A three-game winning streak is always good news, right? It doesn’t feel celebratory after the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Sure, Mike McCarthy’s squad was successful in the first international match played in Paris, France.
But a few inconsistencies erased some of the sweet satisfaction the win would’ve provided.
Offensive malfunctions were a recurring problem for the Steelers in recent campaigns. Last year, Arthur Smith’s group lacked efficiency and, as a result, failed to move the ball downfield. They averaged 305.6 yards per game, ranking 25th in the category. Since then, Brian Angelichio and Mike McCarthy have installed a new system with different personnel.
However, this hasn't brought success for most of the season... and it didn't again against the Saints on Sunday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had several egregious stats against the Saints
Before Week 7, New Orleans' defense allowed big plays through the air. They ranked 25th (239.7) in passing yards allowed per game. It felt like a prime opportunity for the Steelers to take advantage of a mediocre secondary.
Instead, Brandon Staley’s unit held Pittsburgh to 195 net passing yards—limiting Rodgers to 5.9 yards per dropback. Rico Dowdle and DK Metcalf led McCarthy’s offense in targets (6). Wideouts were blanketed in coverage and failed to find separation.
Aaron Rodgers finished the game with a 63% completion rate. He was also sacked three times for a loss of 17 yards, but refused to turn the ball over. Luckily, Jaylen Warren showed up to play. The bell cow earned 101 rushing yards on 18 attempts.
Pittsburgh hit offensive hiccups at the worst time. And it could’ve cost them the game. Whenever Rodgers and the offense moved the ball down the field, New Orleans drew the line at the red zone. It left McCarthy’s group with a 25% conversion rate and few points to claim.
Steelers' defense bailed them out in Week 7, but the offense must improve
Fortunately, T.J. Watt and the defense were determined to protect the end zone as well. Patrick Graham’s unit held New Orleans to a 33% red zone efficiency rate (1-3), including a Payton Wilson interception inside Pittsburgh’s ten-yard line that helped Pittsburgh seal the game.
Pittsburgh did a great job of making New Orleans one-dimensional. They limited the Saints to 1.1 yards per carry on 17 attempts. Eventually, Kellen Moore had to rely on his quarterback to dig his team out of a hole.
And it almost worked. Tyler Shough finished with 278 passing yards and a 65 QBR. He was also sacked twice for a total loss of 15 yards.
Pittsburgh finds itself on the right side of an international victory to begin the week. Without a stout defensive effort, it’s hard to say McCarthy’s unit overcame a determined New Orleans Saints team. Red-zone inefficiencies kept points off the scoreboard, but a stout defensive effort kept the Steelers in the game.
It was enough to keep the Pittsburgh Steelers on top this time, but next week will not be so forgiving. Mike McCarthy and his squad will take on the Cleveland Browns for first place in the AFC North. They must maximize every opportunity and learn from a disappointing Week 7 showing.
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