The Steelers secured another divisional victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Despite a rocky start that left Steelers Nation worried, the team rallied together, showcasing their strength across all three facets of the game, and secured the win in Week 14.
With a record of 10-3, the Steelers are on track to capture the AFC North title, provided they address three key issues.
Starting fast must be top priority for Russell Wilson and Co.
The Steelers' offense faced a familiar challenge as they struggled to put together a TD drive in the first quarter. Although superstar WR George Pickens was sidelined, the well-known 'next man up' mentality — a hallmark of Pittsburgh’s resilience — took longer than expected to manifest. Fortunately, Chris Boswell’s field goal provided some momentum, keeping the hope alive for the offense to find its rhythm.
With a gauntlet of teams on the horizon, it is crucial for head coach Mike T to instill a heightened sense of urgency in his offense. The silver lining is that we saw Wilson target nine different receivers in this game, which bodes well for the team’s adaptability, especially as injuries can strike at any time.
However, to stand a chance against formidable opponents like the Eagles and Chiefs, the team must elevate their level of execution significantly. Now is the time to sharpen our focus and rise to the occasion!
The real question is whether QB Russell Wilson can assert greater command over his offense and leadership responsibilities. His ability to extend plays and sustain drives that result in touchdowns instead of field goals is critical.
Steelers Nation experienced an absolute point frenzy in Week 13 against the Bengals, and that same dynamic energy must carry over as they gear up to take on the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend.
Steelers must remain disciplined when it matters most
Divisional games ignite some of the most passionate emotions during every minute of play. Yet, a pressing concern looms over the Steelers' defense due to the alarming frequency of personal fouls and pass interference calls that have plagued their recent performances.
While the team overall had just 6 penalties against the Browns, the timing of these penalties severely undermined the defense’s efforts to get off the field. Head coach Mike 'T' fosters a passionate squad renowned for its aggressive style, but in today’s NFL, such intensity can hinder a team’s success during key moments.
Enhancing situational awareness is crucial, yet it often goes unrecognized. As the season unfolds, the Steelers must harness their emotions effectively to thwart their opponents on pivotal drives.
Third-down conversion improves but still needs a boost
Converting on third down is vital for the offense to sustain drives and score points. For the Steelers, this season has been a challenging journey, yet their struggles with third-down conversions remain a significant roadblock to success.
With a conversion rate of 6 out of 14 against the Browns, the team currently ranks 12th in the league with a season average of 39.44% success. To elevate their game and compete with top contenders like the Eagles, Bengals, Ravens, and Chiefs, the Steelers must prioritize improving their efficiency on third downs.
To effectively minimize long third-down scenarios, it is crucial to avoid penalties and design plays that reliably generate positive yardage. While encountering skilled opponents is inevitable, we can significantly reduce the occurrence of third-and-long situations through innovative strategies and top-notch execution.
As the team heads to Philadelphia to take on the soaring Eagles, the Steelers must consider the best strategy to keep their offense competitive and establish control for their upcoming matchup against a team known for effectively utilizing all of their playmakers.