I have not watched a Steelers game all season, I watched most of last night. I have never seen Aaron take so many hits in a game before, seems like he got hit a lot this year.
Number one defense in the league, probably the fastest as well. Fautanu had one complete miss of a block at right tackle amd Rodgers took a hit. They did well throughout the year, Cook did good at left tackle aftet Jones got hurt. Rodgers had the quickest release in the league this year, mainly because he threw negative yard passes hoping for the YAC plays. Can't do that against the best defense. He didn't use Freiremuth until the 4th quarter and was largely too late by that point. Didn't even target Metcalf late first through the 4th quarter. The defense gave him 3 extra chances and he choked on them, 3pts after starting in the redzone. He's a 4 time MVP, 22 years in the league and future HOF'er. If he needs 8 seconds in the pocket against the #1 defense it's time to hang it up. Those credentials are the sole reason Tomlin waited 6 months for him to make up his mind, so Tomlin owns this performance as well.
Still think Steelers should go after Mac Jones for next year, not Malik Willis. Sadly they'll likely ruin Will Howard, much like they did Kenny Pickett. Biggest difference being Pickett was never a 1st round caliber pick, but they made him feel like he was and then dropped him for yet another washed up HOF'er in Wilson.
My guesses...... Cam Heyward retires in protest, Thielen and MVS both mobe on. TJ Watt may get traded, or Highsmith but not both. Will Howard will be QB1 next year coming out of preseason. Steelers draft a WR 1st round and load up on defense with remaining draft picks. Finish in the 7-10 to 9-8 range the next few years after a 4-13 to 5-12 outting next year with a chance of a franchise QB, Arch Manning?, the following draft if Howard does not suit the bill.
I'd like to see Gruden, if any team could bring him back into the league it would be the Rooney's in Pittsburgh. Tomlin stepped down so the Steelers retain the rights to his contract. Any team wanting to sign him will likely have to give up a chunk of draft capital. They could maintain a lot of their current roster, sans some geriatric experience over agility add ons, and be a contender within 3 seasons. Gruden was also big on Will Howard pre draft.
2 years on contract. Before the playoffs started when he was being talked about parting ways, it was said he wants to do some TV. Then come back into coaching, but when he did, part of his wants would include some sort of ownership stake with his contract. No clue how true or even fathomable such would be. Cowher went into TV, it eas thought it would be o ly for a few years and then he woupd head to Catolina Panthers so he could be closer to his daughter, who was attending, and his family. 19 years later that has never happened.
