Merril Hoge calls out the effort of the Steelers TE group
The Steelers pass catchers have been under a fair amount of scrutiny this season. Whether it was Diontae Johnson checking out midgame, or George Pickens losing his cool on the sideline, there has been plenty of drama on Pittsburgh's perimeter. But after reviewing the Steelers film against the Patriots, one long-time Steeler had some choice […]
The Steelers pass catchers have been under a fair amount of scrutiny this season.
Whether it was Diontae Johnson checking out midgame, or George Pickens losing his cool on the sideline, there has been plenty of drama on Pittsburgh's perimeter.
But after reviewing the Steelers film against the Patriots, one long-time Steeler had some choice words for the tight ends, and Pat Freiermuth in particular:
Strong Assumptions:
“It might be the worst group of route runners in the NFL," former Steelers running back Merril Hoge told WDVE on Wednesday. “Half the time, they quit on routes. The pick that Trubisky threw, Freiermuth makes a move and just quits….It’s the only term I can think of but our tight ends look like two turtles humping when you’re blocking. Because you’re not blocking anybody.”
I'm not sure what to make of the last part of that quote, but for the most part I see where Hoge is coming from.
That ball should never have been thrown by Trubisky, and I don't want to let him off the hook, but it's clear the team has not shown up with the proper mentality the last two weeks.
Hoge is adding to the growing list of both current and former players that believe their is a culture issue in Pittsburgh. The loss of "The Steeler Way" has been a hot topic over the past two weeks, with many piling on following two inexcusable losses.
So could Freiermuth and the pass catchers display more effort? Yes. Should Mitch Trubisky have thrown that ball? No. Is there growing concern that Pittsburgh has a culture issue? Certainly.
But one three-letter word can solve these issues as soon as Saturday:
Win.
Pittsburgh does that and all the drama, hot takes, and noise vanishes.
The problem is, that's easier said than done when analyzing this team.
So we'll have to wait and see if they're up for the challenge now that their backs are against the wall.
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