Tom's Ten Takes – Steelers Vs Cowboys

After every game of the Steelers 2024 season, I'll give you my 10 takes again. These aren't hot takes meant to shock the world. They will be immediate reactions to the game, written in the post-game period when emotions are high and ideas are fresh. Included are thoughts, observations, questions, and reasons that led me to yell at the television.

Week 5 of the regular season against Dallas Cowboys

1. Passive regressive – I don't understand the passive approach to attacks. The team has made progress and is getting better every week. In the first quarter, the Steelers ran the ball on third-and-8 from the Cowboys' 28-yard line, well within the reach of Chris Boswell. Why are they playing for a field goal? Trust me, I'd love to see Boswell take his due with an All-Pro nod this year, but come on, it's the first quarter. Tomlin's decisions don't appear to be aimed at putting the defense in a bad position, but rather the defense being the better side of the ball. Give the offense a chance to make plays before the Steelers trail by double digits.

2. Tell statistics – There were communication problems. The defensive backs do not hinder the receivers running through their zones. Executing third-down plays on the defensive side of the ball has been a major issue in recent weeks. In the three wins this season, the defense allowed just nine of 33 third-down conversions (27 percent). In the last two weeks, 17 out of 29 conversions (59 percent) were enabled. To win games, you have to get off the field on third down. Adjustments must be made quickly.

3. Bishop's Complaint – Sometimes newbies become newbies. Beanie Bishop Jr. had a tough game. He was slow to get across the field in man coverage and was called for Facemask while attempting to make a tackle. On one play he got lost in coverage and had no idea where the ball was. On one play in the third quarter, he was called upon to hold on third down to continue the drive.

The Steelers didn't seem to care about changing the position on the court in the offseason, so they had a rookie in that spot. Let's hope there are better days ahead.

4. 100 Watt Power – Congratulations to TJ Watt for becoming the second fastest player to reach 100 sacks and completing the task in just 109 games. It was kind of fitting that he did that against Dallas, a team that chose to draft Taco Charlton instead of Watt. From Anthony Chickillo to Nick Herbig, he had many colleagues, but his game remained consistent. Imagine how many sacks he would have if he wasn't held multiple times per game.

5. Test the new one – Payton Wilson has seen more and more action in the last two games. Look at the box score and he had nine total tackles, a new career high. Unfortunately, some of those tackles were on good wins for the Cowboys, who found a formula to isolate him. They would split up or move the tight end out, which would move Patrick Queen with him. That left Wilson alone inside, trying to get off the block and make the play. He has the athleticism, but needs to get better out of the blocks, and other teams will take advantage of that.

6. Good time to break it out – The team is still struggling to put sevens on the board, but the second touchdown was a good call. Our Tyler Wise pointed out that the shovel pass to Pat Freiermuth was the same play in which he scored his first career touchdown. So they've used this move before, but not this season. I don't think they had managed that yet, so Dallas probably wasn't expecting it. Good decision by Arthur Smith. Can we please get more of this in the first half of the game?

7. Confidence in the Red Zone – Mike Tomlin relies too much on defense to make plays. And these players gave their best. They caused a sack fumble to stop a drive in the red zone. They resulted in an interception in the red zone by Donte Jackson. Isaiahh Loudermilk blocked a field goal. Elandon Roberts went full-on Superman to force a fumble that would have won the game had the Steelers recovered it.

In the end, one success by the Cowboys in the red zone was enough to eliminate all of that. Even the defensive players have to ask themselves, “Why can’t they get the offense to help us more?”

8. Slipping through his hands – Unless they can get a deal done soon, the receiver room is what it is. George Pickens is the lead singer and the rest of the guys are the blurry guys in the background. The normally confident Pickens had his problems. A ball has now passed through his hands in three consecutive games. One of them was in the end zone. Does the lack of mastery of the attack affect his consistency? It's a small sample size, but one worth keeping in mind.

9. Punching Porter – He has improved this season. Before this game, Joey Porter Jr. had made an effort to make more tackles and he did it well. Not so much tonight. I really appreciate the interception. The team needed that, but they also needed him to make tackles. However, attempting to kick the ball out is acceptable not at the expense of trying to make the tackle and giving up extra yards. He managed to do this twice in this game. Both blows were unsuccessful. Both ball carriers gained additional yards. Make the tackle, Joey.

10. Better Behind – This isn't the normal thing you want for your team, but I almost want the Steelers to lose the game. For probably a variety of reasons, the team only gets going when they lose the game by more than seven points. Justin Fields didn't play well in the first half but was better in the second. He got popped by a defender, had to go out for two plays, and when he came back, the offense clicked, leading to the Steelers' first touchdown of the game.

Now with the lead they faltered again. It's more entertaining to watch them when they're on the ground. The reins loosen a little. There is rhythm. Before every game they have their safe plan. When that doesn't work, they decide at halftime to try something different. Your pattern is 50-50 at best, resulting in ,500 records. Change the mentality. Be the attacker.