Are the Steelers Primed to Take Over the Division?
Credit: Don Wright - Associated Press
On Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, propelling them to a 2-1 record and tying them for 1st place in the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens. Both teams have a 1-0 record within their division, and while the Ravens have a chance to take sole possession of the lead next week against the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers have a chance to win it back the following week when they play Baltimore at home on October 8th.
The Steelers are in an ideal position to take control of the AFC North and must strike while the iron is hot. Pittsburgh has a favorable schedule over the next five games, with three of the five being at home, and two coming on the road. Of those five games, The Texans, Ravens, Rams, Jaguars, and Titans come in with a combined record of 6 wins and 9 losses.
While the Steelers offense is still trying to find itself, only averaging 275 total yards per game and 23 total points per game, their defense, which is also underperforming statistically, has made timely plays at the end of games. Pittsburgh’s defense is tied for 2nd in the league in takeaways with eight, and two defensive touchdowns.
Kenny Pickett has played better by the week, taking better care of the ball and increasing his yards per attempt according to Pro Football Focus. Pittsburgh’s run game has not established itself yet, however the Steelers have played the 49er’s, Browns, and Raiders, all with vaunted front-sevens and at least one all-pro-level player in Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett, and Maxx Crosby. The Texans allow 117 rushing yards a game, giving Najee Harris the perfect opportunity to find his footing before he plays the Ravens, Rams, Jags, and Titans.
While it is early, if the Steelers can win against a Baltimore team riddled with injury and then take care of business over the following four weeks against teams which are currently under .500, Pittsburgh can take back the division they have previously owned once before.