Fighter’s Mentality Led To Steelers Win Over Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) celebrates a reception against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of their game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
With key injuries on defense and a passing game mired with inconsistencies, the Pittsburgh Steelers pieced together a tough victory over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football.
After being out gained for the 8th straight contest, Pittsburgh relied on another strong defensive effort to stay within striking distance. Once again, quarterback Kenny Pickett showed poise down the stretch with another 4th quarter game winning drive. His 7th in his short two year career.
While the game again wasn’t perfect, the team seems to rally around its head coach. TJ Watt explains it best on why the team fights the way it does.
T.J. Watt on Prime postgame on playing for Mike Tomlin #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/Eu9UW2HjY7
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 3, 2023
Defense Came To Play
It was very apparent early in the contest that the defense was going to be ultra aggressive against the Titans. It led to five penalties in the first drive, including a ridiculous roughing the passer call that extended the drive.
The defense never really let Derrick Henry get loose. His longest run was 15 yards and he finished with 74 yards on 17 carries. Stopping him early before he got downhill was a focus the Steelers had coming into the contest. Getting all-pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward back from injury also helped.
Joey Porter Jr took the assignment of covering DeAndre Hopkins and made his presence felt. He jammed Hopkins often at the line of scrimmage which virtually took Hopkins out of a lot of passing plays. He also displayed tremendous technique running Hopkins into the side line and cutting off routes. Yes he was flagged a few times that hurt. But you teach that out of him. You can’t teach aggression which is what every good corner needs.
Joey Porter Jr. is going to be really, really good… #Steelers pic.twitter.com/HYDdVDiArV
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) November 3, 2023
Alex Highsmith seemed to be living in the Tennessee backfield after a 9 pressure and 2 sack performance. Having Watt on the opposite side no doubt helps with getting single coverage. His effort has been off the charts and as you can see, the results are a plenty.
.@steelers edge Alex Highsmith plays on the edge and delighted in hits to the rookie QB. Hard to find better and more productive edge rushers than Watt/Highsmith #HereWeGo #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/NbuwqamYZT
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 3, 2023
It wasn’t all roses for the defense as rookie quarterback Will Levis had his moments. Too many times on crucial downs he was throwing to wide open receivers. Whether it was breakdowns in coverage or just poor execution, it has to be cleaned up.
Mixed Bag Offense
Matt Canada made the big move from the booth to the sidelines to call plays for the first time in his Steelers career. While subtle, the move seemed to spark an underachieving offense.
For the first time this season, Pittsburgh took the opening drive of the game for a touchdown. The unpredictability that fans have been clamoring for was there.
The offensive line finally put their best 5 on the field. Broderick Jones made a surprise start at right tackle and again performed admirably if not excellent. He provides a much more physical aspect to the running game. Downhill power concepts are what this line excels at.
Steelers ran old-school Power for their first TD last night. Nice down blocks from the right side and a smooth wrap by LG Isaac Seumalo. With rookie Broderick Jones in the lineup at RT, maybe we’ll see more power concepts in the game-plan. 166 rushing yards vs TN says we should! pic.twitter.com/qOVDmwWq17
— Kevin Smith (@KTSmithFFSN) November 3, 2023
This was by far their best game of the season with 166 rushing yards and no sacks allowed. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris both ran hard downhill and got away from the dancing that has caused issues this season in the run game.
Pickett got off to a rough start. He missed several throws in the first half that would have extended drives and possibly led to scoring opportunities.To say he was off his game in the first half would be an understatement.
But as he has done so often, he rebounded and led a late 4th quarter touchdown drive that gave Pittsburgh the lead for good. Diontae Johnson caught his 1st touchdown since January of 2022.
DIONTAE JOHNSON SCORES HIS FIRST TOUCHDOWN SINCE 2021 😤
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/xD0W3MxKTG
— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) November 3, 2023
The late score was set up by Pickett’s best throw of the game. A 32 yarder on 3rd and 6 down the sideline to Johnson to keep the drive alive. For the 2nd straight week, Johnson was the best receiver on the field.
The huge 3rd & 6 play in the 4th from Kenny Pickett to Diontae Johnson versus man. Big-time throw! #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/IfevbS1bdJ
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 3, 2023
Sitting at 5-3 with a mini-bye week, the Steelers are in the hunt. The first order of business is to try and get as healthy as possible. The injury to Nate Holcomb looked to be devastating. Replacing him won’t be easy. Minkah Fitzpatrick being out left a glaring hole in the secondary. Hopefully he gets back to face the Packers.
While its not perfect, and may not be sustainable, this style of play has the Steelers fighting. Which is exactly how the head coach wants it.
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