Steelers Defense Recaptures Its Throne

Steelers 17 Chargers 12

The Steelers suppressed the LA Rams, holding them to 3 points. Unfortunately the offense gave up 9 points en route to a 17-12 victory.

How good is this defense really? In this game, it held the Charges to 2 of 10 on 3rd down.  Further, it held the Chargers in check, preventing them from passing the 50 yard line on only 5 of 15 possessions.

Turnovers

The Steelers have recovered 12 fumbles and 14 interceptions, placing them second in turnovers to the Patriots.

In the course of the last decade, we have only exceeded 26 turnover twice IN A FULL SEASON!  In 2015 the Steelers had 17 fumble recoveries and 13 INTs (with Mike Mitchell getting 3 INTs).  Going back to 2010 Pittsburgh had 21 recoveries and 14 INTs, with Troy Polamalu getting 7 INTs.

The Black & Gold are currently #1 in QB pressures and  #2 in sacks (33). Speaking of which, Cam Heyward is now the 7th Steeler to have 50 career sacks. He joins an illustrious group: James Harrison, Jason Gildon, Joey Porter, Keith Willis, LaMarr Woodley, Greg Lloyd.

Remember the fear we endured each time an opposing QB dropped back to pass? Well we still have to nail down the middle of the field, but the Steelers are containing receivers, ranking #4 in the league in yards after catch.

Superstars: TJ Watt (3rd in the league in sacks), Minkah Fitzpatrick (1st in the league in 

                               INTs  Cam Heyward

Stars: Javon Hargrave, Bud Dupree, Steven Nelson, Devin Bush

Beasts: Joe Haden, Vince Williams, Mike “Silver Bullet” Hilton, Cam Sutton

Terrell Edmunds had his best game but wow he is borderline hopeless in coverage (can’t get his head around)

HEINZ FIELD - incredibly loud / big part of game

This was Mason Rudolph’s best game yet (but don’t be too excited). He threw a few more balls downfield (not just go-balls). It was his worst completion % of the season (57%), but he was victimized by his own receivers who dropped 5 passes.  It was also the most times he was sacked (3); but he’s the least-sacked QB in the league (9).

Although he was pretty poised as usual, he had the Same issues with lollipops to middle field and sailing passes over 10yds.   Unfortunately, this offense is still totally dink-n-dunk and the coaches don’t trust them to win game (another 3 & out run series instead of icing game in the 4th).

The Young WRs Give & Take Away

James Washington had a great red zone catch for a TD, but also allowed himself to be stripped while on his way to at 50 gain.

Diontae Johnson effectively ran his drag routes, pulling in 4 receptions for 64 yards, but dropping a 30 yard pass and fumbling a punt.

Juju Smith-Schuster had an early drop, but was able to get 20 yards on a slant catch, and pulled in a first down catch at the sideline on a free play.

Jaylen Samuels, ineffective in the ground game, managed a 3rd down drop .

There is huge POTENTIAL from this group: Washing is as advertised from preseason; Johnson UNREAL lateral quickness.

Mike Tomlin is proving his worth

This is where he is at his best - when team is counted out. He’s an incredible motivator. Unfortunately he offers no schematic advantages (Lebeau & Munchak helped). Credit to him though, for going for it on 4th down from our own 35 with 8 minutes left.

Upcoming Games

Could the Browns by a trap game or not? Are the Steelers feeling too good about themselves after this win streak?

Upcoming Schedule

Steelers: Browns, Bengals, Brown, Cardinals, Bills, JetsRavens: Texans, Rams, 49rs, Bills Jets