This is the Renegade Blitz Podcast, a Pittsburgh Steelers podcast I created and hosted with Chris Ward, Zackary Napolitano, Guthrie Rasmussen, and Brandon Walker. We record two podcasts a week. One podcast that recaps the past game and another that previews the next weekend’s matchup. We’ve interviewed bloggers, radio hosts, team reporters, and beat writers.mIn addition to the podcast, I also wrote some blog articles on renegadeblitz.com

Steelers Point Differential is not Unprecedented in Future Success

The Pittsburgh Steelers have defied just about every conventional metric used to determine if a team is worthy of making the playoffs this season. Point differential, total rushing yards allowed, total offense, hot takes, etc.

You name it, and the Steelers probably don't clear the bar of what's traditionally thought of as a team that plays in the "second season." following.

According to StatMuse.com, the Steelers finished the season with a point differential of -55, the 11th worst in the league. Only Las Vegas, who kicked the Steelers into the playoffs, has a worse differential at -65.

After reaching those two teams, the following "worst" differential for playoff teams is Philadelphia at +59.

Between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the gulf between them was eight of the teams who missed the playoffs.

According to a tweet by Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, the Raiders and the Steelers have two of the ten worst point differentials for playoff teams of all time.

Many things point differential doesn't measure: heart, desire, will, and resilience.

We know all about the Steelers' ups and downs on the field how they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the fourth quarter seven times and nearly grabbed it two more times from teams who finished better in that one stat.

The Raiders had to deal with off-the-field issues. From past emails by former Head Coach Jon Gruden resurfacing to the arrest of WR Henry Ruggs III after a deadly DUI crash and similar DUI incidents with other players.

A poor point differential doesn't mean that the wildcard game is a lost cause. The only team that lost their first game was the 2017 Bills, who lost to Jacksonville.

It was the beginning of their breakthrough for some teams on that list.

Only three teams have failed to make it to the conference championship once within the next six seasons (2004 Rams, 1998 Cardinals, and 1978 Falcons).

The owners of the two worst point differentials, the 2010 Seahawks and 2011 Broncos, made two Super Bowl appearances and won a championship.

After 1989, the Steelers made it to the conference championship twice. They lost to San Diego in 1994 and defeated Indianapolis in 1995 on their way to Super Bowl 30 in Arizona.

What The Steelers Must Focus On During The Bye Week

Some people had much lower expectations for what the Steelers record would be going into their bye week. It’s pretty clear that they will take a 3-3 record for how tough the Steelers schedule is, especially as they trek into November.

There’s a lot they need to improve on and here are seven objectives I think they should do to help their cause after the bye week.

Objective 1: Get healthy.

It’s the most apparent first objective, but the importance, especially on defense, makes it go first. The Steelers have dealt with a groin injury that has kept a player out on defense, be it T.J. Watt, Cam Sutton, or Devin Bush. The emphasis of this objective lies solely on Stephon Tuitt, whose status is still up in the air. The run defense misses him greatly alongside the loss of Tyson Alualu early in the season. The pass rush could also use his boost as well.

The injury to Dan Moore Jr. opens the gates to the return of Zack Banner. Could Banner continue the offensive line’s growth? Time will tell.

Also, can Anthony McFarland Jr. return to practice, and maybe he can be the backfield partner for Najee Harris.

Objective 2: Shore up defensive concepts, namely tackling.

The top was blown off the defense in the first three games this season. Two of those times were for touchdowns, only against Buffalo where Josh Allen’s pass didn’t connect with Emannuel Sanders for a long touchdown. The secondary play is still not good, but at least against Seattle and Denver, they didn’t get burned to the crisps Las Vegas, Cincinnati, and what Buffalo could have done.

Minkah Fitzpatrick is not one of the worst safeties in the league per the metrics of Pro Football Focus, but there’s been a drop in how he has been for the Steelers since they acquired him in the 2019 season.

They should try to get him more mobile in the secondary and play him in different spots to get him around the ball. Could they use Karl Josephs as the deep safety like Chris Carter mentioned on the podcast when Malik Hooker was rumored to sign with the Steelers? The possibilities were to play Minkah as the slot corner occasionally to give a different look. Could Ahkello Witherspoon get another chance? Or are the same disconnects that got him shipped out from Seattle per our talk with Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic in Pittsburgh?

The tackling issue spawned during the Seahawks game, and that’s the first worry at a defense’s play. After they give up the yardage, they can’t stop the bleeding until it becomes a chunk play. While the offense is much maligned and doesn’t help the defense, missing their tackles and limiting their ability to get off the field hurts them much more.

They got some promise in Tre Norwood and James Pierre. Getting them to make as many positive habits right now helps the team in the long run.

Objective 3: Figure out who is the third-down linebacker and stick to it.

The curious case of Devin Bush continues. First, the Steelers give defensive communication to newly acquired Joe Schobert. Then it’s found that they are splitting duties with the green dot. Now Robert Spillane is the linebacker in dime situations. Bush has not been healthy, especially after last year's knee injury and groin injury this year. Is there more to the injuries, or do the Steelers no longer trust the player they moved up in the 2019 draft for? The Steelers have to figure out who’s going to be in every situation at middle linebacker.

Objective 4: Confirm their identity offensively and figure out proper usage.

I mentioned this in the podcast about the snap rate for Steelers receivers and tight ends. Ray-Ray McCloud gets used a lot more than James Washington, which is strange considering the expectations for Washington after JuJu Smith-Schuster’s season ended.

Eight snaps for Washington and 52 for McCloud should be inverted, especially after rumors of a trade request from the Oklahoma State product. Who knows why it ended up this way...Or did the relationship between James and Ben Roethlisberger never really heal the way people thought it did? Got to remember how Ben liked former returner/wide receiver Ryan Switzer and tried to get him more involved than he probably should have.

They could use McCloud sparingly and not give Washington the total 52 snaps as well and spread them to Cody White or Anthony Miller, who’s currently on the practice squad when he’s ready if they choose to do so.

Staying with the snap count, the Steelers’ tight ends have been a prominent part of their offense, as they’ve used single back, two tight ends, two-receiver sets, with Freiermuth having 45 snaps and teammates Eric Ebron and Zach Gentry logging 34 and 23 snaps respectively. This helps the run game with Najee Harris because that gives a guessing game of where the play is going for the defense when Roethlisberger goes under center. Also, in the last two weeks, the trio has been effective in the passing game.

Objective 5: Make sure the real Chase Claypool stands up.

This take could be pretty mid, but I thought that Chase Claypool, not James Washington lost the most from a return of JuJu Smith-Schuster last offseason. Diontae Johnson at his best fits the mold of a receiver Ben needs at this point, someone who creates separation. Claypool has shown capabilities as a big body in the slot. The Steelers want him to be that go-up and get-it type, and while he’s shown flashes, who knows if he could be that guy. I think that movement between the slot and the outside could help him find himself. You can’t write off a second-year receiver this fast.

Objective 6: Find out who can be a reliable second back in the stable to take some of Najee Harris’ touches.

Najee Harris is the brightest spot on this Steelers team, if not the brightest on offense. He should get the majority of the touches, but not the vast majority of the touches.

The ideal backfield combination should be Harris/McFarland/Ballage. But there is a question if McFarland is ready enough to take that position as the de-facto RB2, which is why Benny Snell and Kallen Ballage have had carries in spot duty.

I want to see Harris in more situations where he can be the closer and keep the ball out of Roethlisberger’s hands as much as possible.

Objective 7: Recognize that Game Manager Ben is the best Ben for this team.

I think the Steelers have recognized this, and I see that through his attempts number, which gauges how much he’s being used—25 attempts vs. Denver and 40 attempts vs. Seattle in a game that ended in overtime. My sweet spot for his attempts number is 30 to 40, which the Steelers have done well in the last few weeks.

If he’s efficient and can hit a deep ball or two, that is the best version of himself that this team needs. At the same time, he’s fortunate over the last two weeks. Dropped interceptions from Alexander Johnson of the Broncos, and Jamal Adams has kept his stat sheet clean, but not by much.

He’s doesn’t look in sync with Claypool on those long balls, which force situations like that weird offensive pass interference where even if it was a legal play, he still didn’t get two feet in bounds.

The goal should be quality, not quantity. Even on his pump fakes, because that fumble was the weirdest thing ever.

Steelers Pass Rush Blitzing “Less” Could Mean More

According to Next Gen Stats: Pittsburgh blitzed on just two of 54 dropbacks (3.7%). That is the second-lowest rate recorded by a Steelers defense since 2016. Last year, they blitzed on 39.6% of dropbacks (3rd highest percentage in the league).

Despite sending four and even three-man rushes, they still got pressure on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills offensive line.

T.J Watt recorded two sacks, a tackle for a loss, five quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.

Pro Football Focus credited Melvin Ingram with eight quarterback pressures, and Cam Heyward had 12 on the way to being their highest-graded player in Week 1.

This is all without another impactful piece to their the 3 in that vaunted 3-4 defense in Stephon Tuitt.

While Allen was able to complete his throws and even got a touchdown on a connection to Gabriel Davis, it didn’t felt like he was killing the Steelers.

The secondary had a great day. A point of contention for many fans this offseason, it felt like they had things covered, which allowed the Steelers to get what amounted to coverage sacks.

When you think of the crown jewel offenses in this league, creating that much havoc with fewer bodies going forward could benefit them against the upper echelon QBS like Mahomes, Rodgers, and Wilson.

Ty Polk's 2021 Steelers Draft Report Card

The 2021 NFL Draft is now in the books. A lot is said about this draft. Some say the Pittsburgh Steelers prioritized at some positions way too early, and others say that they drafted as expected of them.

So let's dive in.

1st Round Pick, 24th Overall - Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

This pick has been the big talking point for every talking head from National to right here in good ol’ Pittsburgh. Harris has the opportunity to become the next big-time Alabama HB, and visions of Derrick Henry are in Steelers fan’s heads. The problem people have with this pick is that it’s in the 1st Round.

Grade: A

The Steelers’ hard luck in mid-round running backs created this situation where a first-round pick was made for a running back. If you're going to pull that off, it must be for the consensus-best RB in the draft. Regardless of where he was drafted, he is the best in this class. A fifth-year option will have his second contract at 29, and that’s a bit troublesome. However, he may get that contract if the Steelers successor to Ben is a bridge or rookie franchise pick.

2nd Round Pick, 55th Overall - Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State

Many Steelers fans and myself included were calling for the offensive line to be the next two picks on day two of the draft. So it’s safe to say the Steelers surprised (and disappointed) many by selecting Freiermuth. Unlike Harris, he was the second-best in his position, a distant 2nd behind now Falcons TE Kyle Pitts. With the nickname “Baby Gronk and the all-around ability he possesses. He could have Steeler fans chanting “HEEEAAATHH!” in a force of habit once again.

Grade: B

I’m not disappointed by this pick. Unlike many, I’m not on the Eric Ebron hate train (Despite the drops, he had the best tight end season receiving-wise since Heath Miller retired. If you say anyone has been better IN THAT FACET, you're playing yourself.). He lacked the impact in the run blocking game, and that didn’t help in those 3rd/4th and short situations. The Steelers have always done better with versatile tight ends. Freiermuth is one of the best to play his position at PSU and is a quintessential Steelers pick. He’ll take the TE2 spot, and if it works out, he could play into the starting role by the season’s end.

3rd Round Pick, 87th Overall - Kendrick Green OG/C, Illinois

Many thought that the Steelers would take an offensive lineman with their first-round selection. If Harris were the first selection, then they would spend the next two picks on a lineman. If you claimed the Steelers would select their first in round three, you probably should have hit the casino. Green has gotten a lot of buzz (especially from notorious Steeler critic Pro Football Focus) for being a scheme fit for new offensive coordinator Matt Canada and a tremendous all-around selection.

Grade: A

The first thing that we were told about this man is that he is nasty. The man has a branding of the Omega symbol from the Omega Psi Phi fraternity on his arm. Not a tattoo, a brand, people. That man is tough. Every bit of that film proves that he will be a dog and replace Maurkice Pouncey just fine. Imagine Dotson and Green creating runways that rival Pittsburgh International Airport for running backs like Najee Harris over the next ten years. I hope the Heinz Field DJ queues up “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton before every possession.

4th Round Pick, 128th Overall - Dan Moore, OT, Texas Tech

Moore fits the Steelers’ new scheme under Matt Canada. He’ll fight Zach Banner and Chuks Okarafor for a spot but may end up as depth for now. I think a good training camp from Moore, ranked as the 12th best offensive tackle in the class by ESPN, will help thoughts out on this pick. Duke Mayweather, an offensive line scout, and developer called his technique above average and said his hand usage is good.

Grade: C+

4th Round Pick, 140th Overall - Buddy Johnson, MLB, Texas Tech

At least the Steelers still have a bud on defense with Buddy Johnson coming in the fourth round. He could be the future at MLB after Vince Williams retires. Many people view him as a promising sideline-to-sideline guy, and to pair him with Devin Bush coming off knee surgery could be an interesting combo. He’ll challenge Robert Spillane’s spot, and it will be fun to see.

Grade: C+

5th Round Pick, 156th Overall (via Miami) - Isaiah Loudermilk, DE, Wisconsin

Acquired for a fourth-round pick in 2022, with the Steelers in comp pick heaven next week, he must be a guy that the Steelers plan on developing to be on the Steelers’ defensive line. At 6-8 and 283 pounds, he’s got some good size that could make him attractive for a future replacement for anyone currently starting. If they get anything out of him similar to what Tyson Alualu got last season in the future, look out.

Grade: C

6th Round Pick, 216th Overall - Quincy Roche, OLB, Miami

Another project, but he’s expected to be a backup for T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. He’s described as a skilled pass rusher, which is always nice on a team losing one-half of a strong duo like Watt and Dupree were.

Grade: C

7th Round Pick, 245th Overall - Tre Norwood, S, Oklahoma

He’ll be challenging for the backup free safety job as a rookie. His interception total (5) was tied for the lead in the pass-happy Big-12. He played primarily as a slot corner in the final five games of last season. So if things go south there, he could be tried there. The Steelers are showing trust in names like James Pierre and Justin Layne in the slot. But they also signed a couple of undrafted free agents that could steal that spot as well.

Grade: C+

7th Round Pick, 254th Overall. - Pressley Harvin III, P, Georgia Tech

Drafting a punter is probably the most prominent warning signal that a change is about to be made at the position. With the failed signing of Dustin Colquitt last year, forcing them to bring back “on-again, off-again” Jordan Berry, there was thought that the job would be a serious training camp competition. The Steelers more than confirmed it by bringing in the 2021 Ray Guy award winner for college football’s best punter (the first-ever for an African American player). He’s big at 5-11, 256 lbs, and that raises concerns in terms of conditioning. Bonus: He’s got an arm solid enough for trick plays….

Grade: C (I want to give this an A+++, but I’m trying to be realistic)

Final Thoughts: Would I have liked a more offensive line-heavy approach in the first two rounds? Yes, especially as the tea leaves say, this is the last ride for Ben Roethlisberger. Overall, it hit enough of that balance of going for it now while handling needs and getting depth for the future, in my opinion. Like every draft, time will tell.

Final Grade: B