The Pittsburgh Steelers got back to their winning ways this week, taking it to the Patriots and winning 21-14. If you watched the game, though, I wouldn’t blame you for being shocked.
For almost half of this game, the Steelers offense completely disappeared.
That said, the defense did its part, limiting the Patriots to just 14 points and forcing 5 turnovers. Considering this turn of events, the winners and losers list finds itself split.
Pittsburgh Steelers got a mixed bag of winners and losers from their Patriots win
Steelers Winner: Their star players
Bulking this into just one group, but a week after asking where the superstars were when the Steelers lost, they showed up this week. T.J. Watt posted two sacks and was dominate as a pass rusher. Cameron Heyward was stout as a run and pass defender. Meanwhile Jalen Ramsey had a solid day in coverage.
They needed every bit of it, but the defensive superstars showed up this week. Without them, this game would have easily been a loss.
Steelers Loser: Chuck Clark
Chuck Clark has been mostly as advertised this season. He is a steady member of the secondary, an average-at-best defender who can still provide quality snaps. However, he dropped two interceptions this week. He gave up ground to Jabrill Peppers, and his role may quickly shrink on defense.
Steelers Winner: Jaylen Warren
While the offensive talk this offseason was dominated by D.K. Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, Jonnu Smith, and Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren has been the true superstar of the offense. Despite no running lanes, he has been the heart and soul of the offense.
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While his overall stats don’t look great, the tape tells a different story. Warren ran hard and accounted for the majority of the yards on offense this week. The team needs to do better around him, but Warren has been pulling the weight of this team.
Steelers Loser: The Offensive Line
For the third week in a row, this offensive line failed to generate any push in the run game and struggled to protect their quarterback. Keeping Pat Meyer has quickly become the worst move of the offseason.
Steelers Winner: Jabrill Peppers
Peppers was mentioned earlier, but it looked like a good choice to give him more snaps this week. He flew all over the defense and was active in the run and pass game. Add in his forced fumble, and you have to be happy with his defensive debut.
Steelers Loser: Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers showed his age this week, and while his two touchdowns were key to winning the game, he looks like a far cry from his week one self. The offensive line has done him no favors, but he needs to make better decisions with the ball and improve his accuracy.