Stock Up/Stock Down Pittsburgh Week 8
Pittsburgh Steelers Cole Holcomb (55) reacts after recovering a fumble during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 29, 2023.
The current version of the Pittsburgh Steelers can be incredibly difficult to root for. When they win, it’s ugly. You convince yourself that that’s okay, that it’s maybe even a good thing. But when they lose that ugliness leaves you with the feeling of watching one of the worst teams in the league. It’s hard, on a week to week basis, to make complete sense out of my Tomlin Squad. One thing for certain: they continue to make similar mistakes every week. That is not the hallmark of an upper level team.
Here’s what’s trending up and down in Pittsburgh after their week 8 loss.
Stock Up
Since his return to the line-up last week, Johnson has 15 catches for 164 yards. Blessed with elite route running, Johnson has seemingly been wide open whenever his number is called. A lot of Steeler fans don’t want to admit this, but he is Pittsburgh’s best receiver. George Pickens has more raw talent without question, but when it comes to a complete receiver, Johnson is the guy.
Who knows how the game against Jacksonville turns out if Kenny Pickett hits Johnson on the Steelers first offensive play from scrimmage. Again Johnson was running free, only this time it was deep down the middle of the field which may have gone for a touchdown.
The Jaguars rolled coverage to Pickens’ side. leaving their secondary completely. Unfortunately, both Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky failed to look Johnson’s way enough. He was the hot hand that they should have kept riding.
Inside Linebackers
All three inside linebackers had an excellent game. Cole Holcomb was all over the place making plays. Elandon Roberts and Kwon Alexander easily had their best games as Steelers. Check out these stat lines.
Elandon Roberts had 5 tackles including one for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 2 quarterback hits. Cole Holcomb led the Steelers in tackles with 11, while Kwon Alexander also forced a fumble. The Steelers' inside linebackers played well today. #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) October 29, 2023
All three controlled the Jacksonville run game while making their presence felt in the passing game. While thought to be a liability to start the season, they have been a welcome surprise. Against the Jaguars, they consistently ran through the backside gaps on run downs to limit running lanes while also limiting shallow crossing routes in the passing game
Stock Down
If you didn’t watch garbage time, would you have known that Najee Harris played? It’s become abundantly clear that Jaylen Warren warrants more touches than Harris. The lack of explosion and vision was on full display as Harris ran 7 times for 13 yards. Now, there were not a lot of running lanes available, but when there were, he didn’t hit them.
The garbage time catches were about as irrelevant as his running yards. This one was a stinker for Harris, a trend that must change if the Steelers are going to be a contender.
“Chuks” didn’t have his best outing. He was beat on the 3rd play from scrimmage on a bull rush that resulted in a sack and set the tone for his afternoon.
He generated no push at the line of scrimmage on run plays and was constantly beaten in pass protection. The effort was there, but the technique, and unfortunately, the ability was not. I have long called for Dan Moore Jr to be moved to right tackle to replace Chuks. Today was another example of why this should happen sooner than later
Up Next