Thank goodness it’s over! The 2019 season was one to forget for the Steelers and their fans. The drama began just six quarters into the season when Ben Roethlisberger was hurt and never took another snap. Though they won eight of ten to put themselves in playoff position, the Steelers lost their last three and missed the playoffs again. A few weeks ago there were calls for Mike Tomlin to be named NFL Coach of the Year. Tomlin had tons of adversity to deal with this year. Even the veteran coach couldn’t get his team to the playoffs.
• The finale against the Ravens was pretty bad. I didn’t think the Steelers had a chance going in, even with the Ravens playing a lot of their backups. The Black and Gold did very little on offense and made too many mistakes. It was a fitting end for a pathetic offense.
• Duck Hodges was fun while he lasted, but chances are he will never wear a Steelers uniform again. Hodges simply isn’t an NFL caliber quarterback. He doesn’t have the arm strength and it showed time after time. He also was prone to turnovers. The legend of Duck was a great story, but he wasn’t a great quarterback. You can probably get Duck merchandise for pennies on the dollar in the Strip starting tomorrow.
• There will be tons of changes for the Steelers next year. I hope one of those involves punter Jordan Berry. He’s worn out his welcome in Pittsburgh. His fumbled snap on a punt that resulted in a Ravens touchdown was the final straw for me.
• It’s hard to grade a rookie class so early in their careers, but I do think the Steelers have to like three of their picks. Linebacker Devin Bush was as good as advertised. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson really came on, and could end up being a number one receiver. And running back Bennie Snell made a name for himself after a slow start. I believe each of these guys has a bright future.
• I have spent a lot of my holiday time off watching college football. Penn State had to settle for playing in the Cotton Bowl against Memphis. Though the game was tight throughout, the Nittany Lions were clearly superior in this contest. The running game featuring Journey Brown was terrific. And linebacker Micah Parsons was absolutely dominant on defense. Penn State finished the year 11-2. I never saw that coming at the beginning of the year. I’ll take it. The Lions will be loaded next year.
• Pitt had to spend Christmas in Detroit, not exactly a desired destination this time of year. The Panthers had all they could handle from Eastern Michigan, a team many thought they would blow out of Ford Field. Hats off to Kenny Pickett for rallying his team for the late win. Pitt finished a disappointing 8-5. If the Panthers don’t do a lot better next year the pressure will surely be on coach Pat Narduzzi.
• Having spent fourteen years covering LSU football, I am now a fan of the Tigers. I’ve watched LSU football for 39 straight seasons and I can tell you that there has never been a team like this on the bayou. LSU was on fire in its dominating win against Oklahoma. Joe Burrow was sensational. I’m not sure some NFL teams could outscore this LSU team.
• I thought the Ohio State vs Clemson game would be close and that Ohio State would prevail. I was thrilled to see Clemson knock off the Buckeyes. The Tigers are back in the title game for the fourth time in five years and haven’t lost in two seasons. Wow, is that impressive. Dabo Sweeney is a heck of a coach and he is a guy you have to like and admire. I think Clemson is a great team, and their defense is outstanding. They’re going to have play the game of their lives to beat LSU. More on that next week.
• That’s it for 2019. Hope you and your family had a great holiday season. Happy New Year. Here’s to a great 2020!
