Heading into Week 3 of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, all eyes were on the offense and its utter lack of success over the first two games. Their opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, came into the game as one of the NFL's best defenses through two weeks. Naturally, the game was a high-scoring affair that Pittsburgh managed to win 30-27.
As happy as Steelers fans are to see the offense finally show signs of life in this game, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows on the field at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday.
The Bengals offense had plenty of success itself, and for the first time since his injury/contract holdout began, the absence of Joey Porter Jr. was very noticeable. Pittsburgh sat back in zone most of the afternoon, and it gave Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow way too many easy completions.
A win is a win at the end of the day, but this one had plenty of things to keep an eye on moving forward. Here are my instant reactions to the Steelers' upset win over the Bengals.
Pittsburgh Steelers offense shines, but the defense shows cracks in win over Bengals
Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy silenced their critics...for now
It was far from perfect, and they needed some help from a few crushing mistakes from Cincinnati (more on that later), but Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy finally started to bring this offense to life against the Bengals. They started white-hot with consecutive touchdowns, breaking a 69-game streak of scoring seven points or less in the first quarter (yes, you read that right).
Things were more up-and-down from there, with drops (including an interception off of Roman Wilson's hands) and a few missed throws from Rodgers keeping them from scoring even more points. Still, I liked many of the ideas they tried in this game, especially getting the ball to their tight ends and some of the pick routes to try and get guys open down the field. It was a positive step that they need to build on.
Jaylen Warren showed why he has to lead the backfield, regardless of Rico Dowdle's health
I was fully on board with the idea of bringing in another running back to pair with Jaylen Warren once Kenneth Gainwell left in free agency, and Rico Dowdle was a solid choice after putting up consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. But Warren showed in this game why he needs to be the focal point of the rushing attack, if not the entire offense.
He exploded for 127 yards on 17 carries, and he chipped in 49 receiving yards on just three recpetions. His contact balance, explosiveness, and ability to make people miss in the open field is too valuable to keep him off the field as much he was in the first two games. Dowdle can get his carries, but it's time to make Warren the clear No. 1.
Roman Wilson made big plays...for both teams
Roman Wilson started the game off with a bang, scoring on a 38-yard bomb from Rodgers to kick off the scoring. He made two other receptions, including a nice in-breaker for a first down. The problem? He also let a perfect ball go through his hands, landing in the waiting arms of Bengals safety Jordan Battle.
Wilson looks much better so far in his third season, but mistakes like that could quickly undo all of the progress he has made. Rodgers certainly won't keep looking his way if he doesn't trust him.
Max Iheanachor and Brock Hoffman breathed life into the offensive line
I will have to go back and watch the All-22 to really know for sure, but the switch to Max Iheanachor and Brock Hoffman on the right side of the Steelers' offensive line seemed to make a huge difference. While Dylan Cook wasn't a huge issue at right tackle, Spencer Anderson was struggling even before his leg injury.
The difference was most noticeable in the running game, where Pittsburgh was finally able to create some room for Warren to work with. Hoffman made some impressive run blocks, especially working in concert with Zach Frazier. In pass protection, Hoffman was also a clear upgrade over Anderson, with no notable mistakes that I could see live.
Iheanachor wasn't perfect, but he flashed the athleticism and strength that made him a first-round pick. Now, it's about seeing how quickly he can put it all together.
Patrick Graham had his first questionable game as Steelers DC
The defense ultimately won the Steelers the game, with Derrick Harmon's strip sack of Burrow ending any chance of a Bengals comeback. Still, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham struggled to keep the Bengals from marching down the field with ease for much of the game. Burrow completed his first 13 passes of the game, carving up the Steelers' soft zone coverage with little effort.
They ultimately managed to contest more passes throughout the game, but the lack of aggressiveness in coverage felt like they were conceding that they couldn't challenge Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins. Unless Joey Porter Jr. comes back, Graham may not be willing to use man more often. Speaking of...
Steelers secondary could really use an elite man-cover corner, anybody know of one?
The Porter situation has been analyzed to death at this point, including by us at Still Curtain. Still, until he either returns to the field or is traded/extended, he will continue to be one of the biggest talking points for the Steelers. As mentioned above, they could really use his skills in man coverage right now to help diversify their calls on defense.
By all accounts, he should be ready to return by next week if his back injury doesn't flare up, but will he be himself after skipping the entirety of the offseason work? Maybe, but it's not a guarantee.
Bengals special teams issues saved Steelers from a potential let down
The Steelers offense played well enough to get the win on Sunday, but they were certainly helped by a few special teams gaffes by the Bengals in this one. First, there was the roughing-the-kicker call that led to a Steelers touchdown to take a 24-20 lead. Then, former Steeler Ke'Shawn Williams muffed a punt late in the game, allowing Pittsburgh to tie the game 27-27.
Those two plays very well could have been the deciding factor, and it wouldn't be a Steelers upset win without a few lucky breaks like that. I'll take it, and I am sure McCarthy will too.
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