The Pittsburgh Steelers, coming off a brutal loss in Houston, found a way to get it done with a 17-10 win over Baltimore. Below are my thoughts as the game unfolded.
Offense
-First series we go run, run, pass and then run, run, pass and punt. That’s not a successful way of doing things.
-Once again zero creativity on display. No plays designed to get George Pickens the ball at all through first two drives. Lo and behold a big gain to him on the third drive!
-Steelers found some success with the no huddle on their third series. Sack on third down forced a punt but maybe they found something?
-If anything was learned it’s that you have to get George Pickens the ball. Period.
-Darnell Washington is going to be a constant number two tight end. I just don’t think he does enough as a receiver to suggest otherwise.
-There should no longer be any reason for Jaylen Warren to be behind Najee Harris on the depth chart. He’s a bigger threat on the ground and he’s a bigger threat as a receiver. I don’t believe it’s debatable any longer.
-This offense desperately needs Diontae Johnson too. More attention is going to be paid to George Pickens and with no Pat Freiermuth, Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin III will need to step up and I’m not sure they can consistently.
-Mason Cole is a massive liability in this offensive line. More and more we see teams attacking him in the middle of the line and it’s working. Look for center to be a top priority in the offseason.
-I thought Broderick Jones did a great job in is first pro start. Sure, there were some mistakes but he represented himself quite well in my opinion.
Defense
-Cole Holcomb is turning out to be a really poor signing. Every time there’s a big gain on the ground he’s likely part of the reason why.
-Trailing 10-0 in the second was fortunate. Ravens had at least three dropped passes including two in the end zone.
-No excuse not to see Joey Porter Jr more. Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace are sub-par. That used him down by the goal line and all he did was play a Lamar Jackson fade route perfectly and get an INT.
-Keeanu Benton is going to be a great player. Held constantly this game and still did a nice job.
-Fantastic hustle play by Larry Ogunjobi. His forced fumble allowed the Steelers to get three points.
-Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt once again making plays to win a game. Outstanding players who have a knack for coming up big at the right time.
-What a bizarre decision to not kick the field goal by John Harbaugh. He went for it on fourth and about five and the Steelers held.
Special Teams
-Brad Wing didn’t have quite the day he did last week, but he was still consistent and solid.
-No coach has had a better season than Danny Smith and once again he dialed up something big at the right time. Mile Killabrew’s blocked punt earned the team a safety and ultimately another field goal.
-Chris Boswell was 3/3 on his field goals today including the crucial one to extend the lead to seven.
-I don’t see how Mike Tomlin can keep Gunner Olszewski on this roster. Another costly fumble. He brings nothing valuable to this team.
Up Next
It’s a much needed BYE week and the speculation will run rampant about Matt Canada’s future. I don’t believe he’s going anywhere.
