MasterStrategist

Per Joe Buscaglia, Tremaine isn't practicing today. While McKenzie is practicing, without the non-contact jersey. Very likely Tremaine is out, but good news on Isaih looking like he will play. Depth chart has Dodson listed as MLB backup, but interestingly Cam Lewis is listed as Poyers backup....that can't be right?

Minkah practiced today, albeit limited. Tomlin said early this week that a bunch of guys are dinged, but will likely play Sunday. Except Witherspoon. On your comment about our DTs, I think Ed and/or Phillips are ready this week. Bills wouldn't have cut Emili and Brewer, otherwise. Much more likely these guys gutted it out, than something off the field. It wasn't apparent when either got injured, as you said. It's totally possible we are managing reps/soreness, and both are active still. Usually sitting Wed/Thur not good news, but we don't know for certain yet. Fingers crossed they can be ready.

The Edmunds & Knox hamstrings, are sorta a mystery in terms of both finishing the game and no apparent play that theyvleft injured. Obviously will know more tomorrow. but sitting out Wed-Thur is usually not a good sign.

Yes that was the Steeler game last year. But honestly, we didn't lose that game because of some talk show/etc. We lost it because: 1. in the trenches, our OL specifically, played horrible 2. Daboll adjusted too late from our empty sets, to try running the ball/playaction under center. 3. Blocked punt for 6 4. Levi was called for a couple critical PI, on 50/50 jump balls to Claypool. Of the above, I'm hopeful Dorsey adjusts accordingly and it already helps that TJnis out for them. I'd be ready for the 50/50 passes again, Dane and Elam just need to get their heads around to make plays.

ACL I thought

One thing for certain, Pickett is going to give his playmakers a chance to make some plays. For better or worse for them, he doesn't play it conservative like Mitch. Agree, this is basically what I said in the point spread thread. Their offense has loads of talent, their oline is horrendous though. Kenny isn't a burner but he's definitely mobile and converted some drives last week (and alot at Pitt) using his legs...something to be aware of. This is the week to get the ground game and playaction going.

I think Speedy was ahead of Tavon, prior to his injury. We shall see, but that's who he'd replace on that list. I still think they'll give him at least two weeks practice time. He was inconsistent to start camp, but got rolling, so will depend which version shows up. Expect Tavon to be up this week, regardless.

They could do either option, sign to active or PS callup (only can get called up 3x tho) which wouldn't count against an active roster spot. Ultimately, I think they decide to on how close Speedy is to returning. JMO, but think the staff still sees potential and he was having a solid camp until injured in early August. If Speedy is close, my guess is they will use a PS callup on Tavon.

Disagree. If you believe in the analytics or not, you assess what has happened to that point in the game and make a decision off that... I'd go for that as well. I could list out all the reasons as to why you go for it, but it was the INT that really caused the decision to backfire. Pinning a team at their 2, in pouring rain is usually not a bad decision. I'm convinced Josh drives us for a TD, if they kick that FG.

I noticed him getting completely washed out of the middle, on several big runs by Ravens in 1st half. I think he and Brewer will latch onto someone's PS eventually, injury or otherwise, they are young guys who have some potential.

Entire defense stepped up. That 2nd-4th down sequence were 3 plays of the game...something that we might look back on later in year as super critical. Milano, Hamlin, Poyer superb there! And the pass rush containing Lamar as well/getting hands up to make it difficult for him to see Duvernay.

Also hopefully a good sign that Jordan Phillips and/or Ed Oliver will be returning this week. Other upcoming roster moves: 1. Crowder likely to IR 2. Eligible to come off IR/PUP: Speedy and Tre, starting this week My guess is Tavon is signed to active roster (filling Crowder spot), and that Speedy returns to practice this week (will have 3 weeks to activate him). Tre, pure guess is that he'll start practicing over the bye week and potential return for Packers SNF.

Thought that was Dane on a corner blitz...very possible I'm mistaken tho

It's a good one, so I will. The point is nobody should be taking the Steelers lightly, they came in and upset us LY (+7 point dogs). Should be attacking their Mlbs, that is a big weakness for them.

Comment was about Tj Watt, who will be out this week

Thought Steelers mostly rushed just 4 last year? It wasn't until late in game, that we decided to stop going empty and run with Motor. Lots of great connections in this game: 1. Brothers: Tremaine and Terrel. Although Terrel may have suffered a concussion 2. Pitt Boys: Dane and Hamlin, both local Pitt kids & college, going against their childhood team 3. Levi / Trubisky return: Mitch likely won't be playing, but Levi's 1st game back in B-lo. 4. Coaching buds: Tomlin and McDermott former college teammates 5. Rivalry: in past few yrs, this has been a contentious battle and 1st game Pitt will play Buffalo without Ben since 2004

One INT was a 50/50 jump ball to Claypool that took a weird bounce, and another was the hail Mary to end the game. Kenny is going to start, and I'm more concerned about their weapons than him. Johnson, Claypool, Najee, Freiermuth, and Pickens is a complete group. Trenches will decide this one.

Steelers got banged up a bit on defense against Jets, but think most of them finished the game. That's a lot of points, and we're one dimensional on offense right now (similar to LY). Steelers offense still predicated with the 50/50 deep passes, even with Pickett. And still capable of generating pressure with only 4man rush. I'd take Bills, if forced to bet, but would stay clear of this one.

Not overly worried yet, especially bc he has had limited opportunities. I think we should be giving him more reps. Motor is the better overall back, right now, but the way we run our offense I don't understand why he's not getting more chances. Other than if the coaches aren't convinced on his pass protection yet. Dressing "4 RBs", with Jones, is a waste with our offense. Moss should be sitting and we should be dressing another WR each week...but with recent injuries, not sure that changes.

Would love it if Hodgins stepped up, but he barely created separation in the preseason against 2nd-3rd stringers. Honestly think Speedy has more of a chance at making an impact, he has playmaking potential. Should know this week how close he is to returning from IR. We have had issues beating press coverage, now every team doesn't have personnel in the secondary to execute, but that problem continues to be evident. At least, with Davis banged up. I had hopes we'd get more production frrom Knox/Mckenzie/Crowder/Cook, but it's not happening yet. Front office isn't going to make a snap decision. but if things don't turn around soon (and with recent injuries), think its definitely possible we look to add another WR.

Curtis Samuel is really the one unrealistic target, as Bills would be on the hook for base salary (not bonus money). Both Cooks and Clapyool have <$2m cap implication to Buffalo, with a hypothetical trade. Cooks is most realistic. We shall see, but so far think the front office plan of using Crowder/McKenzie in the slot and Cook as a pass catching RB threat, has mainly whiffed. Obviously early in the season, but think we need to figure out how to better utilize Knox/Cook/Shakir, or look outside the organization to acquire.

Davis is legit, but agree he needs to stay healthy. My thinking heading into the season is that we had a complimentary group of players, and it might still turn into that. But with Davis dinged, Crowder likely out for several weeks, and a lack of getting Knox/Cook involved, it seems we are back to being very Josh/Diggs dependent. I don't think that was the intention, but the front office and coaching staff needs to decide if they are "missing a piece" on offense, or how to better utilize their current group.

Now through 4 weeks of the season, time to take a step back and look at our roster & potential roster moves over the next 4-6 weeks: Biggest Concerns: 1. WR 2. OL/Run game YAC & speed is a key component missing, IMO. What would you do?: 1. Should we look to make a trade for a WR? 2. Do we give Shakir, and possibly, Hodgins/Speedy a chance to show what they can do? 3. Option 2, and look to sign someone like OBJ later in year (if needed)? 4. Stay the course with current group? IMO, I think we need to get another playmaker immediately (especially w/Crowder & Kumerow out). I'd be looking for Beane to swing a trade, and think these players could be available in the coming weeks: 1. Brandin Cooks - Texans: Houston quickly falling into oblivion, and Cook is the type of speed weapon that we could use in this offense. Estimate he'd take a 4th rounder to acquire 2. Curtis Samuel - Commanders: he's a top target player for Washington, but they have McLaurin and Dotson that they are ultimately building around. They aren't making the playoffs this season, but likely will ask for a 3rd rounder. Samuel isn't the deep ball threat, but more a YAC guy who this offense could use. He carries a decent cap hit, so it might be too costly 3. Chase Claypool - Steelers: this will be a difficult decision for Omar Khan, as he was a 2nd rounder & early producer for their offense. Flip-side, he brings a "diva" attitude & they just gave Diontae his $$$s and drafted Pickens (looks like a very good future player) in the 2nd. Steelers might be looking to keep as many playmakers as possible, as they acclimate Kenny to the NFL...but they are clearly in a rebuild period. Likely would cost a 2nd rounder, as he's on his rookie deal & 1 more year under a cheaper contract. I haven't assessed OL options, but think they are "all-in" with this current group (for this year). My guess, we'll give Shakir a chance & look to swing a trade for a Brandin Cooks type at the trade deadline.

It's called draws to our RBs, and pump faking by Josh to get more time/passing lanes.

That would be big news. Groot and Von need to contain those edges.