Home Steelers 2022 Season Steelers’ Rapid-Fire Thoughts as the Running Game Returns to Pittsburgh

Steelers’ Rapid-Fire Thoughts as the Running Game Returns to Pittsburgh

by Steeldad
steelcityblitz.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers came out of their BYE week with a lot to prove and so they did as they beat the New Orleans Saints 20-10 on a cold November afternoon in the Steel City. Here are my thoughts as the game unfolded.

Offense

-The running game came alive and I would argue they didn’t run it enough. Najee Harris (20 rushes 99 yards), Jaylen Warren (9 rushes 37 yards) and Kenny Pickett (8 rushes 51 yards TD) all contributed as did George Pickens who chipped in with two carries for 23 yards and a score. While the overall play-calling showed tremendous balance, there were too many instances where running the ball would have been prudent. Still, it was good to see a positive running attack.

-Pickett made a lot of plays today but he isn’t playing “well.” Too many throws are at or behind receivers and not enough are “throwing guys open” which is a must in the NFL. He wound up 18/30 for 199 yards but was sacked six times. Some of that was his O-line and some was his overall indecisiveness. Overall it was a good enough performance to be coupled with a strong defensive effort. But it needs to be better.

-Credit the O-Line with leading the way in the run game today but they were also on the struggle bus in pass protection at times. Dan Moore is having a sub-par season. Watch the film and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

-Diontae Johnson had the best day receiving with four receptions for 63 yards. Pat Freiermuth and Pickens had four and three receptions respectively. One could argue that Warren’s three receptions for 40 yards were the most important.

-George Pickens needs more targets. It isn’t that simple? Why not? His best asset is athleticism and he needs to be able to display on some go balls.

-The early answer to how they will move forward without Chase Claypool is that they’ll use the committee approach. From Steven Sims and Gunner Olszewski to Connor Heyward and Zach Gentry, there’s no question that Matt Canada will use a mix of personnel.

Defense

-The Steelers held the Saints to just 29 yards rushing and Alvin Kamara had 26 of those on eight carries. The return of both T.J. Watt and Larry Ogunjobi contributed to that.

-Speaking of Watt… he had four tackles and a QB hit and missed collecting a sack by about a yard. His presence made a huge difference for guys like Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith who didn’t see nearly as many double-teams as they’ve seen in weeks past.

-Highsmith was really good today. He had two sacks and a forced fumble plus he had a good day stopping the run too.

-With no Myles Jack today, Robert Spillane led with seven tackles including a big tackle for loss. He’s a liability in pass coverage but you know that and so does he.

-Great job by the secondary today. With no Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee stepped in fresh from the IR to collect an interception. Levi Wallace (INT), Arthur Maulet and Cam Sutton all played well.

-Devin Bush is what he is. Can’t see him returning next year despite his play picking up a tad this year. It’s just not enough to warrant bringing him back.

-The Steelers had just two sacks all day but they did enough to keep Andy Dalton on his toes. Watt and company were close on several occasions and those often resulted in poor throws.

Special Teams

-If Matthew Wright hasn’t already been cut by now then I don’t know what Mike Tomlin is waiting for. He brutally missed two field goals and his kickoffs were inconsistent as well. They have to find someone more reliable while Chris Boswell is out.

Coaching

-Matt Canada probably had his best overall day this year but his Red Zone play-calling was just plain bad. He’s not relying on the running game at all and is putting Kenny Pickett in difficult situations.

Feature image courtesy post-gazette.com

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