Worst thing from the Steelers victory: Pass defense
Pittsburgh’s defense has been the strength of this team for a while, but that wasn’t the case Monday night. Not only did they allow 136 rushing yards, but they let Justin Fields find his rhythm and pick the secondary apart completing 17-of-29 passes for 291 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Fields to Robinson on 3rd & 2! #DaBears
— NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2021
📺: #CHIvsPIT on ESPN
📱: https://t.co/leKnrGxv9H pic.twitter.com/kMbrCf5Qsw
The Steelers front did their best to rough up Fields, but he remained calm in the pocket and found holes in the defense’s coverage all night. Especially down the clutch, Fields was able to pick up chunk plays and lead Chicago on a drive to take the lead with 1:46 left.
The 291 yards thrown by Fields was his career high, and it would have come in a victory if Pittsburgh’s offense and Chris Boswell didn’t bail out the Steelers’ defense.
Justin Fields had most of his production when pushing the ball down the field, completing 9 of 16 passes traveling 10+ air yards for 225 yards and a TD (+9.6% CPOE).
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 9, 2021
Fields averaged 15.7 air yards/attempt, the 2nd-most by a QB in a game this season.#CHIvsPIT | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/L4agkzuWRY
The Steelers defense has lifted Pittsburgh to several victories, so it’s fine that the favor was returned this time, but the secondary’s performance was troubling. With an inconsistent offense, the Steelers defense has been leaned on as the rock of this franchise, and they give the team the best chance to compete moving forward.
If Pittsburgh wants to win the division and make a run in the playoffs, the defense must correct whatever was holding them back yesterday. The offense finally seems to be turning the corner for the better, it’s not time for the defense to regress.