The Steelers got a token of revenge against a Browns team that beat them just a few weeks ago, and they remain in the driver's seat of the AFC North. This wasn’t a pretty game though, as the offense came back down to earth and the defense had to pick up a lot of the slack. Heading into arguably the toughest stretch of the season, this team has to come up in big moments.
I deviated last week from my typical overreactions to ignore, I will keep that format for another week. This team has had quite a few noteworthy highlights in recent weeks, but these next three weeks will be the ultimate test for the team. They don’t have to be perfect, but they also can’t fold. Here are three overreactions to take heed of ahead of the Eagles game.
Steelers have a pair of underrated gems
Two names consistently stick out as players that this team really needs to consider keeping past this season. The first is Corliss Waitman. He has been a steady force since taking over, and while the coverage unit has excelled with James Pierre and Ben Skoronek as gunners, he is also delivering constantly great punts. He could easily remain past this season despite being just an injury replacement.
The other name is more recognizable in Elandon Roberts. He has been such an underrated signing for the team, and in his almost two years here has provided a spark at linebacker that this team has been lacking.
Roberts is getting older and struggles in coverage, but another cheap deal to keep him as a run stuffer and tone-setter should be on the docket for this offseason. He has earned it, and one could argue that he has been the best linebacker of the starters.
Steelers have a tough choice with Minkah Fitzpatrick
On a more somber note, the Steelers still aren’t getting elite-level play from Minkah Fitzpatrick. This isn’t to say he has been bad, but his role is becoming a talking point. In short, he isn’t getting the turnovers he once was, and while he is still a good center-field safety, his price point in a deflated safety market could force the team into some tough conversations.
Fitzpatrick is still a sound tackler and is good in coverage, but he also hasn’t been perfect. He has been out of position on occasion which has led to some blown coverages. If he isn’t getting the turnover, he needs to be lights out elsewhere. We haven’t seen that, and with cap space being hard to come by assuming a quarterback gets a new deal, Fitzpatrick could be on the hot seat.
READ MORE: Steelers saw what a Pickens-less offense looked like (and should be terrified)
Steelers have a George Pickens problem
As the Steelers dismantled their receiver room this offseason and rebuilt it solely around George Pickens, a major talking point was what happens if Pickens gets hurt. We saw what that looked like this week, as Pickens missed this week and the passing game was a shell of itself. Pickens is clearly the most important offensive weapon right now — a good place for him to be in ahead of a likely offseason extension.
The issue stems from his maturity issues. Can the Steelers confidently give him a mega-deal knowing his antics on and off the field? If they don’t can they build a competent receiver room essentially from the ground up? They are backed into a corner right now, and some tough choices will have to be made this offseason.