A Tale Of Two Halves Leads To Steelers Win
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
For the sixth consecutive game, the Pittsburgh Steelers came out of the gate sleepwalking. The Los Angeles Rams took the fight to the Black and Gold and controlled both sides of the ball early. If not for several untimely miscues, the home team would have had a larger lead at halftime than the 9-3 they obtained.
But just as it has in the previous three Steeler wins, halftime made all the difference. A different team took the field with more aggression and confidence. after the break. Led by a TJ Watt Interception three plays into the 2nd half, Pittsburgh got right back in the game with a touchdown to take the lead.
From there the Steelers found their stride and started to attack the Rams defense in a variety of ways keeping LA off balance. The defense stiffened and held the Rams from threatening the rest of the way.
It was truly a tale of two halves. Let’s Take a look at the top takeaways from the win.
The Defense Bent But Didn’t Break
The Rams pretty much got what they wanted in the first half.
Both Darrell Henderson Jr and Royce Freeman attack the middle of the Steelers defense at will. The line double teamed at the point of attack and used quick hitting running plays that seemed to frustrate the Steelers defense. Puka Nacua ran through the defense light a hot knife through butter for 154 yards on 8 catches. He destroyed Pittsburgh’s cover 2 zone with excellent corner routes. He forced the Steelers to go man to man coverage which was not the original plan considering the weapons the Rams possess.
Yet the 2nd half saw the Steelers turn up the pressure a notch. It didn’t result in a ton of sacks, but they were able to move Matthew Stafford off his mark and make him very uncomfortable. They were able to get off the field on 4 straight third down situations which was a huge turning point in the game. They had given up a lot but came through when it mattered most.
Give Matt Canada His Props
The issues with Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada are well documented. But we are not being fair if we can’t acknowledge when he calls a decent game. While not perfect, the imagination and play concepts were something all Steeler fans have been looking for.
Pittsburgh ran the ball with success, and it wasn’t by accident. Canada mixed up inside and outside running plays on non running downs and for the most part, kept LA off balance. The offensive line rewarded Canada’s play calling with a perfectly blocked outside zone that turned into a Jaylen Warren touchdown.
Seumalo to the second level, Washington kick out, Cole holding the nose, Warren with the cutback.
Probably best run blocked play since the Warren TD in the preseason. pic.twitter.com/VtW52whh52
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) October 22, 2023
I’ve said all along that Canada was not the only issue with the Steelers offense. If he is going to be the OC the rest of the season, we need to see him build on this success.
The Offensive Stars Were Stars
Mike Tomlin perfectly summed up the effect of Diontae Johnson returning to the line up.
“They couldn’t lock in on 14 [George Pickens]. They gotta play straight up and it was evident.”
The Pittsburgh offense is just different when he is out there. Gifted as an outstanding route runner, the Rams were forced to account for him which opened up things on the other side for Pickens who had his second straight 100 yard receiving game and is blossoming into a real star. I understand that he killed two separate drives with silly penalties but his talent can’t be denied. We can literally see him becoming a better receiver right before our eyes. Having Johnson back is only going to help further his development
In addition to helping his teammate it was great to see him in good form again with this 39 yard catch and run to start the fourth quarter.
Great throw and route 👌 #steelers #kennypickett #diontaejohnson
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) October 22, 2023
Kenny Pickett again had a solid game and is at his best when the money is on the line. The play calling really helped Pickett find a groove in the 2nd half and he was smooth with his throws. The accuracy that had evaded him early in the season has returned and so has his confidence.
Against the Rams, he used the enormous catch radius of Pickens and the route running Johnson to move the ball for an efficient 230 yards through the air. It was good to see the unit starting to click a bit.
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