The Steelers played about three and one-half
quarters of bad football, at least offensively. It might be slightly more
accurate to say that Ben Roethlisberger played three and
one-half quarters of bad football but, against all odds, the Steelers pulled
out a huge win. Jacksonville has been one of their “kryptonites,” and
overcoming them in this fashion really bolsters a team.
So, what can we take away from
this game? Here are seven takeaways from the Steelers’ win over the Jaguars:
VANCE MCDONALD IS WORTH IT, AND MORE
Goodness, I can’t believe some
of us wanted to release this guy before the season started. They weren’t
unjustified at the time, because he just couldn’t stay healthy, but McDonald’s
been fantastic this season. Multiple times, Vance McDonald has been a huge
difference maker, including the difference between winning and losing.
Boy was he ever today.
That TD catch was insane and
he’s one of the most complete TEs in the NFL. It isn’t just the blocking, the
stiff arms, or the contested catches; it’s everything he brings to the table.
He embodies what a Steeler is, and he’s been the key to really unlocking this
offense as an unstoppable force.
Colbert turns out another
fantastic trade.
MATT FEILER IS GOOD, BUT HE ISN’T MARCUS GILBERT
Matt Feiler is a starting-level
right tackle — I have no doubt about that. But today against Yannick Ngakoue, Feiler was hung out to dry.
This was the toughest test he’s faced since he stepped in for Gilbert, and he
have some ugly reps. It doesn’t reflect too badly on Feiler, but he’s just not
an elite RT.
This is just an ugly rep from
Feiler. His base is wide and his punch timing is off — thus Ngaukoue can chop,
rip, and spin right through to the inside. Gilbert doesn’t do this and, while
Feiler has done a great job filling in, Gilbert will make this line even
better.
STEPHON TUITT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The Steelers locked down the running
game after the first half, but Tuitt’s absence was notable. The middle wasn’t
as chaotic, although it certainly was due to a man I will get to in a second,
and Tuitt’s run-stuffing abilities were missed today.
For however many times Tuitt
has gone invisible, his gap discipline was nevertheless incredibly strong. The
running game was shut down thanks to Tuitt, and his absence showed a good deal
today.
STILL, HARGRAVE
IS VERY GOOD
I’d say Javon Hargrave isn’t a one-technique NT —
he’s way too athletic for that. He’s much better suited as a 3- or 5-technique
in this defense, but Heyward and Tuitt hold those positions down nicely. Now,
you also see the value of Dan McCullers. With one of the two pro bowlers on
the DL out, McCullers can fill Hargrave’s role quite nicely.
Hargrave had a great day. He
was getting sacks, run stops, and all that you could want from a guy who was
filling in for Stephon Tuitt. Hopefully Hargrave gets more snaps, because he’s
quite underrated.
CROWN HIM KING
JUJU
JuJu Smith-Schuster is a monster — and a
clutch one at that. He really was kept quiet until the end of the game when he
finally made two huge plays. His route-running and contested-catch skills are a
sight to behold. JuJu likely won Pittsburgh the game to a large extent with his
two huge catches. The guy continues to progress and show that he’s a genuine
star.
Praise King JuJu!
IT’S TIME TO
GIVE PRAISE TO COTY SENSABAUGH
I only heard Sensabaugh’s name
one time today, and that was when he made a tackle in run defense. Sensabaugh
was certainly active in that role and, quite frankly, he shut down his side of
the field today. He has really stabilized the CB2 slot with some solid play. He
might never be great, but he certainly has been good enough.
Who would have thought the
unsung hero of the secondary would have been Coty Sensabuagh? Not me, but I’m
okay with it. Against better teams, he might be exposed, but Keith Butler’s
scheming has really helped him out a ton.
GIVE A TON OF
CREDIT TO MIKE TOMLIN
This team has been through
some drama, with Antonio Brown’s antics, and especially that
unnamed RB. But Tomlin has kept this team sharply focused on the games and
that’s enabled them to persevere through it all.
They’ve won some tough games
and have really been spectacular since the Atlanta game. Tomlin’s adjustments
and impact in the locker room cannot be shortchanged. He’s in the conversation
for Coach of the Year honors, and rightfully so. Coach T is worth it for all of
us, and boy did I ever overreact earlier in the year for thinking about maybe
moving on from him.
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