Welcome back to your weekly Pittsburgh Steelers mailbag. As always, we’re here for the next hour to answer whatever is on your mind.
To your questions!
prnitz:Has Tomlin been pushing to bring in these aging veterans because he senses his time is short?
Alex: Nah, not at all. It’s because the defense’s time is short. Heyward, Watt, trying to win in those windows now. That was the intent to keep pushing to win today. It’s not about Tomlin. A little bit of it is the general frustration in the entire building from the lack of playoff success, too. But these aren’t “save my job” moves from Tomlin.
BananasFoster:
Hey AK- I don’t know where to begin. If Steelers lose this weekend, are they still buyers? Why would they give up trade capital for another season in which they are not likely to make noise in the playoffs.
And if they were to lose this weekend and next and continue to give up substantial yards and points, could we see a move at DC?
And I am liking what I see from Roman Wilson. Why bring in a guy like MVS who hasn’t played a snap all year? Let Roman get playing time and experience. I feel like he can be a real weapon.
Lastly, how is Harmon playing? Not seeing a ton of playmaking from him yet.
Alex: Yeah, probably still buyers. Pittsburgh will still be leading the division no matter what and that’s the primary calculation. Win the division, host a playoff game, that’s where your vision starts. Now, a deal still has to make sense. You don’t buy just because you “should.” But I don’t think a loss changes the calculation or has them turn down a deal they otherwise would’ve taken.
I don’t think we’re going to see Austin fired. Not after Sunday. It’s still really rare overall and I don’t sense the toxicity internally or externally the way there was with Canada. That was much worse. You had people on the Capitol steps and College Gameday calling for his firing and the locker room had completely tuned him out. Austin is a much better coach and more likable person than Canada.
Same. I like Wilson, too. MVS isn’t here yet and would start on the practice squad. So for now, he’s not blocking him. But it’s one reason why I’m not eager to trade for a WR. I like Austin and Wilson.
Harmon has done well. He’s been really stout against the run, which isn’t as gaudy as the pass rush production. For a young guy who missed time to begin the year, I like where he’s at. He’s smart. He’s technically sound.
Black and Gold mafia: AK,
If the Steelers replace Slay with Echols is that the first step of waving the white flag on this heavy blitz/heavy man scheme?
Alex: I don’t think so. If anything, it could reinforce it. To have your best athletes and speed on the field to run and cover. Echols is certainly faster and more athletic than Slay.
It’s just a product of getting your best coverage guys on the field. Slay shouldn’t have been playing so much to begin with, anyway. He wasn’t even doing it in Philly last year, logging all the snaps. His role should’ve been managed from the start instead of every rep. Or else his legs were going to be cooked as the season went along and that’s what we’re seeing.
But any further changes are just a natural response to play.
Zach Shriver:
Hey Alex! There seems to be a correlation between our recent defensive performances and decreased rookie playing time. Why do you think the staff are pulling the talented youngsters off the field?
Also, what’s up with Watt? Is his lack of production because of the coverage issues…? Or did Father Time show up early?
Alex: I wouldn’t say that. I’m not sure what rookies are coming off the field. Herbig isn’t a “youngster” anymore, in my mind. Can you clarify/expand?
Watt still looks like the same guy. Same burst and get-off. Run defense has been excellent. But obviously, they need more. Expectations are rightfully raised with stars. Ball getting out so quick isn’t helping. I don’t know the cure, especially since they stopped the run last week, but something has gotta change. Blitzing less could actually force the QB to hold onto the ball more and give Watt more time getting home. Against Green Bay, Love was easily countering the blitz with quick throws into the flat.