The Pittsburgh Steelers could have played better on opening day against one of the best teams in the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers defense completely dismantled the Steelers offense. Kyle Shanahan put on a master class of why the offensive scheme is essential. Shanahan’s offense was a step ahead of Teryl Austin and the Steelers defense all day. They could not block TJ Watt, but then again, who can at this point?
Lucy Schaly / Post-Gazette
Steelers' TJ Watt gets his third sack of the day against Brock Purdy and the 49ers.
On Monday, Bob Pompeani joined The Cook & Joe Show to break down the Steelers' opening game loss. Ron Cook and Joe Starkey found very few positives in the 23-point loss. The trio were critical of the offensive effort, Pressley Harvin III, and the overall defensive effort. They also chimed in on the growing George Pickens controversy.
“Stay off of that stuff. This week, he must address the question” Pompeani observed about Pickens's social media behavior. “We’ll see how he answers that question. That’s sort of like unnecessary roughness when it comes to your own personal situation. It’s hard enough to do what you have to do. You don’t have to make it worse.”
Disgusted Steelers' George Pickens Issues Terse Statement Followed By A Quick Exit After Week 1 Loss
It was a surprising move for Pickens to leave the locker room without talking after the game, as reported by Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette. It was even more dramatic when Pickens liked a critical social media post of Pickett.
“What happened to, 'We’ll stick together through thick and thin,'” Starkey asked.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers' Kenny Pickett and George Pickens celebrating after a touchdown in 2022.
Like it or not, Pickens and Pickett are stuck together for at least the next two seasons unless the Steelers decide to move on from one of the young stars. One bad game should not completely fracture the trust between Pickett and Pickens, especially when he did look to him seven times throughout the game.
“Is there a storm brewing here with Pickens?” Cook asked. “I think after last year observing him, there very well might be a storm brewing that might erupt. I’m not sure that he’s wrong, by the way, last year or in the opener. He’s open even when he’s covered. I’m not sure he’s wrong about that.”
Pompeani, Cook, and Starkey are long-time Pittsburgh Steelers football team observers. Cook mentioned to Pompeani that Chris Hoke did not want to blame Matt Canada in the postgame show for the issues against the 49ers.
“You hear this execution all the time,” Pompeani bristled. “It’s just an easy word to say. You’re supposed to execute, but that doesn't mean the play call is good, even if it’s well executed. It’s both. You gotta scheme. Scheming is important.”
Matt Freed / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett gets sacked by 49ers Drake Jackson.
Cook and Starkey jumped in and pointed out that 49ers receivers were wide open. The preseason throws over the middle of the field disappeared against the 49ers. Pickett’s first interception was a deep throw to Diontae Johnson, who slipped, leading directly to an easy turnover. The play affected Pickett’s confidence, and he shied away from throwing 50/50 balls until the two-minute drill that produced the Steelers only touchdown.
The question is, did Canada shy away from calling those plays, or did Pickett completely lose confidence in throwing them? Whichever the answer is, the Steelers don’t have much time to fix the issue. The division-leading Cleveland Browns come calling on Monday Night Football in Week 2. Kevin Stefanski would love nothing more than to stomp on Pittsburgh while it is down.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) and Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada (left) have a plan for 2023.
Mike Tomlin is facing the reality that his offensive and defensive coordinators were overmatched against the 49ers. His second-year quarterback had the worst performance of his short career, and his highly-paid defense was terrible. Tomlin has the added bonus of his star wide receiver being angry about his usage.
It is hard to feel bad for Tomlin because he chose to keep Canada. Yesterday might not be all his fault, but the first time the offense struggled, Tomlin had to know the wolves would be out. Do you blame the incompetent coordinator or the coach who kept him? Maybe you blame the organization that doesn’t fire coaches with time left on their contracts.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Who do you blame for the developing controversy with Pickens? Please comment below or on my Twitter / X: @thebubbasq.
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