The Pittsburgh Steelers are brimming with potential, especially on the offensive side of the football, but after two weeks of NFL action there is certainly a lot left to be desired on both sides of the football.
The offense just doesn’t seem in rhythm, and the defense, although impressive, is leaving some plays on the field.
In other words, the team still has a lot of room for improvement on all fronts.
Fans are frustrated, especially with the offense, and rightfully so, but at the same time, what if the team not coming out of the gates ‘guns blazing’ is actually a good thing? What if their slow start could be a very good recipe for late season success? It may sound crazy, but could actually be just what the doctor ordered.
- Reality Check
Despite an improved performance in Week 2, the Steelers offense certainly got a reality check the past two weeks simply based on the fact they can’t just show up and expect to hang 30 on the opponent. The team will put in the work to improve, but it is easy to read all the press clippings and videos of people saying how great you are. The past two weeks have been anything but smooth for the offense, and that should lead to cleaner, and crisper, performances in the future.
- Plenty of tape to dissect
You won the game...hooray! But there were also plenty of gaffes along the way. Coaches always love an ugly win, for the reason they have plenty of film to show the team regarding their up-and-down performance. Those games where everything seems to go right are times when players can get a very elevated perception of themselves. For both the offense and defense, there is plenty left to work on after 2 weeks in the regular season.
- Still not the best from all the players
Week 1 was rough for a lot of players, but was mainly shrugged off as another preseason game. Week 2 was a step in the right direction, but it is crazy to think how we still haven’t seen the best from players like Le’Veon Bell, Ryan Shazier and even Martavis Bryant. As they all round into form, it will be one ridiculously dynamic football team which takes the field every week.
- Penalties remain an issue
What might be the biggest surprise of the 2017 season is the amount of penalties the Steelers are racking up. For the second week in a row, the team has tallied double-digit penalty totals, and this is a trend which needs to be stopped immediately. Penalties will always occur, but those back-breaking penalties after a big gain (see the Steelers’ first drive after converting on 3rd down by an Antonio Brown penalty for covering the tight end resulted in a punt) need to stop.
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I analyze these acquisitions in further detail in the podcast in the player above. So give this 14-minute show a listen! It should be noted the above podcast was recorded prior to the team’s Week 2 game vs. the Vikings, but the main points certainly still apply.
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