Monday Night Observations
Perfect
I took the Steelers -3.5 in Circa, in part because I had a dream about it, and it panned out perfectly. The Dolphins looked better than them for the first few drives, but stalled anyway, managing only a 3-0 lead before the Steelers scored four straight TDs. The Steelers mostly run and throw short passes, but Aaron Rodgers got rid of the ball quickly and was accurate all game. I’m 3-2 in Circa, 6-4 for Q4 and probably drawing dead, but I like getting them right. Over the season’s second half I’m 19-10-1, but it’s not nearly enough to make up for my abysmal start. I guess it just takes me time to get a feel for the league — early on, I felt like I was just guessing.
De’Von Achane is game-script proof. Even though he had only 60 rushing yards and didn’t score, he went 6 for 67 as a receiver. He’s also proven durable despite his size. One of the greatest of all time if he stays healthy for another five-plus years.
Darren Waller did nothing in the first half, but finished with a monster game thanks to the two TDs. He can still play, though he’s more of a large receiver than a tight end.
Tua Tagovailoa padded his stats late but was largely ineffective. The ball has to come out of his hands early, or he’s toast.
Rodgers was 23-for-27 including a drop from Darnell Washington. It’s easy to complete short throws to the backs, though he had some nice intermediate throws to DK Metcalf who muscled one of them in for a touchdown.
Kenneth Gainwell had a great game. Seven catches, 126 YFS, but got vultured on TDs by new short-yardage “back” Connor Heyward, not to be confused with Cameron Heyward, the defensive lineman who got a sack. And TE Jonnu Smith also ran for a TD. I thought I caught the broadcast saying it was the first time in NFL history two TEs rushed for TDs. Still Gainwell broke tackles all night and looked quick getting to the outside.
The Steelers are not good by any means, but this was a good spot for them, home against an immobile QB in the cold weather.