What we learned from Steelers thrilling road win versus the Las Vegas Raiders
By Eric Hassel
Well, it was another nail-biter of a win, I must say. But a win is a win. After spotting the Las Vegas Raiders seven points, the Pittsburgh Steelers proceeded to score twenty-three unanswered but allowed the Raiders to get back into the game in the fourth quarter.
Despite not scoring in the fourth quarter, we closed out the game on defense after nabbing our third INT. In what has become too familiar of a refrain for us, we had to rely yet again on a big play from the defense in order to secure victory.
Let's see what we learned on the offensive side of the ball.
The Steelers offense had a break-out game against the Raiders
The Steelers offense finally showed signs of possibly turning a corner against the Raiders, albeit opportunities still exist. According to ESPN, the offense amassed three hundred and thirty-three yards, one hundred and five of which were gained via the run game, which, for me, was refreshing to see.
The fact that we ran the ball thirty-one times shows that for at least the game against the Raiders, we were committed to running the ball. Unfortunately, it was tough sledding for most of the game. The longest run from scrimmage was seventeen yards orchestrated by Najee Harris, who finished the night with sixty-five yards on nineteen carries.
Kenny Pickett was better against the Raiders than he was against the Browns and the 49ers. What I liked most was the fact that Pickett threw zero INTs against the Raiders. It's great that he tossed to TD passes, but zero INTs is what stands out to me. If you take care of the ball, good things tend to happen.
What I did not like was the fact that despite having some possessions in the fourth quarter, the offense was unable to score or chew the clock, thus leaving it up to the defense to secure victory. As I have said innumerable times, a win is a win and I'll take it, but we need to figure out how to win games on offense.
Let's see what we learned from the defensive side of the ball.