One thing is for sure, if the reported comments by the Captain are correct - to need to try n/wheel steering at the speeds we appear to have is a most definite last-ditch effort. It would normally cause such enormous loads on the nose-gear and large sideways forces on the a/c that is never normally used above about 60kts.
Indeed curious, and an urgent early diagnosis by the NTSB for 737 operators is a must.