By Chris Bradford
September 23, 2013
-- When it comes to the draft, the Steelers have been victims of their own success in recent years. They haven’t picked lower than 11th overall (since Ben Roethlisberger in 2004) but it hasn’t been the first-round where the Steelers have erred most. Tackles Mike Adams (2012) and Marcus Gilbert (2011) – both second rounders – aren’t complete busts but they’re fast approaching it. Both were benched at points in Sunday’s loss in favor of Kelvin Beachum, a seventh-round pick last season. The Steelers simply can’t afford those kinds of errors in judgment. Not anymore.
-- Speaking of which, if this wasn’t a rebuilding year before, it is now. The Steelers need to see more of what they’ve got in Shamarko Thomas (one tackle vs. Bears) and Markus Wheaton (targeted just once).
-- What has to be the most frustrating part of what’s becoming a wasted season for Ben Roethlisberger is that the quarterback is still in his prime. At 31, chances grow slimmer for another Super Bowl ring.
-- While Roethlisberger is certainly glad to have Heath Miller (three receptions for 35 yards) back, Mike Wallace – or some other game-breaker -- is what’s needed.
-- Since the NFL/AFL merger, the Steelers have opened a season with three straight losses in 1970, ‘86, ‘00 and this year. The lesson? Even the best of organizations are going to stink every 13 to 16 years. By the way, the 2000 Steelers finished 9-7 but missed the playoffs.
l In a game with precious few positives, Jonathan Dwyer was one. Yes, Jonathan Dwyer. Although the running back’s numbers weren’t great (12 carries for 39 yards), Dwyer showed a desire that has too often been lacking in his game.
-- Until Derek Moye shows more on special teams, don’t be too surprised to see the Rochester grad standing on the sidelines in sweats.
-- In the modern era, no Steelers team has gone four straight games without forcing a turnover. History could be made in London.
-- Zoltan Mesko had punts of 38 and 21 yards against the Bears. Wonder what Bill Belichick knew?
-- If getting into one brief argument with Todd Haley was all it took for one Steeler to have a career game, 52 more need to do the same.
-- England gave us One Direction and Russell Brand, we give them Steelers and Vikings. Let’s call it even.
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