via Pittsburgh Sporting News
by Hombre de Acero
The Pittsburgh Steelers rebounded from a disappointing opener on the road with a resounding victory at Heinz Field, where they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 43-18. The Steelers win over San Francisco soothed a lot of nerves in Steelers Nation. Nonetheless, they’ve still left the community here with 5 Smoldering Questions on as the Steelers head to another road game vs. the Los Angeles er um St. Louis Rams.
1. Sans Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant, the Steelers offense scored 43 points on the 49ers, despite badly “losing” the battle of time of possession. The Steelers offensive fireworks generated a lot of highlight reel material, but the Steelers defense was just as dominant. Which unit’s performance is more important in your view?
2. All was not positive in the Steelers victory, as Josh Scobee missed an extra point attempt, making that three misses in two weeks. As the Steelers luck with place kickers this year does not seem to be good, are you worried yet?
3. DeAngelo Williams showed himself to be more than a capable replacement in Le’Veon Bell’s absence. What role should Williams play in the offense now that Bell is back?
4. Just before the regular season began, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo suggested that the Steelers difficulties in staffing the secondary suggested a lack of alignment between the front office and the coaching staff.
While Fittipaldo marshals strong evidence to support his argument, the Steelers history in drafting defensive lineman during the 1980s until the mid 1990s shows that “luck” is an undeniable element in drafting success.
Which do you think explains the Steelers current challenges in stocking the secondary with quality players?
5. Jeff Fisher has been a head coach in the NFL since 1995. The Steelers have been pretty successful since then, yet their record vs. Jeff Fisher is only 8-13, far below their average vs. the rest of the league during that same time span. What’s going on here?
There you go—have at it, folks.
Clink the links to read the assigned articles. Questions must be turned in by midnight Saturday for full credit at Rooney U. For those requiring extra help with the assignment, please contact Mrs. Rollett for an appointment, as Professor Acero’s office hours are filling up fast…