The first game of the 2024 Steelers is in the books. One thing was somewhat evident. Have you ever heard the old adage that no matter how much things change, they stay the same? That's what it seemed like when time expired in regulation.
Yes, the Steelers won, but it seemed like the same worn-out record fans have heard and seen repeatedly. They play a great defensive game, yet Steelers touchdowns still seem as rare as Javan Rhino. It's not that Justin Fields played a bad game; the big plays were elusive, though only making the needed plays to kick field goals.
Some fans can criticize the bad pass interference call against George Pickens. It didn't help matters. We can also blame Russell Wilson's calf injury. Yet perhaps he could have had an anemic performance as well. Regardless, none of those were issues in the win over the Falcons. In short, there were three things that we needed to see and didn't see that could have made a huge difference in the game.
Najee Harris needs to make a statement
Najee Harris is playing for a new contract, for better or worse. His performance this season will determine whether the Steelers give him one. His first game of the season did not do much to earn a new contract or solidify his care as a member of the Steelers.
He only managed 70 yards and 3.5 yards a carry. It's the same old typical Najee Harris performance. He runs and runs yet fails to do it impressively. Given all the help for the offensive line in the off-season, we had visions he could be making game-breaking rushes.
Hence, his performance on Sunday was a slight letdown in that regard. That said, Najee's poor statistical performance isn't entirely his fault. Even Jaylen Warren, who typically has a better yard-per-carry average, only managed 3.5 yards per carry. Justin Fields, who had a decent rushing day, only managed 4.1 yards per carry. The Falcons had a slightly stingy rushing defense, only allowing 134 total rushing yards.
Perhaps we can blame the offensive line, which is still probably trying to gel as a unit, for some of it. Nevertheless, the offensive line had a decent performance as a group compared to this time in 2023. Still, Najee will need to up his game and have a career game before the end of the season. His rushing performances need to be difference-makers for the remainder of the season.
Pat Freiermuth must more involved in Steelers' passing game
It's not that Freiermuth wasn't involved in the Steelers' win over the Falcons. He had four receptions but only 27 yards, and most of his receptions were late in the game. Even with Matt Canada's stagnant playcalling, Kenny Pickett could generally find the Muth over the middle for 20 yards.
Given all the hype about Arthur Smith and how he loves to use tight ends, Freiermuth's performance seemed a huge letdown for fans who obviously expected more. When, in the first game, Mycole Pruitt gets targets instead of Freiermuth, there is a slight problem. Freiermuth always seemed to be the needed outlet receiver when everyone else was covered, but this didn't happen during the season opener.
Remember that Justin Fields was running the show, not Russell Wilson. Hence, passes that could have gone to Freiermuth were rushing yards by Fields. With Wilson being more of a passer and not a rusher when he gets his first start, there may be more big plays to Freiermuth. However, he needs more involvement next week.
Stretch the field with Calvin Austin III
In 2023, we learned that Calvin Austin, when he catches a pass on a deep route, has the blazing speed of Col. Steve Austin. They know he has speed and can easily burn defensive backs. Yet, they used him in short-yardage plays.
Why the Steelers didn't try to strike deep to Austin is a mystery. Sure, George Pickens has talent, and the Steelers want to get the ball into his hands. However, Austin is a threat every time he steps on the field. That's why they are using him as a punt returner. At least make one or two attempts.
Before training camp began, we heard Russell Wilson speak highly of Calvin Austin. So perhaps Wilson might take some deep shots at Austin when he gets his chance as the Steelers' starting quarterback. Regardless, it shouldn't matter who the quarterback is; either of them should target Austin in some deep routes.
With Russell Wilson poised to miss yet another game, any of these three things must occur, or fans could see another carbon copy of the Falcons game. Perhaps another win, yet not a convincing win, something Steelers fans have not seen consistently since the end of the Big Ben era.