What Nobody Is Saying About The Win Over Tennessee
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) finds running room against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of their game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
Fly fishing is my favorite activity by far. A bad day on the water, as they say, is better than a good day at work. A good day on the water stays with you for weeks and months after you put your rods away. The difference between those days often has nothing to do with how many fish you catch, but rather the expectations before you even step into the water. If you look at your time spent standing in a river as a way to re-align yourself and connect with nature you likely won’t be disappointed with any result. On the other hand, if you are hoping for a personal best fish or record numbers, your margin for happiness is slim to none.
Kenny Pickett and the Steelers are currently suffering from the latter.
These are not necessarily self-inflicted expectations but from media pundits and fans all around the country. Headline topics on ESPN, CBS, and other outlets have been singing the chorus on refrain. Experts and analysts “can’t figure out” how they won another game after being outgained for the 8th time this season. They have been called pretenders and many claim Kenny Pickett is “terrible,” especially with the comparative lens with Will Levis on the other sideline.
If you read my articles, you know I am highly critical of all facets of the Steelers. These national claims, however, lack nuance and certainly are painting with a broad brush– something Coach Mike Tomlin never wants to do.
The offense has struggled this season, yes, but to conflate prior games with the Steelers’ Thursday night performance is off the mark. Emotions may suggest otherwise, so I will explain it to you with just the facts.
The Steelers were exceptional on third-down. Sure, they still have an issue with three-and-outs in the first half, but Pickett and the offense finished the game at exactly 50% on third downs. For those who aren’t aware, the team with the highest conversion rate on third down this season is across the state in Philadelphia. Their conversion rate? 50%. Despite the narrative in the national Steelers were well above prior games in that column.
The offense rushed for ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SIX yards and a touchdown on the ground. Tell me, Steelers faithful, if that is a number that disappoints you. The league leader in rushing per game is held by the “fastest show on turf,” the Miami Dolphins. They sit at 151 yards per game.
Many were frustrated by Kenny’s missed throws early in the game. A lot of meat was left on the bone in the second quarter by Pickett. An over-the-top throw to Calvin Austin III looked like it could have been a beautiful recreation of the first-half touchdown against the Raiders. It wasn’t. Nevertheless, Kenny threw not one, but two touchdown passes against the Titans. I know, the stats show only one. As I said, I’m using facts to make my case. Well, the fact of the matter is, Kenny’s pass to George Pickens in the endzone was a touchdown throw, it just wasn’t a touchdown catch. That was a perfect ball and the Steelers should have easily come away from seven on that drive.
Finally, the elephant in the room. The Titans outgained the Steelers despite the loss. Yes, they did. The Titans finished with 340 total yards to the Steelers 326. Both fall in the middle of the pack for league averages this season. It is worth noting that the Steelers’ strategy handicapped the offense. I don’t have any complaints with the decision, but the fact of the matter is, with over two minutes left in the game, the Steelers rushed three times in a row and gave the ball back to the Titans. In prevent defense, the Titans drove 65 yards before Levis’ interception to Kwan Alexander.
The numbers are the numbers, but I’m more than comfortable with the reasoning behind it. As I step back from my soap box, I will mention that Kenny Pickett threw multiple darts in this game, one particularly that went just over the head of a Tennessee defender as it dropped right into the bucket for Diontae Johnson on the sideline. Oh, and he threw zero interceptions, again.
The Steelers have a lot to work on, and plenty to clean up, but this is a step in the right direction. Perhaps Matt Canada transforms into Kyle Shanahan when he walks out of the tunnel instead of into the box. Time will tell, but it isn’t difficult to understand how the Steelers won this game.
Up Next