Christmas is normally a fun time of the year, but it is strictly business for the Steelers. They are wrapping up a brutal stretch of three games in ten days, which is something very few have ever had to endure. They are getting exhausted, but hopefully, the holiday season will give them some spirit. With Christmas time comes the ultimate judgment if someone has been naughty or nice.
Some players have been nice, while others have been naughty. This list will be based on whether these players have underperformed, not shown consistency, or even done some bad things either off the field or made poor decisions in between the whistles. These members of the Pittsburgh football club will have to turn things around in a hurry if they don't want a chunk of coal under their tree.
George Pickens, Wide receiver
Let's start this off with an obvious member on this list. George Pickens has become the poster child for NFL players who do wild things. Sometimes his antics are entertaining, but it is hard to categorize them as anything other than bad. His poor judgment during games has only brought into question if Pickens is the long-term answer for the Steelers at receiver. His penalties and fighting need to stop.
Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback
Things just haven't been great for Joey Porter Jr. in his second NFL season. He has been terrible at times, especially when he is getting plenty of penalties. He has also been terrific in certain games. Porter makes this list because the Steelers need more out of their top cornerback. He has been too inconsistent to date, but he still has time to turn things around and be a big factor in the playoffs.
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Broderick Jones, Offensive tackle
He is starting to come around since the bye week, but Broderick Jones was abysmal before that. If Troy Fautanu wasn't injured, then he would have likely unseated Jones's starting spot. Many forget that Fautanu took over for Jones for most of the Bronco's game in Week 2. To Jones' credit, he has played fairly well in recent weeks, but he needs to keep on his current trajectory to redeem himself.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety
Has Minkah Fitzpatrick been terrible this year? No. Has he been worth the money they pay him to be a game-changing ballhawk? No. No one should anticipate Fitzpatrick being a cap casualty by the Steelers in the offseason since he is one of Mike Tomlin's favorites, even if it makes some sense. Letting Fitzpatrick go might not happen, but Pittsburgh should have a conversation about it.
Mike Williams, Wide receiver
Not everything falls on the shoulder of Mike Williams since he joined the Steelers, but he hasn't been terrific either. He took a long time to get some opportunities on the offense, which has been missing a solid second option at their receiver position. Williams seems like he might not be the same player that he was with the Chargers, even though he has started to get some more opportunities lately.