The Pittsburgh Steelers badly needed a win at home following their disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, and they got it done with a 34-22 win over the Indianapolis Colts. As it usually is for the Steelers, it was an up-and-down performance on both sides of the ball, but it was a good day overall for the home team.
The offense had a few hiccups, but 34 points are hard to complain about. The same can be said of the defense, which kept star running back Jonathan Taylor in check and did just enough against the Colts' passing game to get the win.
There are still issues that need to be buttoned up, and more injuries at receiver could put more pressure on Jaylen Warren and the running game, but the instant reactions this week are far more positive for Pittsburgh.
Jaylen Warren's dominance, Aaron Rodgers' big day headline Pittsburgh Steelers Week 5 victory
Jaylen Warren is a top five running back in the NFL
Yeah, I said it. Since Rico Dowdle went down with a toe injury against the Patriots, Jaylen Warren has been on an absolute tear. 176 scrimmage yards, 126 scrimmage yards, and 188 scrimmage yards in the last three games, including his first two touchdowns of the season this week.
His dynamic tackle-breaking ability and explosive speed once he gets in the open field make him the most dangerous playmaker on the offense. As I have said after each of his other big games, the Steelers can't allow Dowdle's eventual return to disrupt what Warren has going right now. If it does, it will be a huge red flag for head coach Mike McCarthy.
Aaron Rodgers played his preferred game, and it actually worked!
Aaron Rodgers made a few nice plays out of the pocket this week, but this game was a perfect example of what he wants the passing game to look like. He had a 2.47-second time to throw and averaged just under five yards for his average depth of target, according to Sumer Sports. Luckily for Rodgers, his receivers racked up a ton of yards after the catch, and it led to a three-touchdown day for the 42-year-old.
As much as I despise it when the offense operates this way, I can't argue with the results this week. The Colts didn't do enough to stop it, so McCarthy and Rodgers just kept leaning on the short passing game and a few key runs from Warren. Will it work this well most weeks? No, but that is a discussion for a later date.
Steelers' accomplished their No. 1 goal on defense
The key to limiting the Colts' offense is very simple: Don't let Jonathan Taylor run wild. After a truly terrible tackling performance in Week 4, I had my doubts about whether the Steelers' defense could accomplish that. They certainly made me eat my words.
Taylor managed just 45 rushing yards on 15 carries, his lowest rushing output since Week 18 of last season. Pittsburgh kept him to the same total in last year's contest, so they may just have his number, considering he averages double that total per game in his career.
Germie Bernard shines despite a few shaky moments
Germie Bernard was far from perfect in this game. He had a few miscommunications with Rodgers, dropped at least two passes, and bobbled a few others that he ultimately came down with. Even with those hiccups, he led the Steelers in targets with nine and finished with six receptions for 80 yards.
He flashed his ability to create yards after the catch, and he seemed to settle in as the game went on. An injury to Michael Pittman Jr. forced him into the starting lineup, and injuries to Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek put even more pressure on the young receiver. Overall, I think he passed this test, and I hope Rodgers feels the same way.
Steelers' pass coverage is still a concern, especially against tight ends
The final numbers for the Colts' passing game were not particularly impressive. Daniel Jones went 24 of 44 for 267 yards, with no touchdowns or turnovers. However, that final stat line is a bit misleading. Through three quarters, Jones was 17 of 25 for 213 yards, and he was peppering tight end Tyler Warren with targets in the third quarter especially.
Even with the Steelers keeping Taylor in check, they allowed Jones to keep his offense moving for most of the game. It wasn't until the Steelers extended their lead to 31-22 in the fourth that the Colts began struggling. Until their battered secondary can start to gel, it may be tough to slow down any passing offense, even one as limited as the Colts'.
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