2018 NFL Week 4

[Old Scratch]

Everyone agreed last night that Kelce is the best TE in the league and I concur. I thought he passed Gronkowski a few years ago actually although a healthy Greg Olsen was in the mix back then too. You take the exciting and dynamic Kelce out of the Chiefs line up and you are left with a caste team on steroids. All black defenses make me ill. Unacceptable.

I don't quite get why they are not only saying this but saying it matter-of-factly.

He has 2/3rds of the starts (65% of the starts & 62% of the targets) as Gronk and only 1/3rd of the TDs. He's not even on pace for the yardage. It's not like he was playing with a scrub, he was Alex Smith's go to target.

Kelce's highest TD season was last year at 8, Gronk had that in 1 less game. Gronk had 50 more yards on almost 20 less targets. The year before last Kelce only had 1 more TD than Gronk and Gronk missed half the year with injuries and only started 6 games. He only had about double Gronk's yardage on 3x the targets.

Gronk did that while being plagued with injuries since his 3rd season, and a target of frequent cheap shots to the knees and head.

The Patriots offense has been anemic this year while the Chiefs are on a record breaking pace through the first 4 games. Yet still Kelce isn't clearly blowing Gronk out of the water to justify making that statement. Let's see how they stack up after the other 75% of the season is played.

 

[Riggins44]

Confounding game last night. When the Steelers came back to tie it in the first half at 14 I thought this has the makings of a classic and figured Big Ben and the gang would charge to the finish line. Crowd going crazy and then.....

Then they come out after halftime as stale as 4 week old bread. What the hell? The Ravens just milked the clock and controlled everything.

The Steelers have no rushing attack thanks to selfish ass hole Bell ( poetic justice S Thomas of Seattle got carted off--what is this crap I don't want to practice) and their DBs and LB pass coverage is pretty damn awful. I do like Watt an awful lot though.

That said I don't think they are finished.

TE Vance McDonald is what NFL players used to play like. Rugged and fast and willing to run over people.

And WR/PR/KR Switzer had the most snaps of his career and kept moving the chains. He caught everything thrown his way and if they can get a little more inventive and get Switzer more space to work with things could get really exciting.

Who knows with the Steelers?

If Switzer and MacDonald continue to play a prominent role in the Steelers' offense, with Big Ben and also Watt on D, the Steelers actually are a decent team to watch.

 

[Freethinker]

If Switzer and MacDonald continue to play a prominent role in the Steelers' offense, with Big Ben and also Watt on D, the Steelers actually are a decent team to watch.

Don’t forget Jesse James. He’s had a 100 yard receiving game this year as well.

 

[Deceptive Speed]

Hopefully McDonald can stay healthy. He and Jesse James make a potent one-two at tight end.

And I'm pleasantly surprised to see Ryan Switzer playing so much. He caught all seven of his targets last night even though it wasn't for much yardage. He has the ability to make big plays if/when they design them for him.

Tyler Matakevich and Anthony Chickillo should both be playing more. Chickillo has a knack for big plays but still plays behind first round bust Bud Dupree. Vince Williams injured his hamstring during the game so we'll see if Matakevich gets the call in Week 5 if Williams can't go.

And of course the anguish in Pittsburgh today has reached epic proportions. If they continue to greatly underachieve Mike Tomlin will come under a lot of heat, but as I've mentioned many times he has the longest leash of any head coach in the league not named Belichick.

Same here about Ryan Switzer, I was shocked Mike Tomlin allowed a white WR play so much. With that said I think Switzer has the potential to be a Cole Beasley type, and should only improve here in production!

 

[Deceptive Speed]

We may be witnessing a new way to utilize versatile white skill players. I say to myself what took them so long? Stars of the past like Paul Hornung and Frank Gifford were considered jack of all trades type of players and perhaps we are seeing a bit of a return of a player that fits that description.

A shame the Patriots showed Riley McCarron the door in the blink of an eye but there are a few players giving the NFL a "new look."

Of course CM is the prototype of the do everything RB. Catching passes like rolling out of bed and handling running duties to go along with blocking. He also returned punts last season but at this juncture he shouldn't have to perform that duty.

WR/PR/KRs like Ryan Switzer and Alex Erickson sometimes collect hand offs as well as catching passes to go along with their return skills. Erickson is currently number 2 in yards per return on kick offs and Switzer is number 8 in yards per return on punts.

Then there is dynamic Taysom Hill who plays RB/QB/KR/ ST and is currently number 8 on kick off yards per return.

White college RBs and WRs and even some QBs who may not have NFL QB caliber talent should take note and diversify their talents.

At the NFL level though I prefer punt and kick returners to be back up players which gives certain non starter white players better opportunities and a better chance to do something meaningful.

Spot on! I also noticed how much the 3 Hill, Erickson, and Switzer are getting involved in special offensive packages. Those guys are definitely some of the more underrated surprises we've had so far this season!!

 

[Riggins44]

Don’t forget Jesse James. He’s had a 100 yard receiving game this year as well.

That's right. Tomlin better watch out or these white pass catchers will become an indispensable part of his team.

 

[Flint]

If Switzer and MacDonald continue to play a prominent role in the Steelers' offense, with Big Ben and also Watt on D, the Steelers actually are a decent team to watch.

That's so weird. For many years I have hated the Steelers and so whenever I saw Big Ben playing so great it was disappointing because it meant the "black" team would come out on top. This last game I more enjoyed the team as there were other players to watch. And it was nice being able to cheer for Rothliesberger. His style of play is really unique. I don't think there is any other QB that plays like him. The way he is so tough in the pocket and able to make big plays under pressure. I hope this more white friendly team can have a good run. Heck they are almost as good to watch as the Pats now!