Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 things we learned in win over Vikings

3. Discipline Still a Problem

Against Cleveland, the Steelers were penalized 13 times for 143 yards. They cleaned up their act slightly against Minnesota, drawing 10 flags for 72 yards. Jesse James was called for holding late in the first. Artie Burns was called for pass interference, giving the Vikings a first down.

Fortunately, the Vikings had far bigger issues with penalties. They were called 11 times for 131 yards. The Steelers had a 4th and 1 turn into a first down after a false start, and the Minnesota defense was called for pass interference after another Steelers first down.  A Roethlisberger pass to Bryant on 2nd and 22 became a first down after another pass interference call. A Chris Boswell missed field goal became a Chris Boswell converted field goal after an illegal formation where the Vikings lined up in an illegal formation, their first of two such calls on the day.

While the Steelers were fortunate to win the penalty game against the Vikings, not every team they encounter will be as careless with the flags as Minnesota was. Ten penalties for 72 yards is certainly an improvement over week 1’s tally, but it may not cut it against playoff-caliber opposition.