Taking a wise man’s advice?

So how many out there thought the Steelers would be sitting at 8-2 so far this season?

I didn’t. I know many of you didn’t either. It’s OK, you can admit it.

The success, I’ll take it though, and I’ll even give Mike Tomlin a lot of credit for it. Why the change of heart? Well, a couple weeks back at a local watering hole, a friend said I’m entirely too talented to just be a “yinzer.” He was right. To do the job well, I have to take my crow and eat when it’s time. Coach Tomlin is serving it up hot and fresh for a lot of the doubters.

He’s not my favorite coach, I don’t hide that fact. I think he’s more of a cheerleader than a coach and there’s a lack of discipline throughout the roster, but that I’ll give him his due for making some of the right decisions with this year’s team – including the quarterback move to Russell Wilson.

Wilson has been fantastic. He’s not going out there and slinging it around for 300 yards per game, but he doesn’t have to.

The way the Steelers are running the ball takes a lot of pressure of the quarterback and Wilson has benefitted from a decent running game. It may not be gashing teams for a lot of yards, but it’s still effective being able to throw the 1-2 punch of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren at a defense.

Watching all of the daily NFL shows Monday morning, they’re speaking very highly of the Steelers. But of course, it’s still all about the Chiefs, Bills and yes, even the Ravens.

A couple of the pundits will go out there and say yes, the Steelers are a Super Bowl contender, just because of their defense alone.

While dissecting the game, a few talked about the uncharacteristic interception thrown by Wilson late in the game when the Steelers had their best shot to put the ball in the end zone. But the breakdowns I watched overlooked what I think is the biggest issue with that play.

What was Darnell Washington doing? The guy is 6-7 and he didn’t even make an effort for the ball. Did he not realize there was a defender behind him? Ok, but he didn’t even try to catch the pass. Was it too far over his head? Maybe. But the guy didn’t even try. I’m not knocking his effort, but something was out of whack on that play. You have to help your quarterback out there.

I was happy to see Justin Fields in the game, obviously his 9-yard run was critical to getting the game-clinching first down in the final minute. But I think Fields coming in the game is something Coach T needs to explore when the team hits the red zone, or at least gets to the 10-yard line and in.

His threat to run is too much of a weapon, you have to use it more than you are.

I was extremely confident this week when making the Huddle Picks in picking the Steelers to beat the Ravens. Let’s be honest, they’ve owned the rivalry lately.

If I’m picking the winner of the Christmas Day game between the Steelers and the Chiefs, I’m picking the Steelers again. The Chiefs are a good team, but I still don’t think they’re 9-1 good. I guess that’s why they play the games, though.

Decisions to be made

So if I’m possessing the body of Omar Khan in the offseason, what do I do with Najee Harris. The team declined his option, so do you offer him a contract or do you let him test free agency?

He’s on pace for close to a 1,200-yard season. Is that good enough to warrant a long-term deal? Eh, maybe.

Warren could handle a bulk of the carries, but he’s missed some games due to some nagging injuries. Not a good thing for someone trying to show they can be the focal point at the running back position.

Running backs are a dime a dozen lately, but slowly but surely, the league is getting back into more bully ball then a fancy air attack league.

I offer Harris maybe a two-, three-year deal. But I’m not throwing a ton of money his way.

Next up, what about the quarterback position? Russell Wilson can walk. Do you let him? Fields is under contract through next season, so do you sign Wilson for another year and let Fields continue to sit?

I’d offer Wilson another one-year deal. Obviously, you’re going to have to pay more than you are this year thanks to the Broncos’ debacle with him. I think the success he’s had this season, and playing with a great defense on the other side of the ball, makes Pittsburgh the best landing spot for him again. He may take a discount, too. Again, thank you Denver and Sean Payton.