Roman Wilson and Cole Holcomb Benchings Leave Fans Scratching Heads
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't use much of two names many expected to see in their opening game against the New York Jets. Despite a win, and a strong offensive performance, there were questions leaving MetLife Stadium, and two of them revolved around why these players didn't see much - or any - playing time.
On offense, Roman Wilson was the odd man out in the receiving game. After a summer of Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan talking him up, and many insiders claiming the team shut down their wide receiver search because of their expectations in him, Wilson played just 10 snaps on offense.
Why? Well, because the team has other options. And while some may say it's a bad thing that the Steelers didn't utilize their second-year wideout like the fans and the media expected, it may be the best thing for the team, and doesn't hold Wilson back as many as some believe.
On defense, Cole Holcomb waited an entire season to be back in the defense and step foot in an NFL game again. His knee injury was devastating, but the Steelers held on in hopes that he'd one day be able to play again.
That is happening, but after a summer of working as the team's primary backup, Holcomb didn't see the field in Week 1. Instead, Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen played nearly every snap, and Malik Harrison came in off the bench to relieve them.
Honestly, the Steelers' defensive decision made less sense than their offensive. Wilson is in the midst of a crowded receiving core with multiple starters at wide receiver and tight end.
Holcomb, on the other hand, is part of a linebacking core that didn't play well against the Jets. Wilson struggled and Queen didn't do much better, and the Steelers found almost no success across the board on defense, but specifically in the ground game.
Holcomb provides more of a downhill threat, but head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Tery Austin didn't deem is neccassary to try him. Maybe a change of mindset could be the difference maker in their defense improving in Week 2.
Browns Make Notable Move In Latest Power Rankings
The Cleveland Browns entered the season with big questions, especially on offense.
They looked much better than some people anticipated in Week 1, and while the Cincinnati Bengals have never been a barometer to determine whether a team is a true contender, the Browns held their ground.
Unfortunately, outplaying them and being better than the Bengals in almost every aspect of the game didn’t get the Browns a victory.
Yet, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report has acknowledged that they were better than anticipated, and he bumped them up from No. 30 to No. 27 in his power rankings.
“Silver linings time, Browns fans! Sure, Cleveland just outplayed the Cincinnati Bengals in just about every facet of the game. Out-gained the Bengals 321-147. The Browns converted over half of their third-down attempts. Yet in the most Cleveland way imaginable (two tipped-ball interceptions and a pair of missed kicks, including an extra point), the Browns managed to somehow lose the game. Yes, the Browns need a new kicker (buh-bye, Andre Szmyt). Cleveland also desperately needs Quinshon Judkins to get up to speed quickly. The Browns averaged all of two yards per carry on the ground against a bad Bengals defense,” Davenport wrote.
The Browns open the season with a difficult schedule, so this was a loss they couldn’t afford.
They were the better team, and there are encouraging signs for the remainder of the season, but with two divisional games, three games against highly ranked NFC North teams, and one of those games being played overseas, things don’t get any easier.
The Browns were at home, in front of their fans, and let a huge opportunity slip through their fingers.
That’s not the sign of a winning team, and head coach Kevin Stefanski will have to make sure to keep the morale high ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the powerful Baltimore Ravens.
The Browns are arguably much better and more competitive than most people give them credit for.
Now, they face a tough test on the road against Baltimore, perhaps the only other NFL team that squandered a better chance to win its opener.
