The Bad: Steelers Didn't Always Manage the Elements Well
It started on play one. Najee Harris bobbled the first handoff of the game and it quickly became clear that the downpour of rain would play a significant factor in the ballgame.
Both teams turned the ball over twice, all fumbles. An equal turnover margin makes the timing of the turnovers more valuable. Both of Pittsburgh's came in the first half, one ending the half. Baltimore split them, with the second resulting in three points for Pittsburgh.
Still, the Steelers overall really struggled with holding onto the ball. Harris, Rudolph, and particularly Jaylen Warren all lost control of the football on multiple occasions putting the team's playoff hopes in jeopardy each time. It does take a good bit of luck to win in the conditions these teams were subjected to on Saturday afternoon, and most of the luck went in Pittsburgh's favor.
But managing the elements is more than just holding onto the football, it's finding ways to get the ball into your playmakers' hands despite the conditions. The Steelers did a poor job of this. While thankfully he appeared to take the game plan well, it's nearly unforgivable to give George Pickens one touch in a football game. It is unforgivable to not target him on a single pass attempt all game.
The Steelers played conservatively and it paid off. Rudolph completed 18 of 20 passes despite the rain. But drawing up plays specifically for your best players is allowed. Nothing is stopping the Steelers from making sure Pickens touches the football at least four or five times in a game.
They won without him as a receiver, and that's all well and good. But this team is much better when its best offensive weapon gets his opportunities to shine.