The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Improved Steelers Win over Rams

The Pittsburgh Steelers came into Week 7 looking to replicate last year's burst out of the BYE Week. In 2022, it was a late off week, this year it's early, so expectations did have to be tempered in the fanbase. Nonetheless, the Steelers walked into the stadium 3-2 with a legitimate chance at gaining momentum against an up-and-down Los Angeles Rams team.

While the scoreboard remained dimly lit for the Steelers' offense early, it did look better. The return of Diontae Johnson allowed for some excitement to help the offense open up against a young LA defense.

For the Steelers defense, the challenge was known to be on the outside with sensational rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua and All-Pro Cooper Kupp. With injuries galore for Los Angeles, it wouldn't have been too unrealistic to expect the Steelers' defense to have an easier day at the offense against the run.

Unfortunately, the Steelers failed to contain the run against an off-the-couch running back and couldn't slow down Nacua. Fortunately, the offense finished strong and the pressure affected Matthew Stafford late to deliver the Steelers a win out of the BYE.

More good was present in the 24-17 win in SoFi Stadium, but the bad and the ugly still have to be worked out before expecting this team to take the next necessary step to being a playoff contender.