Change Leads the Way For Pittsburgh
Syndication: The Enquirer
The Pittsburgh Steelers made the essential move to change their offensive coordinator and immediately found success. Although it was just one game, the play calling of QB coach Mike Sullivan and game plan of new OC Eddie Faulkner had focus and purpose, something the Steelers’ offense lacked all season long.
Against a stingy Cincinnati Bengals defense, the Pittsburgh offense displayed an imagination and pop that fans had longed to see. The Steelers were able to eclipse the 400 total yard mark for the first time in 59 games, spreading the ball around to all their weapons.
The defense got into the act too, limiting the Bengals’ offense to 222 total yards and sacking rookie quarterback Jake Browning four times. By limiting the Bengals’ running game (to the tune of a measly 25 yards), the Black-and-Gold defense gave the offense an opportunity to get a lead they never relinquished.
Pickett Came To Play
Right from the start, Kenny Pickett showed he intends to be a different quarterback the final seven games. To start, he went deep down the middle of the field to finally healthy tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Pat Freiermuth vs the Bengals:
🔘 9 receptions
🔘 120 yards
🔘 32 yards over expected pic.twitter.com/FMLLBGXkJV— Zachary Smith (@ZacharySmithPGH) November 26, 2023
The middle of the field was a dead zone with Matt Canada as the OC. Versus the Bengals, Pickett used the middle of the field with continued success. This week’s passing chart shows that the second-year signal caller sprayed the ball to all parts of the field.
Kenny Pickett's passing chart looks a lot different this week pic.twitter.com/W2OtCPRKzP
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) November 26, 2023
A lot of pressure was put on Pickett after the Canada firing. His performance last week against Cleveland left a lot to be desired. This week he showed poise and confidence the likes of which we haven’t seen all season long. While not every throw was perfect, he displayed greater accuracy than we have seen out of the Steel City this year.
Defense Continues To Shine
On a day when all the talk is about the offense, the Steelers defense continued their dominant ways.
The Steelers completely eliminated the Bengals’ ground attack. The Bengals would have liked to be able to lean on a solid running game given that their QB was making his debut start, but Pittsburgh just wouldn’t allow it.
The Steelers were also able to keep superstar Ja’Marr Chase under control. Chase finished with 81 yards, 31 of which came on one catch. Joey Porter Jr.continues to solidify his reputation as a solid cover corner, even in his first year.
T.J. Watt was unblockable as ever, posting two sacks, two QB hits, and a tackle for a loss. He also showed up in pass coverage. With his never-ending motor, he again is staking his claim to Defensive Player of the Year.
TJ Watt strikes/sheds the TE, then chop/club the blocker’s outside arm. @_TJWatt arm drags to clear & get the sack. Effort will never betray you! #passrush #steelers #steelersnation #herewego pic.twitter.com/lVTu0vWpej
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) November 26, 2023
A Team Galvanized By Adversity
The Canada firing clearly had an effect on the entire team. With reports of in-house fighting between Diontae Johnson and Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh was in need of something to change the narrative. A great showing against Cincinnati should go a long way.
Nobody wants to see someone lose their job, but in this performance-based business, Canada was simply not getting it done. Head coach Mike Tomlin was in extreme danger of losing the locker room. He was forced to make a move.
Even with only the 16 points scored today, you could tell this was a different Steelers team that took the field in Cincinnati. Sure, mistakes sometimes caused the offense to bog down and not score, but it was a far cry from their early-season struggles when they were flatly unable to make plays or gain any momentum.
Looking ahead, the Steelers have a real chance to make some noise and possibly separate themselves within the division. If they continue to make necessary adjustments, Pittsburgh can have the season they hoped for before the surprising instability of the early fall.
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