4 biggest causes for concern for Steelers vs. Eagles week 5
By Andrew Falce
Don’t overthink it
Similar to the trap game idea, the Steelers can’t afford to overthink this game. With such an easy matchup on paper, the team may think this is a great time to experiment. Wacky formations, different defenses, and obscure plays can work in certain situations, but can also lead to disastrous results if the play doesn’t work. The team needs to stay on course and focus on getting a win, not being cute and innovative.
Take last year and the sudden reliance on the wild cat formation. While it worked in small doses, the Steelers suddenly began using that formation far too often and it ended poorly. It went from fun and innovative to drive killer over the course of about a week, and it points to the fact you don’t always need to trick the defense. With an offense as good as this, a simple game plan should be more than enough to get the win against the Eagles.
While this could go for every week, players can’t overthink what they are doing either. Overthinking in the moment can lead to mental lapses and wasted plays as well as costly turnovers. One only has to think of some of the issues Diontae Johnson has had so far this season as proof of this. The Steelers need to come in, stick to the schedule, and come out of this week with a win.