Steelers survive another stalled 2nd Half, defeat falcons 19-16

Dec 5

Atlanta, Georgia (PSF) — The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 19-16 in Week 13 improving to 5-7. The Steelers have won consecutive games for the first time all season and three out of their last four games since their 2-6 start.

Kenny Pickett had a decent game. He has yet to have an explosive game yet this season however, he extends his streak to four straight games without a turnover. Pickett finished 16 for 28 with 197 yards and a touchdown. Of those 197 yards, 145 of them came in the first half.

Najee Harris had a strong game with 17 carries for 86 yards, averaging 5.1 a carry. The team as a whole rushed for 154 yards with 4.2 yards a carry. That stat line is not terrible but it’s not good either. But for the second consecutive game, the Steelers rushed for over 150 yards.

Last week in Indianapolis the Steelers’ offense had a strong first half and stalled in the second half. This week the defense had a strong first half and stalled in the second half. The Falcons all but abandoned the passing game and focused on running the ball. In their second drive of the half, the Falcons ran eight plays, running the ball on seven of them for their lone touchdown.

Pressley Harvin helped secure the win with a 38-yard punt that bounced up at the Atlanta 2-yard line. Minkah Fitzpatrick fully secured the win with his fourth interception of the season on the first play of the drive.

Pittsburgh now improves to 5-7 on the season and are currently at best hanging on for dear life in the AFC playoff picture. Even if the percentage of making the playoffs is still low for the Steelers, the percentage of getting Mike Tomlin another winning season has jumped up. In the final five games for the Steelers, they play games against the Panthers, Browns, and Raiders, and will play the Ravens twice. At least three of those games are very winnable.

Kenny Pickett’s development will fully be put to the test next week as the Ravens come to Pittsburgh with a solid unit. Pittsburgh needs the win to stir things up in the AFC playoff race. Pickett will need to be as sharp as ever, and not have any under or over-thrown balls to open receivers. Also, Matt Canada needs to find plays for George Pickens, who was all but silent in Atlanta. He will be even more important to mix into the offense next week.

The Steelers have swept the season series against the Ravens two years in a row, however, that was with Ben Roethlisberger. This season is different. The Steelers look to defeat the Ravens for the 5th straight time. Kenny Pickett will be fully introduced to the Steelers-Ravens rivalry, as the Steelers look to make it three straight victories.