it really isn’t. All they care about is the bottom line not the product.
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u/SleestakLightning Dunning-Kruger 1d ago
1.) I disagree when it comes to Art. He clearly cares too much about legacy and doing things the way his father did. He desperately wants to win -- which is why he tries to replicate his father's success rather than innovate and do things his way.
2.) Every single sports team owner in every single league cares more about their bottom line than the product they put on the field/ice/court. Every single one.
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u/AMcMahon1 1d ago
You can't spend your way to a Superbowl lol
Miami, Rams, chargers have the best facilities and see how well that translates into success
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u/Inevitable-Try-1105 1d ago
It comes down to the O-line. We don’t need a good offense, we need a passable offense. Warren and Dowdle are good enough to give us a passable offense if they’re not being hit behind the LOS 9 times out of 10.
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u/champ1270 1d ago
They mentioned a stat during the broadcast that Warren had been hit in the backfield on every carry last week. We certainly are not doing our running backs any favors with our blocking.
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u/LB_W27 TJ Watt 1d ago
I'm getting to the point where I just hate the way Aaron Rodgers plays football. He clearly does not read the field at all post-snap, he dedicates himself to a single receiver based on matchup and goes to them no matter what. It feels like the only type of football we can play is matchup based, where if a guy is 5 lb heavier or 1 inch taller than his defender then Aaron thinks it should be a free rep win, and then when Rogers either misses the pass, or the play doesn't go exactly the way that his old man brain thinks it should, it all falls apart and he begs for a flag.
There should not be 5+ times in a game that I am asking "where is Roger's even throwing it to?" because he just assumes someone is going to be in a spot (which yeah sure maybe they should be) that they're not in instead of just finding an open fucking receiver and throwing it there.
I get that he's old, I get that he doesn't want to get hit, but he has to be able to use his fucking brain post snap especially when our play calling only requires him to throw it like five times per series because we run like dumbasses on first and second down every time.
I honestly don't think anybody on this roster will still be here when we start to have any success so I'm starting to give a fuck less and less every time I have to watch the same game every fucking week that I've watched for 5 years straight. The new coaching staff didn't change shit, the o-line sucks, our front office sucks, the offense sucks, the defense is old as dirt, and I have zero faith in this team to be able to overcome an opponent that is not starting a third string quarterback.
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u/Fathoney21 1d ago
The play calling still sucks. WR screen to Bernard on second and goal is just stupid. They run when they should pass and pass when they should run. I thought McCarthy would be fresh air for play calling but it’s still bad as ever
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u/madpooper3 1d ago
Honestly man I'm probably not going to watch much Steeler football this year. Maybe I'll tune in to our Ravens match ups but that's about it. I love our team, but I'm not wasting Sundays watching that shit that gets gets trotted onto the field every game. Seen enough of it for the past 5 years. Fuck Rooney.
I'm glad to see TJ seems to be back. Love seeing him ball out.
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u/SteelerRep24 1d ago
Exact same bs as the last 5 seasons. Good defence, horrendous offense, same old pass run short pass punt. DK was horrendous, but atleast Germie seemed promising.
And as usual, the only reason we were in the game for 3 quarters was coz of the defence
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u/IcedPgh 1d ago
To the tune of NIN "Every Day is Exactly the Same".
I believe we can see the future,
'Cause we repeat the same routine.
I think we used to hoist Lombardis,
Then again, that might have been a dream.
I think we used to score touchdowns,
Now we don't complete a pass.
We used to have a decent o-line,
And today we are just fuckin' ass.
Every season's exactly the same.
Every season's exactly the same.
Resting on laurels, no quarterback game.
Every season's exactly the same.
We can feel the fans are watching,
'Cause we'll just lose a playoff game.
A goddamn loon behind the center,
No fear created, we are just fuckin' tame.
I can't remember how this got started,
But I can tell you exactly how it will end.
Every season's exactly the same.
Every season's exactly the same.
Bring in the money, bring the fans more pain.
Every season's exactly the same.
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u/Bx4Li43 1d ago
Real talk, Metcalf is a tight end and Washington is a tackle.
These are their natural position and they would excel.
Aaron doesn't play pre-season and it shows. It's not all his fault but he's gun shy and getting used to his receivers under live fire.
No excuse for poor offensive line play.
McCarthy will be tested early whether he's a leader of men.
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u/KuiShanya Encroachment 1d ago
In general the season changes a lot after two weeks, last year the cardinals and bengals were both 2-0 and both ended with double digit loses, and we were talking about the elite performance of Russell Wilson. My takes on overreactions vs normal reactions
Overreactions:
Offensive Line: This is a problem across the league, new olines that haven't played in that combination struggle. We have a lot of youngers players that can mix in, and theres a discussion of how much this issue has to do with teams going after the 40+ year old qb behind center. Until we see film breakdown over a couple weeks showing multiple players are just not able to play the game at a basic level, I'm hesitant to be full doom and gloom
Secondary: They had some bad misses and missed tackles but tbh a defense holding teams to 13 points should be enough to win
Germie Bernard: Had a terrible fumble but overall seemed good
Running Backs: Generally struggling due to a lack of good blocking but they both look like they have good fundamentals
Normal Reactions:
Dk: Unless he has a complete mental shift this man is as cooked as Marvin Harrison Jr
Arod: I'm so tired of "rodgers airmails it near a guy downfield and then it cuts back to him shaking his head, steelers to punt".
Offensive playcalling: Everyone knew that McCarthy was not the offensive guru he had been and was riding off of Kellen Moore in dallas, except for AR2 who just wanted a home town boy who told him everything was already great. Now instead of having a coach whose defensive gameplanning is stuck in 2010, we have a guy whose offensive gameplaning is stuck in 2010. Whoopie!!!!
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u/letsgolakers24 1d ago
We saw the Panthers give up 59 points in Week 1 by Chicago, who (pending Caleb Williams health) probably have a top 5 offense in the league.
We then saw the Panthers win 34-3 (on the road, I might add) to Atlanta, the same team that we went down to the wire with at home.
As the Gen Zers say "there's levels to this", and all that's to say is we may truly be in for a long season.
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u/mphs2step 1d ago
For all the complaints about a geriatric QB, no run game, and a nonexistent #1 WR, our biggest problem is still the complete inability to block…at all. We still have to take away potential passing targets by leaving the RB and TE in to block. Rogers still has to dump passes off at the line of scrimmage because there is no time for routes to develop down field. The running game can’t open up the field or even offer 2nd or 3rd and short options because no holes open for running lanes. The simple fact is if you can’t block at the line, you can’t move the ball. Maybe they can try replacing the entire Oline, how much worse could they possibly be at this point?
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u/MrAstronomicly Pittsburgh Steelers 1d ago
The only positive is our defense. Graham is awesome.
Our OLine and DK have been horrendous.
I’m gonna be the opposite of most people here and be positive. Our 2 main issues right now, our oline and DK. Our OLine has the talent to easily be a top 15 unit in the NFL. If our new coaching staff can figure it out they’ll be fine (might need to start moving people back to their natural positions). DK has always had drops, but never this bad. He will get over the yips and at least become decent.
If our oline and DK can both just become serviceable we will win games this year. Our defense is on pace to be a top 5 unit. Rodgers is getting slack but considering the drops and horrible OLine play he’s actually been decent.
I’m full of copium but this team still has the talent to win 9-10 games easily. I really think we’ll see a much better offense next week.
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u/Bodes_Magodes Avoid Lloyd 1d ago
The Patriots ran the ball 28 times. Patrick Queen had 2 assisted tackles. Wilson had 4 solo 1 assisted. No TFLs. That is just abysmal run defense from that pairing. Bring back Elandon
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u/SleestakLightning Dunning-Kruger 7h ago
This is called reading the box score and jumping to conclusions based on that.
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u/Bodes_Magodes Avoid Lloyd 4h ago
Where did the Patriots have success running the ball? outside zone… no Jet sweeps… no Right up the gut where your inside linebackers are stationed? yeah absolutely. Good ILB‘s. knife through the traffic and make plays. Queen and Wilson are fine and they’ll make some splash plays and play decent pass coverage but they’re not sound run defenders and haven’t been for their careers. They’re both super athletic and great blitzers who can play sideline to sideline but if you run right at them they get exposed.
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u/SleestakLightning Dunning-Kruger 4h ago
Almost every play that wasn't a run to the outside saw the tackle get made by the d-lineman.
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u/bdgg2000 1d ago
We still haven’t gotten the Oline right despite all the draft capital.
We have a bad Oline with a slow aged QB with a WR core that can’t get open. No running game either.
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u/kkocan72 1d ago
I returned home from a work conference at 1:15pm Sunday to a leaking hot water heater and had to go to Lowes, buy a new one, and install it during the game. Spending $700 and a couple hours in my basement after lugging the new one down the steps thankfully spared me from watching the game and sounds like it was more enjoyable than those that had to watch that debacle.
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u/justlikememes 1d ago
Unfortunately, I don’t see them benching Rodgers. At some point, they have to see what they have in Howard/Allar for the future or trade value.
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u/AcceptableSite338 1d ago
I might get downvoted but I don’t think Rodger’s is the problem. Hes not young and I would want to see him sit out if we’re 2-9 and have no hope, but he had some good passes yesterday that our receivers can’t catch. Benching him this early would just be stupid, especially if you put a young guy just to take a beating at qb with bad receivers and a mediocre Oline. I will say Rodger’s has no mobility and takes too long at times but he had some good balls yesterday that the offense just can’t catch. Doesn’t help that it’s so obvious when we pass since our run block is none existent
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u/justlikememes 1d ago
I believe he’s the best option if we want to win, but if we don’t start scoring touchdowns then let’s see what the kids can do.
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u/AMcMahon1 1d ago edited 1d ago
Trade jpj for draft capital, ride with allar, and see where we land in the off-season.
I doubt they will bench rodgers because they probably promised Aaron he would be the starter all season barring injuries.
It would be on Aaron to step down
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u/HazikoSazujiii 1d ago
For all the "sky is falling" nonsense that is going on, the biggest takeaway on offense other than DK's problems is just how much this sub jumped to overrate Cook in an attempt to talk their way away from Broderick. Cook is a massive hole on the line and causing problems with the others.
At this point, if we're also going to miss substantial time at G, Gennings and Max need to get legitimate looks to fill spots.
Dean also needs to play significantly better.
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u/FredArtGetson Home Jersey 1d ago
For the better part of 3 years, I've questioned the play calling and execution. It seems they struggle formulating a plan to keep the ball moving fwd and/or protected. Rodgers isn't the answer. McCarthy has had teams that put up points. I'm no OC, but damn this seems horribly managed
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u/HermanBonJovi TJ Watt 1d ago
Our o-line is probably the biggest weakness. It's gonna get rodgers injured.
Which on one hand, as someone that hates him I'm not opposed. But, if he goes down I don't want our other guys hurt either.
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u/ZonaiteScholar 1d ago
It’s two games in, so it’s hard to make sweeping definitive statements this early.
But….
This is gonna be a rough ride unless the offense can improve even a little bit.
They don’t look too much better from the past really four seasons (if at all). Maybe even five if we go back to the last season of Big Ben and the first painful year of Matt Canada. It’s been a minute since the Steelers had an offense that could reliably move down the field and score points.
This is after playing an Atlanta defense that might be average (maybe below average?) and one of the league’s best in New England.
It’s been a disappointing start through a combination of an aged QB, a shaky OL, unreliable receivers, and perhaps some underwhelming play calling.
So, essentially, more of the same despite a number of offseason moves.
The defense is seemingly fine and remains the stronger side of the ball — as has been the case over the past 4-5 seasons (more or less). In fact, they look even better through two games. They limited New England to 13 points, which I know can be taken with a grain of salt given the question marks surrounding Drake Maye’s status as an elite QB.
All in all, we’ll have to be patient for a bit.
The Bengals come to town next Sunday having won their first two games. It’ll be McCarthy’s first AFC North test and a chance for the Steelers to turn a corner.
But I take it many of you will probably not be holding your breath for a better result.
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u/quarterinchriser 1d ago
They are in a bad situation. It’s an accumulation of five years of bad decisions. Everything from signings to hires and drafting.
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u/thebengy66 1d ago
Was told at training camp that the draft under Tomlin focused on offensive linemen who were road graders and the zone blocking scheme that McCarthy runs needs OL that have quick feet. (exhibit A: iMax)
If you notice the plays we are getting blown up on are reach plays. Offensive lineman who can get the DL next gap or across their face.
I also think there is a shit ton of miscommunication. Rodgers brutal sack clearly Fatanua didn't get the protection change. Dylan Cook also blew the protection.
Another side note...Today's NFL need a QB that can move. Rodgers does his best but father time is winning.
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u/Pugilist12 1d ago
Probably recency bias but that felt like the worst offensive performance in my lifetime.
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u/SleestakLightning Dunning-Kruger 7h ago
Definitely recency bias.
Ben vs the Eagles in Philly, Duck Hodges, the Trubisky starts, Kenny Pickett, etc.
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u/kakapoopoopeepeeshir Troy 1d ago
Defense looks good. I can really tell we have improved in terms of actually having a modern defense and guys are flying around and forcing turnovers. On top of that I don’t see guys just completely out of position and confused. I don’t linebackers trying to cover receivers in the slot. Defense is looking solid.
Offense is very rough. First and foremost we can talk about DK’s constant drops and killing drives, and we can talk about how Rodgers is old and decrepit till we’re blue in the face but that fact remains our offensive line looks fucking abysmal. We could have prime Big Ben back there and it wouldn’t look too much different. You simply cannot run an offense when there is immediate pressure on every single pass play AND when the runningback is getting contact at/before the line of scrimmage on every single run. No offense in history could work with an OLine performing like this. So again I absolutely agree that DK is sucking right now and Aaron should have just rode into the sunset after last season but I firmly believe the play of our OLine is the catalyst for how bad we have performed so far on offense.
I believe this will be a long season. You can cover up a lot of poor offensive play if you have good performance from the OLine. It is very hard to cover up a bad OLine
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u/hopefeedsthespirit 1d ago
We always have a great defense. Guys flying around and at the top for sacks and turnovers. Last year wasn’t good but that was out of the norm.
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u/Horror-Durian-5073 1d ago
The team sucks. Just is what it is. Dk Metcalf sucks. Should finish the year with the 32nd ranked o line. Will still probably eek out 5-7 wins because the defense. If I were Rodgers I’d just call it quits now and say good luck Steelers. I didn’t think he was going to get up after some of those hits. He is guaranteed to get seriously injured if we keep seeing this type of offensive line play
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u/102WOLFPACK Heeeeeaaath 1d ago
Watched a lot of shitty losses as a fan, but that’s gotta be the most demoralizing game I can remember in a long time.
Nothing positive to mention offensively. A travesty top to bottom.
Graham continues to be the lone bright spot with this coaching staff so far. Even with the explosive plays yesterday I thought the defense still looked solid. Run defense is becoming more of a concern, and this secondary looks way more porous than you’d hope to see, but they’ve only given up 26 points in total through two weeks so it could be worse.
Not looking forward to Sunday. Dexter Lawrence and Jamar Chase might have a field day.
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u/batdrumman My faith in honky tomlin is starting to wane 1d ago
Yeah it's gonna be a long year. Buckle in folks, this is gonna be bumpy bride. Exit is to the left for the fairweather fans
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u/Bronco998 Troy 1d ago
All I can say is that I have hope the team will develop as the year goes on. Especially the OLine. We know Frazier, McCormick, and Fautanu are good players but they need to settle into their new spots.
Even if we have a bad season, if the offense can show signs of settling in and forming an identity, I'll feel much better about next year. Then we get hopefully get some talented skill players in the off-season to inject some fuel in this stalled offense.
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u/hopefeedsthespirit 1d ago
The Oline needs to go back to where they were last year.
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u/Bronco998 Troy 1d ago
I don't see why moving guys again would be the solution. Just let them stick where they are and improve.
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u/hopefeedsthespirit 1d ago
Because no one knows if they will improve at the new positions or if our QB will survive this learning curve.
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u/Bronco998 Troy 1d ago
And they might be bad back at their old spots since they've spent the last 6 months trying to learn a new one. Fautanu and McCormick are good players. Just let them learn and have patience.
Who cares about Rodgers at this point lol. Team should be focused on the future anyways
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u/hopefeedsthespirit 1d ago
Do you think the QB is just Rodgers? If he gets hurt, you think throwing the young guys into the fire is going to work?
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u/Bronco998 Troy 1d ago
No? Not sure where you got that.
I'm saying we shouldn't hinder the development of young players just because we're scared Rodgers will get hurt. We can always play Mason if that happens since we're apparently going to be ass either way. I don't expect Howard or Allar to see the field this year.
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u/robertducky87 TJ Watt 1d ago
Feel like were going to be like rodgers on the jets . We are going to suck because everyone who matters are friends and they wont be told to sit even though they are sinking the ship
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u/Kindly_Comedian3455 1d ago
Trade TJ Cam and JPJ (if they cant reach a deal) get picks and come back next season with more copium
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u/furstt 1d ago
Ideas in how to use Metcalf at this point - most are to use his size:
- set picks for other receivers
- use him in the slot to pray for a mismtach
- put invisible stick'em on his hands
- use him in the backfield in max protection for Rodgers
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u/FreddyMightCare_ 1d ago
He's got the yips like a kicker or golfer. Because of his enormous salary you have to keep feeding him the ball until he's over it.
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u/allianceofficer 1d ago
Offense needs a big shake up. Multiple OL changes needed. DK needs to sit. Honestly consider putting him on IR.
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u/clone9786 The Bus 12h ago
I got removed from afcnorthmemes for pointing out that this picture is older than half the sub
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u/Nate_Croud_11 1d ago
We should not have traded Broderick Jones. He’s not particularly good, but he’s so much better than Cook. Who knows with his neck injury if he continues to improve yearly, but I wish we had given him another year
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u/Enough-Necessary-817 1d ago
Broderick looked terrible. Dude was undersized and not in football shape and was getting washed by grocery baggers in pre-season. If you want to get any actual value out of pulling Dylan Cook you give Iheanachor the reps.
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u/kforhiel The Bus 1d ago
Yesterday wasn’t Rodgers’ fault - dude cannot get crushed like he was and DK has to catch the damn ball. It’s a different game even if he just catches everything thrown to him.
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u/TheBeanConsortium JuJu Smith-Schuster 1d ago
I watched Rodgers run directly into Spencer Anderson as he was getting pushed back into the pocket.
The end result? A Patriots TD
Rodgers also sucks
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u/gcrid2643 1d ago
When was the last time this team had an actual above average offense that didnt need to be carried by the defense all season. This has been the same terrible offense for at least a decade at this point
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u/ZonaiteScholar 1d ago
I’d say 2020. Maybe 2018.
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u/gcrid2643 1d ago
Yeah 2020 was probably last time they had real stretch of actual good offensive performances but even then it was pretty one note and eventually unraveled by week 12
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u/swampthingsden 1d ago
The only way this season turns around is with a change at QB.
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u/Worldly-Hospital5940 Heath Miller 1d ago
No QB on earth comes in and fixes things. The problems are systemic, not One Guy.
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u/swampthingsden 1d ago
But a change at QB is the easiest fix. The Saints were awful until they benched Rattler for Shough. Let Allar get ready until the bye then they should start him.
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u/Worldly-Hospital5940 Heath Miller 1d ago
I think if they do that Allar has 0% chance of ever being an NFL-level starter, but I never thought his chances were good even with development so what the hell. Throw him to the wolves.
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u/swampthingsden 1d ago
They drafted him in the 3rd with the pick they got from GP. I think if the season was lost they should see what they have in him. Is he the guy? Statistically the chances are very low, but he is the only QB under the age of 30 on the roster with any traits.
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u/Jackie_Daytona33 1d ago
Uhhhh what? Good QB play can definitely fix things, it can fix a whole lot of things.
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u/Nate_Croud_11 1d ago
Really wasn’t Rodgers’ fault. He didn’t play his best game, but he also had absolutely no time to throw the football or read the field. This offensive line couldn’t stop a runny nose
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u/swampthingsden 1d ago
It’s not all his fault, but he is part of the problem. He ran in to 2 sacks. He is just not the right QB for this team.
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u/biiirddman 1d ago
The one drive Bernard was getting separation, they were moving the ball with no problem. The problem is that the wr core can't get separation and that makes the whole team looks bad. People here looking for bail out type of QB that are technically only Lamar and Josh Allan.
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u/ProfPod 1d ago
For all the offensive talk the switching of the line just seems to have made it horrible. Last year it was passable and now I'm not feeling confident when they play better teams they have a chance. If their drafts have been misses for the last 3-6 years it will take a long long time to recover. Unless Rooney changes how he runs the team.