The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 5-3 on the season as they hung on for dear life in defeating the Tennessee Titans 20-16. Here are my thoughts as the game went on.
Offense
-Brilliant opening drive. Good mix of run and pass resulting in a Najee Harris TD.
-Kenny Pickett’s throws for much of the first half were sailing high. That’s a sign that his rib injury is more of an issue than thought. Very difficult to follow through with your throws.
-Pickett’s accuracy in the Red Zone has to improve. It’s that simple.
-Harris and Jaylen Warren were as complimentary of each other tonight as they’ve ever been. Harris ran 16 times for 69 yards and a score while Warren ran 11 times for 88 yards. This is exactly what you want to see out of your running game.
-O-Line doing a lot more pulling with both guards and tackles.
-Matt Canada may be on the sidelines but not getting the ball to George Pickens in the first half is a crime. He ended up with two receptions for -1 yard. It’s criminal.
-Pickens has to get that second foot down in the end zone in the third quarter. He’s done it so many times…
-I see no reason to go back to Chuks Okorafor. Broderick Jones did an excellent job at right tackle. His worst play actually resulted in the big run for Jaylen Warren down to the one.
-Good for Diontae Johnson. Finally getting in the end zone.
-Jones committed a stupid personal foul on the PAT following Johnson’s TD.
-Much better job of getting Najee Harris in between the tackles more often. It’s where he’s going to perform best this season.
-Good for Diontae Johnson. Finally getting in the end zone.
-The have to get more creative in situations where they are trying to run the clock out.
Defense
-Awful injury for Cole Holcomb. He was doing a nice job week in and week out. Not real sure why Teryl Austin had him covering DeAndre Hopkins though.
-Joey Porter, Jr walks a fine line when in coverage. As fans we have to realize he’s gonna get called and sometimes he’ll get away with it.
-Huge night for Alex Highsmith. Two sacks and five QB hits. He was a pain in the Titans’ side all night.
-I have a feeling we are going to hear at the end of the season that T.J. Watt has been far less than 100%. He just isn’t himself during the second half of recent games.
-Once Holcomb went down you could see how much worse the communication was for the secondary. Will Levis did a great job hanging in the pocket. He made quality throws when the pressure was closing in.
-Keeanu Benton played well. He’s only going to get better going forward. He occupies blockers and still gets up field on the pass rush too.
-Cam Heyward’s return was huge. Despite not being able to get in a ton of plays his presence makes everyone else better.
Special Teams
-Another perfect night for Chris Boswell. Ho-hum right??
-Really nice night for Pressley Harvin III. He averaged 50 yards per his four kicks and knocked three inside the 20.
Coaching
-Matt Canada, for the first time in his coordinating career, was down on the field calling plays. Curious to hear Mike Tomlin’s thoughts on the shift.
Up Next
The Steelers have a mini-bye now and will host the Green Bay Packers on November 12th.
