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Devastating special teams mistakes tell the tale in Steelers vs. Commanders game

The Steelers vs. Commanders game was riddled with special teams errors early. Here's where Pittsburgh must improve.

By Tommy Jaggi

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The Pittsburgh Steelers were looking to keep their hot streak going following their Week 9 bye. After winning three straight games, Mike Tomlin's team wanted to come out swinging in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders.

Despite Tomlin's 14-3 record after the bye and dominance against rookie quarterbacks, this game didn't go according to plan for the Steelers in the first half. Both teams struggled to move the ball, and Pittsburgh continued to show an inability to defend the read-option offense.

While there were struggles on both sides, this game was highlighted by critical special teams errors for both teams, which resulted in touchdowns surrendered. Early in the first quarter with the Steelers holding a 7-0 lead, Pittsburgh gave the ball back to Washington after throwing the ball on a fake punt on 3rd-and-18.

Miles Killebrew, the upback, recognized the situation and his pass was on target to James Pierre, but the special teams gunner let the ball slip through his hands. This resulted in an extremely short field for the Commanders, who punched in score after a three-play, 15-yard touchdown drive.

Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the Steelers's special teams answered back. Commanders' punt returner Olamide Zaccheaus muffed his second fumble of the game. This time, it was Ben Skowronek, who recently returned from IR, who scooped up the ball and put Pittsburgh's offense in an excellent position to score.

Steelers must shake off the rust

Despite their impressive three-game stretch before the bye week, it's clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers have some work to do to shake off the rust from their Week 9 bye. This team came out flat in Week 10 on both sides of the ball.

Just before time ticked down on the first half, the Steelers couldn't prevent the Commanders from punching the ball in the endzone to take a 17-14 lead heading into the tunnel. Now it's time to put it together.

The Steelers have a talent advantage over the Commanders, and they shouldn't have to rely on their special teams for help. It's time to put it together and show why this team belongs in the discussion as a true contender in 2024.

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