Steelers' defense executed a critical key to victory in vs. Commanders

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense faced a significant challenge in their showdown against the Washington Commanders, whose success this season has been fueled by the impressive performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Washington’s 7-2 record in the NFC East reflected the strong play from the rookie, and Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward recognized the importance of containing Daniels to secure a critical win in this first of a pivotal two-game stretch for Pittsburgh.

Jaden Daniels has earned respect across the league with 1,945 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and just a handful of interceptions this season before Sunday's matchup. He's showcased remarkable efficiency with a 106.7 passer rating. His ability to manage the game, combined with the explosive elements of his game, has allowed Washington’s offense to fire on all cylinders, giving them confidence against any defense.

Heyward emphasized the unique challenge Daniels presents, saying, “He’s lightning in a bottle. There’s no situation he doesn’t like. He can throw the ball, he can run the ball—he’s dynamic.”

But Daniels isn’t just a passing threat. His dual-threat capabilities make him a nightmare for any defense to contain.

The rookie has racked up 459 rushing yards, putting him just two yards behind Washington’s leading rusher. Averaging an impressive 5.6 yards per carry, Daniels has shown he isn’t afraid to find the end zone on his own, adding a dangerous element that will test the Steelers’ defense.

Thankfully the Steelers had a simple but effective plan: take away Daniels' dual-threat ability.

Steelers forced QB Jayden Daniels to be one-dimensional

The Steelers knew that to have a chance against Washington’s offensive firepower, they needed a standout performance from their defensive front. Cameron Heyward, in particular, was instrumental in pressuring Daniels and forcing him into uncomfortable situations. He recorded two sacks Sunday - eliminating escape lanes for the rookie quarterback.

Daniels’ dual-threat skills required Pittsburgh’s defenders to stay disciplined, keeping him contained while limiting his effectiveness as a passer. Given that the Steelers will face multiple mobile quarterbacks in the latter half of the season, this matchup presented an opportunity to set the tone for a strong defensive run.

A dominant showing against a talent like Jaden Daniels helped the Steelers secure a win in a critical stretch. It also built momentum for the challenging games ahead. For Pittsburgh’s defense, keeping the rookie in check was the deciding factor in a game that marks the beginning of a crucial phase in their season.

Heyward and the Steelers understood they could not underestimate Daniels’ influence—and neutralizing it will be key to staying in playoff contention.