The playcall on the Steelers 3rd and 2 prior to Jeff Reed’s second missed field goal is getting a lot of criticism right now.
What should be known is that the end zone pass to Santonio Holmes was the third read according to offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.
The safe play was a pass in the flat to Hines Ward or Heath Miller but for an offense that has a franchise quarterback, you can’t fault Roethlisberger for looking to Holmes who had one-on-one coverage.
The ball was perfectly thrown and while the playing conditions played a factor in Holmes having a few drops on the afternoon, he needs to come up with that catch.
* What has been frustrating with the Steelers offense through the first two games is the lack of points their putting up. The Steelers have been moving the ball in the air with ease at times but they just don’t have that killer instinct yet.
*On the Steelers final scoring drive in the third quarter, Rashard Mendenhall had a reception for 13 yards and a 39 yard run which set up Ben Roethlisberger’s 2 yard touchdown run.
Mendenhall did not get another carry following his 39 yard run. Mendenhall’s 39 yard was a great call by Bruce Arians.
The Bears thought the Steelers were passing and Mendenhall got a great block from Chris Kemoeatu who pulled to the right side.
Still, after accumulating 52 yards on a 69 yard scoring drive, Tomlin went right back to Willie Parker, sticking to his 2-for-1 rotation.
Overall, the running game had another mediocre performance.
*Rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace made a few rookie mistakes throughout the game. On the Steelers final drive, Wallace hauled in a 10 yard reception at Chicago’s 25 yard line on a 2nd and 12. He had a prime opportunity on the play to fight for a couple extra yards but went out of bounds.
In reviewing some of the game tape inside linebacker Keyaron Fox struggled in,

pass coverage. A play that stood out to me was at 9:27 of the 4th quarter when Jay Cutler passed deep down the middle to tight end Greg Olsen for a 29 yard reception.
Fox bought the play-action pass and was left in no mans land as Olsen was wide open.
*The Steelers talked all week about Tyrone Carter being a legitimate starter in this league. They can keep telling themselves that…….