After losing in week 12 on Thursday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced some scrutiny.
Pittsburgh’s offense needed to bounce back and quiet the critics and a golden opportunity was there in week 13 against a putrid Bengals defense.
Below, we discuss the Steelers’ offense lighting up the Bengals’ defense, the last time the Steelers scored 40+ points, and if the Steelers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Steelers Offense Lights Up Bengals Defense
Week 13 was a big game for the Steelers as they were getting criticized by some in the media after losing to the Browns in week 12.
NFL reporter Jason La Canfora was on 93.7 radio in Pittsburgh last week and said some in the Steelers organization feel Arthur Smith could be doing more.
While speaking on the Ultimate Cleveland Show last week, CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala said she thinks it is within the realm of possibility the Steelers could go back to starting Fields.
Both remarks were an overreaction to the loss as the Steelers won five straight before their week 12 loss.
La Canfora’s remarks only had merit regarding Pittsburgh’s red zone offense but otherwise, Arthur Smith has been very good as the offensive coordinator.
Aditi’s comment came out of nowhere and should not be taken seriously. Mike Tomlin decided to start Russell Wilson after Fields went 4-2 as the starter. Tomlin will not go back on his decision.
Still, the Steelers needed to have a big performance in week 13 and they did just that.
Russell Wilson went off, going 29/38, 414 passing yards, three passing TDs, and one interception. Najee Harris had 75 rushing yards, one rushing TD, six catches, and 54 receiving yards. George Pickens had three receptions, 74 receiving yards, and one receiving TD. Pat Freiermuth had six catches, 68 receiving yards, and one receiving TD.
Pittsburgh scored 44 points and defeated Cincinnati 44-38.
The offense put up a massive game to quiet some of the critics in the media.
When Was The Last Time Pittsburgh Scored 40 Points?
It was an outstanding performance from the Steelers’ offense in week 13. If it felt like it has been forever since the last time the Steelers scored 40+ points, it is because it has been a long time.
The Steelers last scored 40+ points on November 8, 2018, when they defeated the Carolina Panthers 52-21. This was actually the second time that season that the Steelers scored 40+ points. They also scored 40+ points on October 7, 2018, when they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 41-17.
Over the last few years, the Steelers have been awful on offense. It was nice for their fans to see an explosion on offense, especially after being criticized by some in the media after week 12.
Are The Steelers Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders?
People tend to overreact after each week in the NFL but that is because every game is crucial in the NFL.
Unlike the NHL, NBA, or MLB, there is little time to make up for a loss with teams playing just 17 games in the NFL.
Pittsburgh’s offense took advantage of a historically horrible Bengals defense.
The offense, however, is not as good as they played against the Bengals but it is also not as bad as they played against the Browns or Ravens.
They lie somewhere in the middle but they are much better with Wilson under center than they were with Fields.
The problem for Pittsburgh’s offense has been in the red zone. They scored a ton against the Bengals but they need to continue to score TDs instead of settling for field goals. Pittsburgh is moving the ball much better this season than they have over the last few years.
The defense is very good and will get better when Alex Highsmith returns. He is an excellent Robin to T.J. Watt’s Batman.
If Watt can remain healthy and the defense continues to take the ball away and play the way they have, how far the Steelers go in the playoffs will depend on Russell Wilson and the offense.
Compared to other teams in the AFC, the Steelers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Kansas City and Buffalo will be their toughest opponents. Pittsburgh does very well against the Ravens and Lamar Jackson. The Steelers already defeated the Chargers and Broncos. Houston does not look as good as advertised.
Even with Buffalo and Kansas City, with Russell Wilson under center and their defense, the Steelers have a chance to knock out either of those two teams.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
