The Pittsburgh Steelers started their season with a solid defensive showing. Here is how the fans responded to the strong play.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense forced four turnovers and four sacks in the initial half of play in their Week 1 matchup. Providing a glimpse of what the highest-paid defense in the league is capable of this year.
Not only did this excite the fan base, but it got Jerome Bettis tweeting his excitement:
The entire @steelers team has showed up to play today!! This is the exact start to the game that we needed. #HereWeGo
— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) September 11, 2022
This high level of defensive play ignited what would create a 17-6 halftime lead for the Steelers. Bettis wasn’t the only blue check tweeting about the Steelers defense. Pat McAfee, was also impressed by their play.
This Steelers defense is hilariousssssss
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 11, 2022
Sacking Joe Burrow 4 times is something to get excited about. Especially after the Bengals spent their offseason replacing the former turnstiles that previously played offensive line for the team last year. One fan noted the anger the team was playing with:
This defense is angry.
— Mike Nicastro (@MikedUpSports1) September 11, 2022
Brian Flores is angry.
Mike Tomlin is angry.
Look out AFC North QB’s.
Every QB in this league should be afraid if they happen to line up opposite this Steeler defense. Andrew Fillipponi fan noted how frustrated Burrow was after seeing so much of Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt in just one half.
Joe Burrow is rattled. Joe Cool is Joe Concerned. Steelers D in his head.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) September 11, 2022
Another fan noted how much more effective this defense is when they can get to the quarterback and stop the run:
When the #Steelers are stopping the run, the defense becomes almost unstoppable.
— Josh DeLuca (@JoshDeLuca4) September 11, 2022
While the defense got most of the attention, the offense, in comparison, hardly got any. Frustratingly the Steelers’ offense, particularly the run, did not seem to find its groove.
One fan recognized the lack of production from Najee Harris:
Najee Harris currently has 9 total touches (7 carries, 2 targets) for a grand total of 15 yards
— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) September 11, 2022
The Steelers have played with the lead most of the game…
While the need to get the run game going is important, it is important to realize what the offense did well. The Steelers pulled off a nice flea flicker play that found Mitch Trubisky connecting with Pat Freiermuth on a deep pass.
Well that's a new one. Reverse flea flicker and Pat Freiermuth makes a great grab for 31. Good throw by Mitch Trubisky against pressure. #Steelers
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) September 11, 2022
As if the defensive play could not get any better, Minkah Fitzpatrick blocked the extra point that would have given the Steelers their first loss.
Of course they blocked it hahahahaha!!
— Matt Koll (@MKoll15) September 11, 2022
Special teams’ madness has seemed to be a trending theme through the overtime session. This image perfectly captured Chris Boswell and the entire city of Pittsburgh’s reaction.
words cannot describe this Steelers-Bengals game pic.twitter.com/jJWPxVk3ig
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 11, 2022
But luckily, Boswell, after bouncing a 55-yard field goal off the goal post, knocked a deep field goal for the win as time expired.