Mike's Beer Bar War Room: Changes that really need to take place

Because of the nature of the Steelers' losses, the status of the AFC and especially the AFC North, this team’s situation is far better than the tape. 

Simply put, the tape was horrendous this past Sunday in Houston. There are problem areas all throughout this team right now. But Mike Tomlin did say in his postgame press conference that changes could be coming. 

We can debate if Matt Canada should still be employed by the time you are reading this. But either way, the fact is the Steelers' offensive system is in place and won’t be drastically changed. Of course, there would be tweaks/changes like the playcalling and sequencing, how they prepare during the week and maybe portions of the current playbook would be thrown in the fire. 

That aside, what are some things that should happen immediately, in terms of personnel usage? 

Let’s stay on the offensive side of the ball. 

Watching the film, Allen Robinson is providing very little. With Diontae Johnson out, Robinson and Calvin Austin III are playing about the same amount. On Sunday, Austin played 53 snaps compared to 50 from Robinson. When Johnson returns, that split simply cannot be close. Austin must be the No. 3 receiver behind Johnson and Pickens, relegating Robinson to spot duty. 

While Austin’s size is a detriment, he is way more threatening in all regards than Robinson. Robinson’s monotone athleticism is just far too easy to play against at this stage of his career. The opponent is happy to see him on the field. 

Another bolder offensive change that should at least be considered is shuffling the offensive line. Because of Dan Moore’s injury, Broderick Jones got thrown into the mix against the Texans. Jones played 51 of a possible 59 snaps. Because of James Daniels’ injury, Nick Herbig was also thrown into the mix as the starting right guard. 

How did both play? 

Honestly, very poorly. And that is especially true in pass protection for both players. 

That being said, Mason Cole and Moore have been the weakest links on the line this season -- not that anyone has been impressive or a plus player, for that matter. But Cole and Moore have the least natural ability and upside of the current starting five. In order to build for the future with the most talented group on the field, the Steelers should consider this starting fivesome once Daniels is back: 

• Leave Jones in at left tackle, continue to coach him up, help him in protection, and see if the first-round pick improves. Jones is a force in the run game. His time is coming either way, so why not start that clock now? 

• Isaac Seumalo stays at left guard. His pass protection was actually quite good in Houston and overall, he might be turning the corner over these past two weeks. 

• Move Daniels from right guard to center. With the Bears, and back in his days at Iowa, Daniels has plenty of experience at center. In fact, it is the best position for him. Daniels isn’t a massive pile-moving guard. Instead, his leverage, size, and athletic ability suit him better off at the pivot. And Daniels can handle the mental aspects of playing center. Plus, Seumalo has a fantastic mind for the game and can help in this regard. Cole is getting to be unplayable. 

• Next, leave Herbig at right guard. Week 4 certainly didn’t go well, but his size and physicality are desirable for how the Steelers have to play on offense right now. Line coach Pat Meyer could also begin to cross train Moore at guard, a position that fits him best for the long term. 

• Finally, leave Chuks Okorafor at right tackle. Perhaps such a change should be considered during the upcoming bye week. Nevertheless, it's worth exploring.

Jones’ technique in pass protection still needs a lot of work, but his skills in the run game are already apparent. On the play above, Jones is very quick to get to Houston’s defensive tackle from his left tackle spot. Jones gets a good seal and sticks with his block very well running his feet and finishing.

It now appears as though Pat Freiermuth is going to miss a couple weeks with a hamstring injury. That should open the door for Darnell Washington to become essentially a full-time player as the starting tight end. Washington is already a far better blocker than Freiermuth, but with his added snaps, we should get a better feel for what the rookie can do as a receiving weapon. 

It also should be noted that the Steelers abandoned 12 Personnel (one running back, two tight ends) once Freiermuth exited. That could be because the offense was in catch-up mode and wanted three wide receivers on the field. Either way, they now need to incorporate Washington with Connor Heyward -- two very different styles of players -- on the field together. 

This move is by necessity, and you hate to lose Freiermuth for any length of time, but it could pay off going forward and give the offense a new wrinkle. The Steelers should also consider some 13 Personnel (one running back, three tight ends) once everyone is healthy. 

What's above isn’t a thing of beauty from Washington, but two things are noticeable: He is quick out of his stance and gets to the second level abruptly while staying square and in balance. That isn’t always easy for such a big man. And secondly, when he arrives, his fantastic arm length cannot be ignored in an offensive tackle like manner. 

How about defensive changes?

Sticking with the idea of playing the highly-drafted rookies, Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton must become full-time players. They each have a month of NFL experience under their belts. While there will be growing pains, as with Jones, Porter’s and Benton’s services are greatly needed. And it is much better to have pains with young and highly talented players than journeymen or players that have plateaued. 

It is widely known that the Steelers are allowing huge game after huge game to opposing wide receivers. Davante Adams sliced them up in Las Vegas. Fine. Adams is probably a top-five wide receiver in the prime of his career and on a Hall of Fame path. He carves up everyone and was open that entire game. But it isn’t just Adams dismantling the outside cornerback duo of Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson. Both players lack foot speed and simply are what they are at this point. Last week, it was Nico Collins, a fine young ascending player. But Collins isn’t Adams. 

Porter must play, and play every snap. In Houston, despite their troubles on defense, the coaching staff played Porter just 10 of a possible 71 snaps. That isn’t going to cut it. 

Speaking of Houston, that was the worst game by the big men on defense of the season, both against the run and the pass. And it came against a bunch of backup offensive linemen. Cam Heyward was desperately missed. As has become routine with Benton though, he was a bright spot.

Benton was the lone bright spot among the defensive tackles (nose tackles and defensive ends, if you prefer). Benton actually had several high-quality reps, something that really no one else from that group can claim. Yet, he saw the field for just 29 plays. 

For context, Benton was out-snapped by Armon Watts (34 snaps), who got a bump in playing time after DeMarvin Leal (21 snaps) left the game to be evaluated for a concussion. (It's worth noting Leal was more of the problem than the answer in this game before his departure.) Larry Ogunjobi played 46 snaps, Montravius Adams 41. Although Adams is a nose tackle, he no longer should be considered for a prominent role when the Steelers have just two big men on the field. Obviously, this is triply true when Heyward returns. 

It could also be argued that Benton has been more effective than Ogunjobi. Not surprising considering his injury situation, Ogunjobi wears down faster than most as the game progresses. Less of Ogunjobi might be more in terms of his impact. The conversation should be whether it is Ogunjobi or Benton getting the bulk of the playing time next to Heyward. In the meantime, that pairing mixed in with Leal (if healthy) and Adams needs to become the norm. 

What's above is all you need to see to make the case that Benton needs to see much more playing time. Check out the club/swim move. He has extremely heavy hands, great overall power and a closing burst that you rarely see from someone his size. This is the first of quite possibly many NFL sacks. 

The Steelers are not a very good football team right now, and these changes likely would not immediately change that. Still, a youth movement and talent bump are a great place to start. Their time should be now. And it could pay off huge before long.