Thanks to a handful of huge plays in the final 10 minutes of the game, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to squeak by the Baltimore Ravens 17-10. There is a lot to unpack from this one and we will break it all down during the bye week but for now here are our six quick takeaways from the win.
Thank goodness for T.J. Watt
When no one else is trying, T.J. Watt is working hard. Watt had another big game even if everything doesn’t show up in the boxscore but for a defense that seems like it doesn’t care at times, Watt is always going full speed ahead. Watt once again showed that he is the best defensive player in the NFL with two more sacks and a key fumble recovery late in the game.
Matt Canada cannot lose his job
If what we saw today doesn’t cost Matt Canada his job, nothing will. The Steelers offense was once again inept with only flashes of individual effort from guys like running back Jaylen Warren and wide receiver George Pickens. This team won in spite of some very concerning play calls.
Kenny Pickett might not be the answer
As someone who has been a huge fan of Kenny Pickett since this draft, this isn’t easy to admit. But Pickett might not be this team’s franchise quarterback. As bad as Canada was, Pickett did himself no favors with more errant passes and a continued lack of pocket awareness. His late scoring drive was great but he needs more consistency.
The offensive line is still a mess
I give props to guard Isaac Seumalo who had his best game of the year and rookie offensive tackle Broderick Jones who was solid, the rest of this group looks lost.
Jaylen Warren is the best running back on the roster
If you are still debating who should be the team’s lead running back, this week’s game should have convinced you it must be Jaylen Warren.
This type of play isn't sustainable
As exciting as a win like this is and how positive it makes everyone, this type of up-and-down play and these late-game heroics is not how winning teams are built. Hopefully over the bye week, Pittsburgh can figure out a way to start games as fast as they finish them.
