Pittsburgh’s Stock Up/Stock Down After Week 11
Nov 19, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs with the ball en route to a touchdown during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The offensive inefficiencies caught up to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time in three weeks. With 1:42 left in the game, the Steelers had another opportunity to pull out a victory while not playing well on offense. Instead of driving for the game winning score, Pittsburgh threw three incomplete passes, ate up only took up 14 seconds, and allowed the Browns to drive for the game winning score.
This was a typical Steelers versus Browns defensive struggle. Lets take a look here at what’s trending up and down after a week 11 loss.
Stock Up
The offense seems to run smoother when Jaylen Warren is in the game. If that’s a knock on Najee Harris, so be it. But the simple fact is things happen when the ball is in Warren’s hands.
https://twitter.com/Blitz_Burgh/status/1726337795147378745
On his 74 yard touchdown run, he showed exactly what you want in a back. The elusiveness to break a tackle, then the burst and explosion to break away from defenders.
Jaylen Warren. I love this man. pic.twitter.com/1BfeireXfw
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) November 19, 2023
It was a crime he only received 12 touches in the game. Matt Canada must do a better job of understanding how the offense is responding to Warren’s play and must get him the ball more. Even if that limits the touches of Harris
The Steelers lost two middle linebackers over the last two weeks. Watching Robertson Sunday, you wouldn’t have noticed. While he struggled in coverage last week against the Packers, he excelled versus the Browns.
Setting a career high in tackles (15), Roberts was everywhere. But more importantly, he made every one on one tackle that was put in front of him without giving up many extra yards while in coverage against running backs. Cleveland seemed to target him and he was more than up to the task.
He was also a huge force in limiting Cleveland to only 96 yards on the ground. He is known as the running downs middle linebacker. He didn’t disappoint, especially in the 2nd half when the Browns struggled to find yards at all on offense.
Stock Down
This is the 2nd straight week Pickett has ended up here and for good reason. 106 yards on 15 completions is pathetic at best. Matt Canada didn’t help matters with the number of screens that were called. But Pickett’s refusal to throw the ball in the middle of the field is becoming a problem.
Against the Browns, he chose to throw check downs versus going through his progression and throwing the ball down the field. I understand Cleveland has an outstanding pass rush. But requirements for the job he has means he will take hits from time to time. That means holding the ball and getting through your reads to find the open receiver. He wanted no part of that on Sunday and it cost the Steelers dearly.
The communication with receivers also seemed to be an issue. More than once he and Diontae Johnson were not on the same page.
The one time Kenny Pickett had time to throw today and he did this…how can people even defend him anymore pic.twitter.com/oiP16ag1e0
— Mink Flow (@currypistonn) November 19, 2023
This has to be cleaned up if the Steelers want to progress as an offense. Mike Tomlin seemed to think Cleveland had a lot to do with Picketts struggles.
Tomlin didn’t even come close to criticizing Kenny Pickett after the game. pic.twitter.com/NalVTirjgy
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) November 19, 2023
I’m not sure Picket didn’t help them look better than they seemed to look.
Najee Harris
Najee Harris is completely frustrated with the offense. With what we saw on Sunday, it’s understandable.
A very telling 1:12 from Najee Harris postgame from 937 #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/nTUqldrvO9
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 19, 2023
However, he isn’t helping his case. The lack of vision and explosion he is showing versus his running back mate Warren is undeniable. The offense just has more explosion right now with Warren in the game.
While its not for a lack of trying, this is a results business. For Canada to give Harris more carries than Warren is truly a “FIRE MATT CANADA” offense. Moving forward, I suspect this will change, which will make it harder for Harris to show he can be an every down back and get the 5th year option he is looking for.
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