Vintage Rodgers, AFC North Violence, and a Playoff Warning Shot

Well, this blissful Tuesday morning is a great time for a deeper reflection of Sunday’s night victory for the Division Title. Let’s ride…

Aaron Rodgers is one big play away I feel like from breaking out the “discount double check” celly again. At 42 years young, Rodggyyy is still elite with ball placement, and in between the ears. He even scampered for a big gain with his legs. When we go on this deep playoff run this year, he will have to continue to play at a high level. He has exceeded all expectations, that were set, and projected onto him by others this year. It feels magical again.

Jaylen Warren, and Kenneth Gainwell can you even say enough about their impact with the ball and without the ball in their hands.. I mean my gosh. It’s a beautiful sight to see. Both had big time plays at big time moments in the game. Minus the bad cut upfield by Gainwell before halftime. These guys have carried the offensive load most of the season. Their reward AFC north champs, and get to host a playoff game to keep the dance going.

The supporting cast never wins the academy award or Oscar, but Adam Thielen, Muuuthh, and MVS played their parts in this one. The catch of the night has to be the ankle breaking, knee buckling, hitch-n-go from Calvin Austin III. What a beautiful route. Everyone is labeling this a “slip”, which in a way it was but in my opinion Calvin had that man on skates.

This offensive line is really coming into their own. We still rushed for 100 yards as a team this week. Not jaw dropping but it got the job done. Averaged 4.2 yards per rushing attempt. 3rd String left tackle Dylan Cook is still putting out some great tape. I’m excited to see how we hold up against Houston this coming Monday night.

Let’s breakdown this defense…

Linebackers played up to par, and did their jobs for most of the night, besides PQ getting burnt like a late night frozen pizza. Yes, was it a busted coverage yes but it’s still funny seeing him chase Zay Flowers and not having a chance.

Edge rushers and the defensive line… what a performance. Hats off to you. Didn’t completely dominate, but made the plays when needed and controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the game. They produced 3 sacks, and set the edge all night. Helped force an INT with a tipped ball at the line. The highlight of this unit, is none other than Cam Heyward!!! 7 totals tackle, with 5 being solo tackles. Created constant pressure. Cam wasn’t going to let the Ravens end his season, and potentially the last game of his career. He ain’t a spring chicken anymore, but his play is aging like fine wine, just keeps getting better with age.

This secondary needs to take both of their hands grab themselves by the ears, and pull their heads out of their asses!!! abysmal communication, with several broken, busted coverages on 3rd, and 4th-n-longs. That led to TD’s for the Ravens and kept this game close. If you take away the big plays the Steelers realistically win this game 26-10 that’s just facts jack. Jalen Ramsey will need to have a much better performance against Houston to give us a higher chance of producing a win.

Special Teams… not so special. Corliss Waitman can seem to pin anyone deep inside of their own half of the field. He needs to be put on notice this week in practice. The wizard of “Boz” could use a pep talk as well. He went 2-2 on his FG opportunities but damn man. Almost gave me a heart attack after that point after attempt giving us only a 2 point lead with 55 seconds left.

All-in-all Steelers Nation, a win is a win. I know Mike T will have the collective to clean this up ,and be humming for the Monday night match up with the Houston Texans. I believe all of us in Steeler Nation can feel the magic, momentum, and pure energy in our hearts-n-minds at an alarming rate!

It’s time for us fans, to crank up our intensity and pour every last ounce of energy into this playoff run!!! They have shown us they can win when it matters, and it’s up to us to make opposing teams life’s living Hell.

It’s time to go full degenerate, and be the 12th man on the field with our Pittsburgh Steelers. I’m ready to ride, are you?

#HereWeGo

-Big Pun