Man, I just read this entire game thread and some of you people are just so damn angry all the time for the sake of being angry. I mean, some real sittin' on the porch in your thermal underwear with a shotgun drinking Wild Turkey and yelling at the mail man type of shit.
I thought the Browns showed a lot of heart, and after that punt block TD, that was the fast track to a 34-3 drubbing. It always is, right? That didn't happen. This team has some young talent, especially on the defense.
This defense is aggressive, and every guy is always hustling. There was a check-down pass to Bell over the middle and he tried to dance and make a linebacker miss. What happened? All four defensive linemen were pursuing the play and jumped on his back from behind. About 7 dudes piled up on him like a coed at a Baylor frat party. That's what I like to see--a team in constant pursuit.
The Peppers/Kindred tandem at safety is much better than I thought it would be. I would argue these guys are going to be yet another promising young spot on our defense this year. I love the linebackers. Schobert played well, getting his hands on passes (that unfortunately still were completed) and making tackles sideline to sideline.
This defense is going to be good. When Garrett gets back, watch out.
Corey Coleman is a good player. He's made progress. His hands are sure, and that was a knock on him coming out of school. We have no other receivers, however. Britt is a huge dud. Coleman had to deal with Artie Burns most of the day, and I think he's a very good up-and-coming corner in this league. I don't get the knocks on Coleman.
DeValve and Njoku are promising as hell and had good moments. Njoku was even in there on some goal line plays blocking. He clearly has impressed the coaching staff.
Last, Kizer has that moxie, people. Sure, he held the ball. Sure, he should have hit a few check-downs. Sure, that pick was something he can't get away with on this level.
That said, he was poised. He made some awesome throws. He moved the ball and put together some great drives. He climbed the pocket. He stood in and delivered on time and target more times than not. Again, he didn't get much help. Coleman is our only legitimate receiver outside of the young tight ends. We had no running game to speak of, and Kizer was tremendous out of play-action in college. He didn't get a chance to do that today with our lack of ground game.
The last drive to cut it to three looked like a veteran. His dual-threat ability is going to be handy. This is the best QB debut I can remember from a rookie since '99. He has all the tools, and he looked good. Two tuddies and the one pick? I'll take it. Pittsburgh is very physical and has a punishing defense. Watt is legit, Burns has taken a step, and they are a different animal when Shazier is healthy. We just survived that. Hell, we put a little fear in that. Ben was frustrated today.
We had a shot to win that game with a break here or there. The Steelers got all the breaks per usual.
However, after the game, Kizer acknowledged every single mistake we noticed. He blamed himself for holding onto the ball. He said he needs to hit the back or throw it away. He mentioned letting the line down. He mentioned letting the defense down. He doesn't believe in moral victories. He's a leader. Quotes from coaches, McCourty, Thomas, and others after the game show that he has truly won over this team as a 21 year old.
I love him. So does Hue. So should you. He's the one, brethren. I suggest you open your eyes and enjoy watching him develop this year. He will be here a long time.