The Pittsburgh Steelers did the most important thing you can do on gameday – they won. They scored more points than did the Baltimore Ravens in winning 17-10 but as always, a lot of perspective is needed.
The effort that was so lacking last week in Houston was there. Guys blocked better and guys hustled and guys made key plays at the right time. After last week’s brutal showing it was evident that Mike Tomlin’s team got the message. What was also quite apparent was that the Steelers still have the same issues that have haunted them since the 2023 season kicked off. Heading into the BYE week will create the opportunity to further address these concerns.
The Offense is Still a Mess
Matt Canada’s offense mustered just 289 yards of total offense with 202 coming through the air. While they ran the ball 30 times, they did so for an average of just 2.9 yards per carry. To make matters worse or better, depending on your view, there is absolutely no doubt who the main running back should be.
Jaylen Warren often carried the offense on his back in the second half. He carried nine times for 40 yards and had three key receptions for 39 additional yards. While the numbers are solid it’s the obvious fact that he’s more dynamic as both a runner and receiver than Najee Harris. Don’t pay attention to where these two were drafted or not drafted in Warren’s case, pay attention to how they play.
Harris still serves a purpose as a short yardage guy and pass blocker but not admitting that Warren is the guy right now is being unfair and quite frankly, ignorant.
The offensive line had some up and down moments today but the weak link is becoming more and more obvious. Mason Cole is being attacked by opposing defensive coordinators and rightfully so. Cole is struggling to keep pass rushers from shoving him into Kenny Pickett’s lap and in the running game he’s getting little to no push. This has to be addressed in the offseason.
As for Canada, did you see the look at his face when Pickett hit George Pickens for the go-ahead score? He was the only one not celebrating and most believe it’s likely because Pickett made the decision to go deep to Pickens despite that not being the call. The fact that Pickett continues to have little to no ability to audible remains an issue but when he saw the Ravens go to “Zero” coverage, meaning Pickens was one on one, he went to it. I think we are all glad he did.
Canada’s play-calling remains a mystery. There’s little to no creativity and I’m quite certain your uncle in his basement can tell when runs vs passes are coming. While there is a ton of speculation that he could lose his job this week I’m not buying it. I’d like to, but I don’t see Mike Tomlin or Art Rooney II caving to the pressure.
I thought Kenny Pickett showed some good things today. There’s no way he’s 100% after the bone bruise/calf injury and he took some shots today but for as bad as some of his throws looked, he also threw some damn good balls too. If, and it’s a monumental “IF,” he gains confidence from today then he could get back to where he was when last season ended.
The Defense Has Problems Too
I don’t need to tell you that Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt cannot be expected to save this team every week. In five games this season, you could easily argue they’ve won two of the team’s three victories with monster plays. They have to have help and on more than just an occasional basis.
The signing of Cole Holcomb, especially at the price they paid, does not look good. He’s more than adequate taking on the run between the tackles but when the ball goes wide or when he has to cover against the pass, it’s a completely different ballgame and not in a good way.
Elandon Roberts is what he is. He’s a downhill run stopper or plays like his hair is on fire but the Steelers seem to understand his limitations. Kwon Alexander plays much the same way but he too has struggles especially against the run coming right at him. After rebuilding the entire position in the offseason there are still too many questions.
The cornerback position however is where the real problems exist. Patrick Peterson is likely headed to the Hall of Fame but it won’t be based on what he’s done in Pittsburgh. His tackling has been poor and he’s consistently getting beat in coverage. Opposite him is Levi Wallace who was the massive beneficiary of a Ravens’ receiver falling down today. If Zay Flowers doesn’t fall down then he’s likely still running. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Wallace get beat deep and it won’t be the last.
The secondary in general was bailed out several times today by Baltimore’s penchant for dropping passes. While I’m certainly not going to wish things went better, one had to feel for Lamar Jackson who probably deserved a better fate. Joey Porter, Jr had a huge interception today and regardless of whether the ball was poorly thrown or not, he made the play. It’s abundantly clear that there are situations Tomlin isn’t comfortable having Porter, Jr on the field but at some point that thinking has to change. Let him learn on the fly. He can’t be worse than what we’ve seen through five games.
Yes, the Steelers got a huge win today. It keeps them atop the division and gives them a tie-breaker over the Ravens. Yet let’s not act like today’s win didn’t come with some luck or fortunate plays that came in our favor. No one in the NFL will ever apologize for a win and the Steelers shouldn’t. But there is a long way to go and there’s much to be addressed between now and when the Steelers take the field in Los Angeles.
