The Steelers will try to rebound from two consecutive losses with the most recent being a pivotal divisional game against the Bengals when the host the Oakland Raiders this Sunday. While they prepare to dig themselves out of a hole we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Monday, Nov. 2nd.
No timeout called, the horror!
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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been known for some questionable clock management calls in his tenure. After
Ben Roethlisberger’s third interception late in the fourth quarter on Sunday the Bengals already had the ball in field goal range.
The Steelers had all three of their timeouts and Tomlin made the decision to let the clock run down 38 seconds to the 2:00 warning between the Bengals’ first and second downs before they had Mike Nugent hit on a 44-yard field goal to put the Bengals up 16-10.
Tomlin’s first question in his post-game press conference was why didn’t he take a timeout at that point and stop the clock. Below is his answer. Did the lack of timeout cost the Steelers the game? Or was it the three interceptions perhaps?
Mike Tomlin's explanation for saving a timeout before the 2-min warming pic.twitter.com/j1RcMvZ8ux
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) November 1, 2015
It’s on me
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned from his longest absence due to injury in his career on Sunday to throw three interceptions in a loss to the Bengals. After the game he took full responsibility and said that his health was fine but he just needed to have played better in order for the team to win.
"“I let this team down and I let the fans down. This one is one me and I’m taking the blame and letting everyone know I have to play better.” – Ben Roethlisberger"
Optimistic then…not
Le’Veon Bell‘s knee injury sure did look bad but, according to Mike Florio on PFT, the Steelers are optimistic that the injury looked worse than it really is. Bell left the game in the second quarter after twisting his knee on a sideline tackle but was able to walk to the cart that took him to the locker room.
Next: Steelers fall short: Instant reaction
Apparently PFT has a source that says the initial indication on Bell’s injury is that his ACL is intact, meaning the hope is that it’s only an MCL injury and could cost him some games but hopefully not the season. Later Sunday night CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora tweeted some less optimistic news.
Steelers expect to put Le'Veon Bell on season ending IR Mon w/ knee injury, pending MRI confirmation. Isaiah Pead in line for roster spot
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) November 2, 2015
Bell under went testing today including MRI. Other DRs may read it tomorrow and check swelling. Bottom line - Pead will take his spot
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) November 2, 2015
So that seems kind of crappy. Monday is probably going to be crappier than Sunday was. If you start to feel nostalgic about what the Steelers’ offense could be this season, just re-watch the opening drive from the Bengals game. It’s a good thing they signed DeAngelo Williams.