The Pittsburgh Steelers recovered from a slow start to stun the New York Jets 37-15. Here were my thoughts as the game unfolded.
Offense
-It’s clear the Steelers are doing different things with Russell Wilson in terms of play-calling. More deep shots and harder play-action boots away. Not surprisingly he’s been rusty at times but his line isn’t helping much either.
-Not sure how you go away from Wilson (16/29 264 yards 2TD) after his night. He’s the guy now barring injury.
-After a strong start Najee Harris (21 carries 102 yards TD) seemed to disappear the rest of the first half. Then boom! He had some huge runs in the second half.
-Say what you will for George Pickens (5 Rec. 111 yards TD) but I’m not sure I’ve seen a guy with hands like his. He makes some incredible catches.
-I’ve advocated – and will continue to do so – for Darnell Washington to get more opportunities in the passing game. The guy is literally a first down every time he catches it.
-Red Zone woes… First and goal at the three and we settle for a field goal. Good teams score TDs. Period.
-Jaylen Warren looked a lot more like himself tonight. He had 12 carries and 44 yards but the explosiveness was back.
-What a grab by Pat Freiermuth (2 Rec. 51 yards).
-Ryan McCollum did a really nice job in place of Zach Frazier. He seemed to get better as the game went on. Known for his communication, it was on display several times.
Defense
-The tackling has been atrocious. No other word for it. I have to believe Mike Tomlin chewed some asses at halftime because it was much better in the second half.
-T.J. Watt (1 tackle, 1 Pass Defensed) has been invisible in the first half. He ended up with a pass deflection but overall, had little impact. It’s not easy facing two and three blockers every play.
-Alex Highsmith wasn’t 100% back but he played hard and made some plays. Nearly got to Aaron Rodgers a few times.
-Beanie Bishop will continue to make some mistakes. He’s a rookie after all but he also made a terrific interception and some other plays as well. Check that, he had two picks!
-Payton Wilson (10 tackles) is working himself into a future star. His hustle is ridiculous and he’s a pretty solid tackler too.
-Not sure what else can be said about DeShon Elliott. He’s the best free agent signee of the season so far. Great in coverage and an excellent tackler.
Special Teams
-Chris Boswell, perfect again.
-Dean Lowry with a huge field goal block that would have pulled the Jets within five.
Coaching
-Danny Smith finds more ways to block kicks… He’s a guru of special teams.
-Credit Mike Tomlin. He rolled the dice starting Wilson and it paid off. There were plenty just dying to take him to task and it didn’t happen. That’s why he’s the coach and we aren’t.
Officiating
-Not surprisingly another bad night for these guys. After flagging Larry Ogunjobi for unnecessary roughness the Jets did the same thing at least twice in the first half and weren’t called.
-Saying Minkah Fitzpatrick used “leverage” to block that PAT is like saying the feather that landed next to Forrest Gump’s foot broke it. Just ridiculous.
Next week
The Steelers will host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
