Following each game in the 2024 Steelers season, I will be sharing my ten immediate reactions. These reflections are not meant to be sensational but are genuine thoughts and observations made right after the game, while emotions are still high and ideas are fresh. This analysis includes insights, questions, and the moments that had me shouting at the TV.
Regular-Season Week 4 vs Indianapolis Colts
1. Defensive Struggles – Early in the season, analysts praised the Steelers’ defense, and justifiably so, as they performed well. However, they struggled significantly in this game, showing weaknesses on every front. The defensive line was overpowered, and the linebackers failed to disengage from blocks in the run game. The outside players could not hold the edge, leading to disastrous outcomes. Additionally, the defensive backs struggled in both man and zone coverage, and poor tackling allowed for significant yards after contact.
2. Offense in Slow Motion – The offense mirrored the frustration of driving in heavy traffic. They would momentarily gain momentum only to slow down again. Just when it seemed set to break free, setbacks halted any progress. Ultimately, it left a sense of disappointment regarding their performance.
3. Questionable Officiating – While it’s common for fans to criticize officiating, the performance of referee Land Clark and his crew was notably poor. There were questionable calls, such as an unnecessary roughness penalty against Minkah Fitzpatrick and a soft pass interference call on Joey Porter. A missed call for a head-pulling play against Donte Jackson further added to the confusion of officiating throughout the game.
4. Missed Opportunities – Calvin Austin nearly broke a significant punt return, and it was noticeable that Damontae Kazee was signaling him forward rather than attempting to block. While it may not have changed the outcome, greater involvement from teammates instead of passive observation could have led to better results.
5. Limited Offensive Strategy – The Steelers often utilize multiple tight end formations, which align with Mike Tomlin’s coaching style. However, this approach has proven very limited, as opposing teams have adapted. This season, the Steelers have not generated sufficient passing offense when using heavy tight-end personnel, resulting in defenders becoming increasingly aggressive against the run.
6. Ongoing Snap Issues – The snapping problems continue to be a recurring issue that affects the team’s performance. This situation is tied to various factors, including a rookie center and confusion among linemen. The latest mishap occurred at a critical moment, impacting their chances at a comeback.
7. Najee Harris’ Struggles – While I support Najee Harris, he may be hindering the running game due to his lack of speed in getting to the line. Comparatively, other running backs on the roster appear to have quicker acceleration. During a recent drive, a seasoned Cordarrelle Patterson had several successful runs, while Harris struggled to gain yardage on a toss play.
8. Ineffective Play Calling – It’s becoming evident that running plays on second-and-long may not be solely driven by offensive coordinator Matt Canada. This conservative approach fails to yield significant gains, often leading to continued long-yardage situations. Despite the philosophy behind it, this strategy does not seem effective.
9. Unlocking the Offense – It’s time to allow quarterback Justin Fields more freedom. While he may need to improve his decision-making speed, he has shown that when given the chance, he can be productive. With limited offensive playmakers, the team must embrace a more aggressive approach as they seek to gain a lead.
10. Questionable Decision-Making – After a four-yard run placed the Steelers near field goal range late in the game, it became clear they were playing for a field goal rather than going for the win. Following this, a bad snap led to missed opportunities. Given the momentum they had, at this stage, it felt like a missed chance to be more aggressive in pursuing victory.