Another week has passed. We were treated to another ugly win from the Pittsburgh Steelers. It wasn’t pretty. The game came down to the wire despite the opponent being a below-average Green Bay Packers team. A win is a win though. This keeps Pittsburgh in the hunt in a tightly-contested AFC North race.
You have to be happy with the final result. This team has embraced its identity as a middling squad that is exceeding expectations. They aren't going to blow anyone out, but hopefully, they can keep stacking wins. Here are the winners and losers from Pittsburgh's most recent affair.
Toss out a few game balls in the Steelers locker room.
Keeanu Benton
It wasn’t a standup day for the defense. While they did just enough to ultimately help this team earn a win, there were a lot of frustrating plays. They also rarely created pressure.
That said, Keeanu Benton came to play yet again. Don't be fooled by the stat sheet. He collapsed the pocket and made his presence felt. While not the flashiest player, Benton has been the best overall rookie from the most recent draft class.
The running game as a whole
There wasn’t one particular highlight from this group that stood out, but the running game was the talk of the town this week. Jaylen Warren once again shined as an explosive and powerful tailback. Najee Harris wore down the defense.
The offensive line also held its own. They opened holes and played extremely well. Overall, this entire unit did a good job whenever they were called upon to make plays.
Everyone responsible for the Steelers' gameplan
After an offseason where we were told the offense would be spearheaded by its running game, the on-field results have been less than ideal. This team has relied on a shaky passing game. They struggled to move the ball.
The keys to beating the Packers were highlighted before kickoff. Taking advantage of a weak rushing defense would have been key as that's the weakest element of the entire unit.
The Steelers did just that. Their drives were mostly of the ground and pound nature. They ignored the temptation to change things when faced with resistance.
Pittsburgh controlled the pace and played to their strengths. That's why they won this week. They left zero doubt.
Steelers losers: More is needed in two areas.
Containing big plays
As stated before, the defense wasn’t on point this week. While they made the occasional big play, they also allowed the Packers to hang around far too long.
The big plays seemed to come in bulk for Green Bay. That almost cost the Steelers a victory. The passing defense as a whole was inconsistent.
Well, at least this team gets to iron some issues out after a win.
Levi Wallace
Hi Levi Wallace! It has been a minute since we have seen you!
Unfortunately, despite a reduced role, Levi Wallace has continued to be a liability for this Steelers defense. He was burnt on the Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed touchdowns.
The Steelers came away with the win, but had they lost, Wallace would have been one of the biggest reasons for the upset.
Again, it wasn’t pretty, but the Steelers found a way to get the gritty win this week. They needed it, as the AFC North is one of the tightest races in the league.
This team needs to continue its winning ways and build around its core players. Week 11's game approaches, and things aren't going to get any easier.