Steelers fans are disgusted after abysmal team performance overshadows Kenny Pickett’s starting debut. Here is how fans reacted on Twitter.
One throw was all it took for Josh Allen to absolutely shatter any hope that the Steelers could pull off the impossible. As the Super Bowl favorites, the Buffalo Bills are a daunting opponent for any team in the league. But with the starting debut of Kenny Pickett, Steelers fans had plenty of optimism that their team could take down the Bills.
Things were looking up for the Steelers after the opening sequence. The Steelers pinned the Bills deep in their own territory on the opening kickoff. After being stuffed near the goal line on consecutive plays, Allen unleashed a deep pass to Gabe Davis for a 98-yard touchdown pass.
Disappointing, yes, but expected from one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Setting the tone for the Steelers’ play, James Pierre received the first kickoff and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Buffalo.
The lackluster defense and special teams play by the Steelers prompted one tweet to sarcastically point out its lack of preparedness.
What a well coached, well prepared team!
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) October 9, 2022
Despite the Bills offensive firepower, they could not convert the turnover into points. The Steelers defense stepped up for a big stop.
Kenny Pickett took the field and led the offense on the most impressive opening drive of the season. The offense was efficient, the run game started strong and Pickett was connecting with receivers downfield. They converted on third downs and were able to get additional yards after the catch.
The drive ended in a Chris Boswell field goal and it looked like fans were in for an exciting game.
All things considered after that abysmal start, things could be a lot worse right now. Steelers only down 7-3.
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) October 9, 2022
Fans enjoyed the new exciting offense.
This Steelers offense is actually fun to watch again. And it feels like it has an actual chance to move down the field.
— Matt Koll (@MKoll15) October 9, 2022
One fan was happy to see George Pickens knock a defender down with a strong block during the first possession.
An impressive opening drive is all the Steelers could create. There were exciting plays that were overshadowed by disappointing drops from the receiving corp.
Offense not exactly helping out Pickett here. Penalties and dropped passes won't do it versus Buffalo.
— Steelers Takeaways 🌗 (@PittsburghSport) October 9, 2022
The frustration had been brewing for a few games.
I have had it with Diontae Johnson dropping footballs
— Joey (@JoeyMulinaro) October 9, 2022
Kenny Pickett is never going to throw an NFL touchdown pass because his offensive coordinator is inept and his WR1 can't catch.
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) October 9, 2022
It’s been five games and no Steeler WR has a receiving touchdown yet.
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) October 9, 2022
This offense is torture on the eyes.
The fans were fed up with the lack of catching ability displayed by the talented receivers of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The running game stalled after the first half and returned late in the fourth quarter.
Down 35 points, the Steelers decided to let Jaylen Warren get some reps. Warren made a case to be considered the starting running back. Unlike Najee Harris, Warren was hitting the holes with speed and force. Warren initiated contact with the defenders and imposed his will on them.
Warren displayed the example of “running downhill.” He provided a spark to the run game, similar to the spark Pickett provided in his debut against the Jets. Warren could amplify the run game by splitting carries with Harris moving forward.
Jaylen Warren has just done more this drive than Najee Harris has done this season.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) October 9, 2022
Steelers fans learned a lot about their team this afternoon, and things are not looking good. Below are an array of different grievances that were aired on social media.
kenny pickett is the real deal. this just isn’t a very good football team
— jordan defigio (@fidgenewton) October 9, 2022
Truly, one of the worst coaching jobs I’ve ever seen from the Steelers. Terrible defense, terrible special teams, terrible decisions, terrible attitude, and they did little to help Pickett.
— Chris Dokish (@ChrisDokish) October 9, 2022
It's a feeling I and many Steelers fans haven't experienced before.
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) October 9, 2022
The Steelers are a bad team. Not underwhelming. Not average. Just bad.
Steelers may be the worst team in the NFL. It's hard to find something positive about them at this point. Everything is flawed.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) October 9, 2022
Finally, one tweet foreshadowed what kind of season the Steelers could end up having.
The 35-point loss in the worst since Mike Tomlin became coach and the worst since a 51-0 loss to the Cleveland Browns in the 1989 season opener.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) October 9, 2022
Things are certainly looking bleak for the Steelers as they endeavor down the toughest stretch of their schedule.