It isn't all sunshine and roses. Yeah, I get that.
There are problems. I get that, too.
But maybe I'm missing something as I turn on the radio, flick through the Internet and check out various other sources of sports media where the common theme seems to be somewhere between being highly critical and eviscerating the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Isn't this team 2-0?
Haven't they played twice and, uh, won twice?
I'm a pretty terrible record keeper, but I'm convinced of as much --- this is an undefeated Steelers team as we sit here on the Tuesday of the third game week.
But if you listen to the people talk, it comes off (at least the message does by some) that this team is lucky to be where they are, that they really aren't as good as their record and they have a long, long, long way to go before anyone should pronounce them a good football team.
Relax.
Just relax.
This version of the Pittsburgh Steelers --- through eight quarters at least --- has warts and blemishes, but it also has a ton going for it as to why I think 2-0 could just be a precursor to a solid season. And, from this vantage, it felt like the Steelers used games against the Giants and Broncos (again, both wins) as the professional version of what felt like college non-conference tune-ups to start the season. The Steelers played it close to the vest, they did what they needed to do, got out relatively healthy and worked to get their feet underneath them ---- all the while making sure to do enough to win.
And do I need to remind you:
- We had no idea how Ben Roethlisberger would come back from an injury wherein the last time we saw him last season, he walked off the field clutching and grabbing his arm like a baseball pitcher who knew he had just thrown the final pitch of his career.
- This team has played both games so far without someone who very well could be considered the best football player on this team --- David DeCastro.
- Roethlisberger is still developing timing and a link with receiver Diontae Johnson, who will undoubtedly be a top target for him the remainder of his career and who he has worked minimally with.
- James Conner is coming back from a 2019 season wherein injury allowed him to play just 10 games and Benny Snell has had a helmet for exactly 15 NFL games.
- Roethlisberger is still figuring out what to do and how to employ Eric Ebron, who wasn't brought in here to be a pedestrian, but rather a big part of the offense. His role should get progressively bigger.
- Roethlisberger and the rest of the offense are still getting accustomed to a voice in the room that commands some authority in Matt Canada. Listed as the quarterbacks coach, doesn't something tell you he will wield more power as the season goes on? I think he will.
- Devin Bush is making that all-important jump from season one to season two. I think sometimes we forget he just turned 22. Logic tells me he will continue to get better.
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, although stellar last season, is still in a situation where he's figuring out the complexities of this defense. Just last week marked one full season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Tyson Alualu is getting just about all the reps at the nose for the first time in his Steelers career. And while he has played wonderfully over the first two weeks, I look for him to get even better as the season advances.
- The Steelers are still working in a new punter, who sort of made this team last minute. Punter isn't the biggest deal, but it is another transition they are undergoing.
So, you see, relax. Or, do what you wish. I'm looking at this whole thing like the Steelers took the first two weeks as one big feeling out period and picked up two wins in the process. I get the imperfections and flaws and all of that. But you know what, they don't rival the main point: This is a 2-0 football team with an arrow that is pointing up.
