It wasn’t always pretty, but the Pittsburgh Steelers notched a win over their hated rivals from Baltimore, 26-9.
Here are five things we learned.
1. The Offense
Blocking was a welcome addition to the Steelers’ offensive repertoire today, with Roosevelt Nix leading the way literally and figuratively in the first quarter, acting as a beacon for James Conner as the former Pitt Panther and fan favorite broke for 23 yards.
The offense kept a 16-play drive going for 10 minutes and 26 seconds in the first quarter, but could only earn a field goal out of it, despite rushing for 58 yards and passing for 46. Point production in the second increased after another field goal when Conner and Le’Veon Bell combined for 15 yards and a touchdown after an 18 yard Jesse James reception. JuJu Smith-Schuster earned himself another score right before halftime, but the offensive rolling lulled a bit when the two-point conversion attempt failed to convert.
Under center, Ben Roethlisberger went 18 for 30 on pass attempts for 216 yards and one touchdown, and Bell’s 35 carries went for 144 yards to compliment his four receptions for 42 yards, which tied him with Antoinio Brown as the team’s leading receiver.
All in all, a banner day for the Steelers’ offense, barring the lull experienced in the third quarter, especially in a tricky matchup like the one Baltimore often provides.