What can you say about the game last night? It was a brotherly-loved-sized beatdown as we watched the Eagles dance a "Cheesesteak Shuffle" on the Steelers. There aren't a lot of positives to take away from the game. The first-team offense didn't do jack until the 2nd half. The first-team defense couldn't stop the Eagle's 2nd team. Special teams were anything but special. This has to have the makings of another LONG 8-8 season, right?
If we look back to the Buffalo game, there were a LOT more positives than negatives. The offense clicked, the defense played pretty well by applying pressure and covering well.There was a good game plan, and the players looked focused.
I don't think we saw enough of the starters in the first preseason game to really get a feel for how they will play in the regular season.
So, which Steelers team will we get? The team in Buffalo or the one last night in Philadelphia?
Let's take some things into consideration....
Sure, these guys are professionals, but if you don't think for one minute that the "Doobie Brothers" incident didn't have an impact on the game last night, you would be wrong. When distractions like this occur, they have an impact on the team. It brings a lot of negative attention to the players, and the team, especially in the viral world in which we live.
These guys get on Twitter, they read the negative comments in blogs and in the news. Sure, sometimes, they can brush it off, but they are human. It has to be hard to have your fans turn on you or express their dissatisfaction with the team. It has to be a downer to have that negative attention from the media.
In addition to that, I feel that many players were unhappy with Tomlin's decision to let them play. There might be some friction in the locker room. If there wasn't, I'm convinced there was some friction after the game in regards to individual efforts. These guys weren't focused. Period. What causes people to lose focus? Distractions.
Now, with all that being said, I don't expect the starters to get a lot of time in the next preseason game, so we don't know what to expect from this team.
Well, emotionally, I think the Steelers can shake off the loss easier than the negative attention. However, I don't think the attention will carry over into the regular season. There will be other storylines. Nationally, if Peyton Manning farts, it will make headlines and dominate ESPN. Locally, the media will turn its attention on the loss and any injuries. The preseason will be all but forgotten, because the Steelers play the Browns in week one.
Now, let's look at the offense. Ben was trying to force the ball to Wheaton. It did not look like the same offensive scheme/plays that Haley ran last week. It seemed like Bell and Blount got a lot of running plays called as well. Was Tomlin punishing them? Was he giving them extra reps in anticipation they may lose a game? Were the running plays called not good ones (hence, the lack of production)? This mess didn't resemble last week. Perhaps they were experimenting?
Finally, let's look at the defense. Is there anything that you can take from this mess? Ike got flagged a lot. Cortez also had a few flags thrown in his general direction. Jarvis didn't look good. Not much pressure was applied to Foles. Also, the Eagles running game gashed the Steelers. Well, I don't think all those ticky-tack flags will fly in the regular season. I think the pass rush will be up-and-down all season. Jones may finally get it, or Coach Peezy will break a foot off on his backside. I do expect the run defense to be righted. The defensive line will get it together at some point. Perhaps players will need to shift. Maybe Thomas goes to NT and Keisel starts at DE somewhere in the season. Shazier and Timmons are so athletic, they won't let runners past the 2nd level. Once Shazier gets a little experience, he won't get caught on blocks or be tricked out of his gap. I just see too much talent for this front 7 to get gashed on runs.
The most important part of this week will be the long-term status of Worilds and Spence. Bell and Blount may get suspended this season. Bell will most likely only get a game or two. Blount may get the same. Who knows with Goodell? Either way, despite all the negative, I see the Steelers improving on last year's efforts.