GEORGE PICKENS IS SHOWING ALL THE SIGNS OF A GREAT RECEIVER.
by Bill Neal, For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—The record speaks for itself. The Steelers have earned their 2-5 record. If not for an injury to the Bengals’ long-snapper, we could very realistically be looking at a 1-6 team. And perhaps the Steelers’ braintrust knew this all along and were just waiting for the right time to start Kenny Pickett and let the baptism by fire begin. Before we jump off a bridge, let us remember Terry Bradshaw’s first season, eight starts, a 3-5 record, a .38 completion percentage and 6 TDs to 25 interceptions. Peyton Manning was 3-13 his first season with 28 interceptions, Troy Aikman an astounding 0-11 with 18 interceptions. So, let’s not panic. Yes, this season seems to be swirling around the drain but you guys know I’m a positive cat and will look with a microscope to find something good. So here goes…
:09—The last two games the Steelers “D” has allowed a grand total of 34 points, usually good enough for 2 wins. Yeah, I saw the 4 dropped interceptions, bringing to memory the indomitable play of #24, Ike Taylor. If Ike could have caught a pass here and there he may have been All-Pro four or five times. But I digress. The collective defensive backfield, drops notwithstanding, kept Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill out of the end zone all day for Miami and pretty much neutralized their big catch-and-run ability. Once again the T.J. Watt(less) effect was felt as the Steelers recorded no sacks and had only one QB hit but played well enough to not let Tua Tagovailoa run amuck and held them to one TD in the first half and shut them out in the second half. They weren’t perfect but they played well enough to notch a win.
THE STEELERS’ KENNY PICKETT, in a 16-10 loss at Miami, Oct. 23. (Photos courtesy Pittsburgh Steelers)
:08—Kenny Pickett is going to be a big-time QB in the NFL, as is wideout George Pickens, who actually already is within the Steelers system. More on that in a bit.. Pat Freiermuth caught eight passes for 79 yards and will only improve if he can stay off of concussion protocol. Chase Claypool seems to have his head entirely in the game now and is once again becoming a surefire weapon. Finally we reach the O-Line. I know, I know, it seems like every week they shoot themselves in the foot with too many stupid penalties but I also see incremental improvement. This is a new line and it’s said a new line needs an entire season to gel. Pass blocking has improved, run blocking seems to have improved despite Najee Harris’ still lingering foot problem. The Steelers may end up 6-11, and no, I don’t believe they thought this season was going to play out as it has so far but they can, after the Eagles game on Oct. 30, see some daylight as the schedule eases up a bit; the NFL seemingly embracing mediocrity across the entire league.
:07—Pressley Harvin III punted six times in the game, at least three times after a three-and-out series. Running on first down almost exclusively is becoming a laughable play call at this point. Everyone knows it’s coming, from the opposing team to the fans to the waterboys and officiating crew. C’mon man, change it up, fire a pass over the middle of the field for more than eight yards. We have an emerging superstar in Pickens, let him fly down the field and make a 40-yard catch and run.
:06—Can someone, anyone, stand in the middle of the field 10 yards from scrimmage and somehow, in some way, not allow the opposing offense to run free and catch a pass with five plus yards of separation from a linebacker or D-Back. I’m just sayin’!!!
:05—Onwards and upwards. As the acknowledged expert on all things hockey in this town, I have to say your 4-0-1 first place in the Metropolitan Division Penguins look like world-beaters so far. Sidney Crosby, with 10 points already, is third in scoring in the NHL and has the look of vintage Sid “The Kid” from their first Cup run. If Sid stays healthy all season, watch out, the Pens will go far. And Tristan Jarry in goal has been nothing less than stellar. That’s it for now. Wait, were you expecting more? Really? Hmmm.
:04—The Philadelphia Phillies and, for the fourth time in the last six years, the Houston Astros, are set to duke it out in what’s shaping up to be an extremely entertaining World Series. Led by two-time MVP (and currently on fire) Bryce Harper, the Phillies have bucked the odds to make it to the World Series behind some hot hitting and timely starting pitching. That being said, the Astros almost seem as if they’re just too good to be beaten. Justin Verlander is coming off a mind-boggling 18-4 and 1.75 ERA this season and could seemingly pitch three games in the World Series. Therefore the Phillies will take it in six games with outfielder Kyle Schwarber your MVP.
:03—Speaking of baseball, wasn’t it nice to see the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees with their trillion dollar payrolls get eliminated from the playoffs? Can’t wait for our Pirates to land in the World Series any year now, now that we’re on a 5-year plan. Again. Wait, what?
:02—My L.A. Lakers have started 0-3 and things are looking really bleak. Could they possibly miss the playoffs again? Are they going to be worse than last season? Although just in the first blush of the season, I have to say they don’t seem to excel in any facet of the game right now. And can we get rid of Russell Westbrook already? That plan is was and is a failure.
:01—Go see “Black Adam” starring The Rock, Dwayne Johnson. If action is your bag, get ready, it heats up five minutes in and does not let up for a minute!!! And, oh yeah, “Black Adam” isn’t that kind of superhero. People get killed. A lot of people. Drop what you’re doing, get in your car, get on the bus, and go see “Black Adam.” It’s that damn good.
:00—GAME OVER.
About Post Author
