The air bracing, the leaves beginning to turn a deep yellow, the sun still providing that last glimpse of summer…but something is not right in Pittsburgh. There’s an eerie feeling around the Steel City. Almost as if everyone is walking around without a purpose. When the Steelers aren’t winning, it throws all of the fans off their equilibriums. It may sound silly, but Steeler fans are that used to winning.
Now, this could be an article about how atrocious the Steelers offense has looked through three games. Perhaps it could be about public enemy #1 (Matt Canada). Yet, you know all of that. You have been reading all about it for two weeks now. The offensive line is bad, Matt Canada’s playbook is actually a coloring book, and Kenny Pickett isn’t getting a chance. We get it. Although, the Steelers will not just give up. The injuries to TJ Watt and now the news of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in concussion protocol is a big blow, but both of them will be back.
To put it plainly, the Steelers have to win vs the New York Jets on Sunday. Falling to a 1-3 record with the upcoming schedule that would basically mean those dreaded two words “Season’s Over.” The good news is that the Steelers have owned the Jets with an all time record of 20-6 (9-1 at home). The bad news is that the Steelers don’t look like what fans are accustomed to all those years. That said, when I say that all it takes is one game to turn your offense, defense, or entire season around, that’s all it takes. One game is all it takes, but the question is how soon will that game come?
For example, remember last season when the Miami Dolphins started 1-7 and then won seven games in a row? If you don’t, allow me to refresh your memory. The Brian Flores-led Dolphins thrashed onto the scene in early November, dominating their opponents in the process. Additionally, they finished with a 9-8 record, winning eight of their last nine games.
If the Dolphins could do it with Brian Flores then the Steelers can do it with Mike Tomlin. To date, Coach Tomlin has never had a losing season in his illustrious 15 years at the helm. Not many coaches can say that, even non-professional coaches. On top of that, Mike Tomlin has the best swagger and player-coach relationships out of anybody in the NFL. He is by all other means, a living legend. So, if you think the Steelers are going to be one of those horribly bad teams this year, think again.
With that, the Steelers have had ten whole days to game plan vs the Jets. So, if Pittsburgh’s offense comes out flat once again, there are no excuses. As previously stated, falling to a 1-3 record is just not an option. That would mean losing to the Patriots, Browns, and Jets consecutively after a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. Steeler fans, you can rest assured that the game plan will be great vs the Jets. After Sunday, the schedule gets a whole deal harder. Although, if there’s anything that this short season has taught us it’s that the Steelers play down to their opponents, but also up to their opponents.
What I am getting at in this article is that the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers will prevail this season. There is a saying that Yinzers, Pittsburgh fans, and the Steelers locker-room; “The Standard is the Standard.” That standard has held firm the entirety of Mike Tomlin’s career, and the players will emulate this at some point. Again, it doesn’t seem like it will ever turn around right now does it? Well, the season is 17 games long and there are 14 left. I guarantee at some point this season, the Steelers will be a team that nobody wants to play.
The Steelers will make a run this season and my guess is that it starts with this game against the Jets. New York has shown some glimpses of explosive offense this season, so Pittsburgh’s depleted defense is going to have to be ready. Above all, the Steelers desperately need an early score on offense. Under Matt Canada, the Steelers have just four 1st quarter touchdowns in 19 games. Eventually the law of averages must prevail, and a home game vs the mediocre Jets will be the perfect opportunity. I suspect that this game will be won by the offense this week, with the Steelers winning by at least two touchdowns. Perhaps fans will even get a chance to see this guy play this week…
Let’s usher in the Kenny Pickett era at home against the NYJ. He needs experience. pic.twitter.com/8OuDveSlWg
— Steel Legends (@Steel_Legends) September 23, 2022