Steelers Week 3 Takeaways
Image from: Steelers.com
After an impressive come from behind victory in week 1 against the Buffalo Bills the Pittsburgh Steelers lost back-to-back home games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals leaving them dead last in the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers are now 2-7 sense their 11-0 streak was broken in the 2020 season. The Steelers are currently on a ten-game streak of not scoring a point in the first quarter. They are also on a twelve-game streak of not scoring on the opening drive. These are my takeaways from their game against the Bengals.
Offensive Line: Even with a revamped offensive line the Steelers are still having trouble running the ball. According to Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger "It's not on the guy's upfront by any means." I respect Big Ben for taking the blame but clearly, the offensive line must take some blame for how this offense is performing. Sunday against the Bengals the offensive line allowed Ben to be sacked four times. Although we did see a flash of the O line creating space for Najee Harris and others to run the ball, they were called back because of holding pintails. In the first quarter alone the O line received four holding calls giving up twenty-six yards.
Injuries: Injuries played a huge role in the Steeler's loss to the Bengals. Without the pass rush abilities of outside linebackers, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith Bengals quarterback Joe Burrows escaped Heinz Field without being sacked. The Steelers were also missing their interior defensive lineman Carlos Davis, Tyson Alualu, and Stephon Tuitt. Ben #1 deep threat wide receiver Diontae Johnson also did not play due to a knee injury. Although Ben Roethlisberger did play, I could tell his pectoral injury suffered in last week's game against the Raiders was affecting some of his throws.
Secondary: Of course, with so many injuries in the Steeler's front seven the secondary would have to play at a higher level than normal. Bengal's quarter-back Joe Burrows finished the game throwing for 172 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a thirty-four-yard pass to his wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase just before halftime. It's obvious with so many young guys in the secondary the Steelers must have a good pass rush to help the young guys out. Although they did manage to get an interception by their safety Terrell Edmunds the Steeler's secondary still needs a lot of work.
As a Steelers fan, I am currently not worried that we are last in the division. It's only week 3 there is still a lot of football to be played. Next week the Steelers travel the Lambeau Field to face Arron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.