The O-Line Is Coming Together In Pittsburgh, But Pickett Is Not
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
For the 2nd week in a row, the Steelers took the opening drive down for the 1st score of the game. They also scored a touchdown on their 2nd possession en route to a tough 23-19 victory over the Green Bay Packers. While out gained for the 9th straight game and with the defense playing surprisingly spotty at best, the team from the Steel City leaned on their much maligned offensive line to lead them to victory.
Moving to 6-3 on the season, let’s take a look at what happened versus the Packers.
Defensive Injuries Are Starting To Mount
Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the injuries on defense but refuses to let that be a distraction or an excuse.
“There’s a lot of things to be concerned about during the course of this journey. Injury is part of the game. It’s as much a part of the game as blocking and tackling. I’ve learned over the years not to worry about those that are not available to me but to focus my energies on those that are available to me, to make sure that they are ready and prepared and focused, and so that’s my general mindset regarding injuries.”
Yet, you can see that the middle linebacker position is starting to take a beating. Already down starter Cole Holcomb for the season, Kwon Alexander went down with what Tomlin called “a significant lower leg injury that we are evaluating. But not promising there”.
It’s starting to affect what the Steelers are doing on defense. But maybe not where you think. The passing game has suffered the most. Landon Roberts is a leader and does his best. But coverage is not where he excels. Getting all-pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back from a hamstring injury absolutely changes this for the back 7 of the defense.
Jordan Love wasn’t great, but still managed to throw for 289 yards. Even with the two interceptions, he was still able to find wide open holes in the Steelers zone coverage that had the Packers in position to win.
The rush defense looks entirely different with Cam Heyward back in the lineup. Outside of one long 40 yard run, Pittsburgh held the Packers in check running the ball. Rookie Keeanu Benton has proven to be a capable run stuffer up the middle.
Offense Is Starting To Cook
I’m not sure you will find anyone that hasn’t said “FIRE MATT CANADA” in the last year. But for the last month, Canada has been cooking.
But let’s pump the brakes and give credit where credit is due. The offensive line has also been cooking. The insertion of Broderick Jones to the starting lineup has paid huge dividends. Jones athleticism and ability to climb to the next level allows the running game more blocking schemes that can be effective.
I really love what I'm seeing from the Steelers OL today. Issac Seumalo pulling and Broderick Jones blocking a LB at the second level is a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/CF3srN4dHv
— Billy Hartford (@CamHeywardFan) November 12, 2023
One thing we all know, “Chuks” can’t make this block which is why this play was never called.
Watch Broderick Jones move. So athletic. Huge block. Thank God Chuks ran his mouth. pic.twitter.com/WeqrZMtpSi
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) November 12, 2023
Lets also give credit to Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris. The vision for both of these guys was outstanding versus the Packers. Warren always brings plenty of explosion to every snap. Versus Green Bay, Harris did as well.
Come On Kenny Pickett
Everything can’t be rainbows and sunshine. Kenny Pickett has to start making plays down the middle of the field. Yes Pat Friermuth is still out, but other guys have been open down the middle. This passing chart will give you a better understanding. You have to at least to attempt to challenge the defense down the middle.
Kenny Pickett's passing chart pic.twitter.com/g0ETh7g2aG
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) November 12, 2023
With Green Bay’s best corner, Jaire Alexander out, you would have thought Diontae Johnson or George Pickens would have had a field day against the lackluster Packers secondary. They combined for 4 catches for 62 yards on 8 targets. That’s not near enough. So if you want to get after Canada for something, this might be it.
Even when the running game was running smoothly, the passing game sputtered and it cost opportunities to score touchdowns or to keep drives alive.
Not throwing an interception in 147 passes is commendable. But if that means your not going to take chances down the field then you’re really putting the offense at a disadvantage. In order to keep a defense honest, you must attack them down the field. If not, say goodbye to this running game we have enjoyed the last few weeks because teams will not be afraid of you throwing the ball over their head.
In several of the previous wins this season, it seemed like the Steelers found a way to win after being thoroughly outplayed. That was not the case versus the Packers. This was a game where Pittsburgh let them stay in the game with missed opportunities and silly penalties. Going into Cleveland next week, sound football will be required to come out of their with aa win.
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