2 remarkable Steelers performances stole the show in Week 6 vs. Raiders

The Steelers secured a decisive Week 6 victory, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 32-13. The first half followed a familiar pattern, with a mix of ups and downs, but everything changed after halftime. The Steelers turned up the heat, capitalizing on forced turnovers and establishing a strong ground game. This allowed Pittsburgh to maintain its momentum and close out the game in dominant fashion.

Two standout players were instrumental in this win, delivering exceptional performances that made all the difference. Their efforts were key to ensuring the Steelers could head back home with a much-needed victory.

With this win under their belts, Pittsburgh is eager to keep the momentum going and get back in the win column again on Sunday night.

Players of the game: TJ Watt & Najee Harris

TJ Watt

Another week, another standout performance from T.J. Watt. He’s the very definition of a generational talent and a true game-wrecker. Once again, he carried the defense, forcing two crucial fumbles—including a pivotal one on the goal line that effectively shut down any chance of a Raiders comeback.

While Watt didn’t record a sack this game, his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet; his ability to disrupt offenses is unmatched.

There’s simply no other defensive player in the league who consistently makes the kind of game-changing plays that Watt does. With his dominant performances so far this season, he’s a clear frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year.

Najee Harris

At last, we finally witnessed a breakout performance from Najee Harris this season. After a slow start this year, his game against the Raiders was great to see. Harris ran like a man possessed and was a key contributor early on, showcasing his skills in the passing game.

In the second half, he broke free for an impressive 36-yard touchdown run. For the ground game to maintain its potential dominance, Najee Harris must continue to play at this level. This performance is a positive step forward, as he finished with 14 carries for 106 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Thoughts from the game:

While the scoreboard shows a win, the Steelers still face significant issues on the offensive side of the ball. It was encouraging to see the offense finally find the end zone and the running game gain some momentum. However, this performance came against a struggling Raiders team, and Justin Fields, along with the rest of the offense, needs to demonstrate more in the passing game.

As they prepare to face a strong Jets defense on Sunday, this offense must elevate its performance. From play calling to the execution of each individual position group, improvement is essential. Relying on favorable field position and penalty calls that benefited Pittsburgh won't be a consistent advantage.

On a positive note, the defense returned to its dominant form after two weeks of subpar play for such a talented group. As they gear up to face Aaron Rodgers next week, they must maintain the level of intensity they displayed against the Raiders to secure a tough victory on Sunday night.