MasterStrategist

Agree on all of this - we just need to take care of our own business, starting this weekend in Pittsburgh. Every team in the hunt has "swing" type games, that can go either way. All 4 divisions are technically up for grabs. A lot of these teams also play each other over the final 6 weeks --- definitely safe to say that a 10-7 record will likely get you in this year.

AFC is so wide open this season --- there isn't a "dominant"/elite team, just a bunch of really good teams - who are all capable of making a deep run/going to the SB. I think Denver is the best, most well-rounded team and will be the toughest "out". Get in and anything can happen. Unfortunately, we need a lot of things to go our way for the division title at this point. Basically can't afford to lose another AFC game -- have to play in New England with them coming off a bye week -- then need New England to drop a game against the Jets or Dolphins. We'd need to beat them record-wise, which will take us running the table IMO. OR we need them to drop 3 AFC games (1 to us and 1 to either Dolphins or Jets, and 1 to Ravens) and for us to go undefeated in remaining AFC games (Philly game wouldn't matter). Playoffs start for us this Sunday --- that has to be the attitude from here on out.

I think Hancock eventually replaces Cam Lewis -- if that's next year, or we keep Cam around if cutting Taron as insurance. They think highly enough of him to put Hancock in there on high-leverage passing situations, I think he eventually can play that "dime" role/jack of all trades that Cam does, but at a higher level.

Top of priority list: 1. WR - find a top-end guy, trade/FA/draft, but we should also double up with more speed/someone who can also handle kick or punt returns. I think there is a 30/70 chance that Keon is traded in the offseason, depending on how he finishes out the season. It's early to give up on your top 2024 draft pick for what will likely be a 6th rounder. I think this decision is more likely if we have a new GM in place, otherwise can't see Beane admitting a mistake that fast for such a young player. 2. Run defense (DT and LB) --- this to me is multi-faceted, but starts up front at DT. Walker doesn't play like a 1-tech nose, he lacks the powerful base to hold up to double teams consistently. We need a 1-technique to replace Daquan. Then we need to find a LB to replace Milano. I'm in favor of moving Bernard to Milano's role. 3. DE - with our current needs, we need to find a another 1-year deal type (think Floyd, Bosa types) to fill that #2 role. Hopefully Hoecht is able to make a return by start of season, but I wouldn't count on that. I think we need to draft another or find a couple 1-year rentals. Our 3rd rounder Landon Jackson can replace AJE and add depth, but we should be looking for up to 3 new bodies here (counting on Bosa, AJE gone and Solomon experiment is done -- he's a practice squad player). 4. Then I'm looking for a quality safety to pair with Bishop, who I think will be a pro-bowler this season and a chance for all-pro next year. 5. Nickle corner --- I think we need to see if we stick with McD, but if we do, finding a replacement for Taron might climb to #4. I hate the idea of Cam Lewis, he's a stop-gap type. Hancock is a safety/nickle hybrid, maybe he is ready. But I think we need to search FA. Our draft should be focused on: WR, LB, DT/DE We should have some modest $$$ to play with in FA, not a big signing to multiple years, but could easily find a LB replacement for Milano & a safety. Then find a 1-year rental at DE (like a Floyd/Bosa type).

Living in Pittsburgh, nobody ever talks about Heinz Field/Acrisure being haunted... or ghost tours/etc --- this is definitely an interesting take. If you're traveling in for a couple days, the typical touristy things to do: 1. Mt Washington --- amazing views, great/expensive restaurants 2. the Incline 3. Walking Point State Park 4. Strip District --- so many shops to walk to, this is the most cultural part of the city 5. Keep driving past strip district and you'll hit some great food spots, Lawrenceville to Point Breeze 6. Primantis - you'll find a ton around the city 7. Market Square 8. Tons of museums, science center, etc 9. Rivers Casino Hit me up if you need any tips on parking, where to stay/eat, etc. EDIT: and I was at the 1996 Bills vs Steeler playoff game, my first experience at a game as a 13-year old. Had a cousin who played LB for the Steelers, sat in the players' "family section" -- got plenty of dirty looks/my dad had to deal with lots of heckling fans every time I stood up yelling

We don't get to the SB because of the talent. Our best shot was when Josh was on his rookie deal --- but Beane has proven to be good, not great. Year after year, DL investments -- it's a smart choice, but if Beane would've had hit at a single point on DL we wouldn't have to continue investing. You simply can't get to the SB these days without a stud DL (or a single stud DL), or w/o a above avg WR/TE crew. We have neither of those right now. It's extremely pathetic that Beane gets to keep his job. Josh is elite, sure he gets all the credit in the world for him. But he has built a slightly above avg roster around him since Josh has had to be paid his 2nd contract. Beane is good at turning over a roster, but not sure he has it in him to find any more elite talented players.

We have 1 guy who can win 1-1 against man, and that's Kincaid. Palmer, Shakir next on the list but both are not sure things --- especially against the teams we've played this season with strong #1 corners. Our 2nd outside WR is almost always shut down against the #2 corner. Samuel can get separation, at times, but is hurt literally every game. And Kincaid can't stay healthy. Gabe/Keon is basically 50/50 or less. It's either mesh concepts, or we do what we did against NE and try some 1-1 downfield shots. I think what could help: 1. Using the RBs more - swing passes, angle routes, chip/release in the flat 2. Using TE or RBs to "chip" the DEs --- with our OL not playing as well as LY in pass pro, I think we need to give Josh more time with chipping with a back or TE on the edge. It also gives the WRs more time to get downfield with intermediate routes --- and often times, chip/releases by the TE or RB to the flat or dump offs, work for easy 4-5 yard plays/occupy a LB(s). We need to manufacture more, you can do that in a variety of ways --- but to me, it's give Josh more protection/time, which will lead to WRs getting downfield and into their routes and Josh more freedom to move around in the pocket.

The one thing that drives me nuts is how predictable our offense has become. Essentially, we are relying on our OL to win up front every game or we are doomed. It's too much 1-1, mesh concepts, lack of intermediate passing killing us right now. Brady and Kromer do a good job in the run game, but we "go the well" way too often with Hawes in motion and run the counter with James Cook with Gilliam lead blocking. With an offense limited with playmakers on the outside, we need to be more creative with route designs. There is only so much you can do with this group of WRs though. What has really killed our offense is the turnovers. There is a lot of blame to go around, in order IMO: 1. Beane - lack of WR talent 2. OL - they have regressed as a unit in pass blocking this season 3a. Brady/playcalling 3b. Josh - he is not playing efficient, way too many turnovers/he's not in sync right now and trusting his reads #1 is an issue every single week and no chance that gets corrected until next offseason. But it's a rotating issue with #2 and #3a/3b, that's the major difference between LY and this season in terms of production/consistency scoring. I think Joe Brady is the definition of an avg o-coordinator in the NFL --- very good run attack / slightly below avg to avg passing game. To me, that's not ideal but we can win despite that and be dangerous on offense this season still if the OL steps up like LY and Josh gets back to playing mistake-free ball.

Steelers have really struggled against teams with a balanced run/passing attack --- unfortunately, that's not what we have going on right now. And they are very good at forcing turnovers, generating pressure with their front 4. And their run game/short passing game is very efficient. Basically, reminds me of playing that Patriots the way they spread the ball to many different targets and use their TEs and RBs in the passing game. I wouldn't consider this a "must win" quite yet, but if we lose then next week against Cincy is a must win. Josh/Brady/OL need to step up like they did against KC, hopefully Kincaid is back this week. Injury-wise: Steelers - Rodgers will be back and I'd expect Highsmith might return with his Pec injury (he got 2 LPs last week before being listed as doubtful). Joey Porter left with a hip injury and did not return, if he's out then Darius Slay gets the start opposite James Pierre. DK was hobbled with an ankle and had to leave the game 2x, but returned and finished the game, I'd expect he plays but isn't 100%. Bills --- way too many injuries right now. Spencer and Bernard are definitely out this week per McD (week to week, potentially IR). Max is in the concussion protocol, with 10 days to clear, hopefully he'll be ready. Biggest concern is on the DL, especially DE. AJE was dinged up with a neck but finished and Bosa is not himself with the wrist (speculation he might require surgery). TJ Sanders is being wasted at DE, we need a legit 4th DE to rotate in and unfortunately Solomon is too weak to hold up there against the run. I'd expect we place Bernard or Spencer on IR and promote Fox, and sign another DE to the P/S. We already have 1 roster spot open, I'd expect Gabe is promoted to the 53 as well. Steelers are +6 on the turnover differential at Home this season, 3-0 when winning the turnover differential. Bills are -2 turnover differential on the Road this season, and 0-3 when losing the turnover battle. To me, this is a simple formula. Win/play neutral with the turnover battle and set the tone with energy/urgency on both sides. Steelers are the definition of a fringe playoff team, with a 6-5 record and games remaining against us, 2x Ravens, Dolphins, @ Lions, and @ Browns - they likely lose 1 against Bmore and against Detroit at minimum - they will be treating this as a must-win/playoff game. We need to match that energy.

Sacked 6+ times and a backup RT

Couldn't ask for anything more of the defense this half... Now LFG Josh and oline

Defense stepping up in 2nd half - time for Brady to stop the counter run and get some.misidrection against this aggressive defense. I like Cook/Rbs over the middle for 4-5 yards every time they sit in quarters.

This feels like Ravens LY, without going against a dynamic offense.

Offense has to score points to open the half - need Josh and Brady in sync. Then Houston to FGs rest of way.

Defense found ways to force turnovers LY, not so much lately. Unfortunately Houston doesnt tend to turn it over. Need better fundamental tackling.

Gonna need to hold Houston to Fgs from here on out. That 2 min drive was horrible

Agree, those 3 cant make a play when needed.

Not McD fault right now. Too many missed tackles, guys are in perfect position/playcalls

Dion into medical tent...looked line pointing to shoulder...hopefully minor

Laces in, I believe...or a weird hold by wishnowski

Laces in I think

This has been going on behind the scenes for a while, Im guessing. Maybe hes only been late to 2 meetings, maybe more? Also possible they've seen him dogging it in games and up until now (with Gabe), didnt have a better option. At some point enough is enough. For Dion, McD to say what they've said - i think its quite clear there is more than we know.

Little to zero practice this week - I think McD wants to see Keon put forth the effort/earn the trust back - and thats difficult to do in a condensed week of prep. Easy choice to put Moore for Samuel, and elevate Gabe and Latu again. Then theyll need to make a decision on Gabe after that, perhaps Hardman cut at that point. Keon needs to take advantage of every practice rep, meetings, etc to prove he deserves a jersey on gamedays - not only to coaches but players as well who can clearly notice the issues.

Jumping in late on the Beane drafting/FA discussion --- I think Beane, in general, is very good at drafting to find a couple quality starters per draft (maybe not in 24 tho). His problem continues to be "missing" on positions of need. It used to be DL, which i think he has acquired some great guys, just bad injuries this year. But now its at WR primarily. 3 offseasons in a row he's tried to fix it - Kincaid, Samuel, Coleman, Palmer --- Kincaid is the only quality player and he cant stay healthy. Cap is not a complete disaster but its way below avg. Thats the difference between being very good and elite GM, and likely between being a SB team vs a very good team every yr.

Agree - id also add that Brady (and Josh), should've learned to make some adjustments based on recent experience. Against NE: similar talented group of corners outside, but not quite the pass rush Against Houston LY Learn from those mistakes -- both Brady and Josh have demonstrated this - against the likes of Ravens, Chiefs, others in the past.