It’s Time For A Complete Performance For Pittsburgh
Nov 19, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks with referee Shawn Hochuli (83) and line judge Tim Podraza (47) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
The one thing the Pittsburgh Steelers have been consistent about this season is their inconsistency. The defense is reliably stout, but the offense has taken one step forward only to take two (or three, or four…) steps back, making for an up-and-down 2023 that might have some fans reaching for a Dramamine pill.
Now the Arizona Cardinals are on deck, and they present Pittsburgh with a perfect opportunity to do something they haven’t done all season long: string together two impressive performances in a row.
While every opponent needs to be respected, the Cardinals are struggling. Some would even say they are tanking. If that’s the case, Pittsburgh needs to take full advantage and put together a confidence-building performance to build some momentum headed into the home stretch.
Is The Offense Really Better?
There is no denying the Steelers offense looked different one game post-Matt Canada. Even casual fans could see that Pittsburgh had a more cohesive plan to attack the Cincinnati Bengals.
From using motion, to throwing the ball out of heavy run formations, the offense looked like they had an evolving strategy that they lacked in the first 10 weeks of the season.
As everyone who has seen the Black and Gold play this season knows, the middle of the field has been a ghost town. Against Cincinnati, it came alive. We found out that you wouldn’t fall into a black hole if you run plays down the middle of the field. The very first snap of Pittsburgh’s opening possession, Kenny Pickett fired a strike to Pat Freiermuth deep down the middle to let everyone know the Steelers meant business with the new offensive regime.
Let’s pump the brakes just a bit. It was only one game. But if Pittsburgh comes out aggressive again, Arizona hasn’t shown they will put up much resistance. This is the best opportunity to build confidence and rhythm for a unit that desperately needs both.
The next evolution of the offense is to start putting up more points. While they looked much better against the Bengals, they still got bogged down in the red zone and produced just 16 points. The Los Angeles Rams went up and down the field versus the Cardinal last week, both running and passing to the tune of 457 total yards and 37 points. The Steelers have a complement of weapons capable of accumulating the same type of yardage and points. Look for the Pittsburgh offense to be aggressive early and often.
Defense Dominate Early
Every opponent in the NFL demands respect. Arizona is capable of putting up points if you let them. However, the Cardinals’ offense has a glaring flaw the Steelers can easily exploit: The offensive line is abysmal.
Yes, Kyler Murray has returned from last year’s ACL injury and has been decent. Hollywood Brown is always a dangerous receiver because of his speed. But the lack of a solid running game plays directly into the Steelers’ hands.
What makes Pittsburgh’s defense so good is they can get pressure on quarterbacks without blitzing. They are also able to take away the run and make teams one dimensional. The Cardinals were only able to muster 73 yards rushing against an average Rams run defense last week, and many of those yards were gained well after the game was decided.
Pittsburgh will look to be aggressive on early downs and eliminate the run to force Arizona into passing situations where the Steelers thrive. Alex Highsmith has been a little quiet the last few games. Expect him to be very loud against a lackluster Cardinals O-line.
Dominate The Day
The Steelers need a game that they dominate from start to finish. That can be tough in the NFL. Everyone is a paid professional. Also, let’s not define a dominant performance as a 35 point blowout. The Steelers just need to put together a complete game where all three phases of the game contribute for four quarters — something they have not yet accomplished this season.
With a perceived new lease on life on the offensive side of the ball, what better opportunity to finally do so than against a struggling Cardinals team.
If the defense continues to do what it has done all year long, this should be a good day to be a Steeler — and a Steelers fan. But they still have to execute. It won’t magically happen. Given their recent history of playing down to opponents, it would be great to break that trend and put their best foot forward in a well-rounded victory.
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