The Pittsburgh Steelers came out of a hostile environment and beat the Las Vegas Raiders on the road, 23-18. Kenny Pickett finally stepped up and delivered a multiple-passing touchdown game, marking his first of the year. The offense held their own while the defense impressed once again, holding the Raiders in check for most of the game, as they only gave up one touchdown after an opening-drive touchdown to Davante Adams.
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Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (#23) tackles wide receiver Davante Adams in a regular-season matchup in 2023.
Pittsburgh's defensive back room has been prepared for a receiver like Adams since day one, as the Steelers wide receiver core is one of the best in the league and strengthens them in every aspect. TJ Watt took special notice of this against the Raiders and wasn't hesitant to explain how this Steeler team makes each other better.
The Steelers wide receiving core has been highly touted in 2023, being marked as one of the best in the NFL. From the speedy Calvin Austin III to the flashy hands of George Pickens, Pittsburgh has some well-rounded receivers who are always ready to make plays. From the early days of summer training camp, matchups like Joey Porter Jr. against Pickens made daily headlines with each making fantastic plays against the other.
"Iron sharpens iron" has been the Steelers' motto in preparation for the season, meaning that the great play-makers create more great play-makers when they go up against one another.
AP Photo / Gene J. Puskar
The Pittsburgh Steelers have high expectations for their second-round draft pick, Joey Porter Jr.
In a postgame presser Watt had, he noted that he has been able to watch all the defensive back and wide receiver drills and knows that because of how strong Pittsburgh's receivers are, the defensive backs will be ready to challenge any wide receiver in the NFL.
"We're about resiliency. If you see the wide receivers we have on our team, they get their plays in practice too. Our guys always bounce back. We always appreciate a challenge."
Pittsburgh has been known having a tough attitude, and these defensive backs really bring that notion into full effect. The team has incredible confidence in each other and know that regardless of the opposing talent, they can make their plays and be successful as a team. Watt also went on to explain that when the corners and safeties are playing well, it makes it easier for him and the rest of the defensive line to generate pressure on the quarterback.
"When the guys in the back are playing as well as they were, it helps to have that quarterback hold [the football] for just a split-second longer."
Watt remarks that when the defensive backs play better, the whole team can play better. They generated three interceptions throughout the course of the game, with Levi Wallace snagging two and Patrick Peterson grabbing the other. Regardless of turnovers created, the defensive backs locked down on all aspects, making the Raiders offense one-dimensional and easy to pick apart.
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Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) and Patrick Peterson (#20) celebrate against the Raiders.
What Can The Steelers Expect Moving Forward?
One of the best things for the Steelers is the fact that their team is very young. Wide receivers like Pickens and Austin are still in their sophomore years. Pittsburgh also has a rookie corner in Porter Jr., with all of these guys gearing up to make each other as strong as possible on the field. Considering that we are only in Week 3 of the 2023 season, development for all of the young players has just started, and there's nowhere to go but up for this young team.
Pickens is poised to have a breakout year in his second season, already recording 238 yards and two touchdowns on the season. Pickens has proved that he can be a top wide receiver in the NFL, and his gritty attitude helps him get open and create plays anywhere on the field. Austin is looking to rebound after missing the entire 2022 season due to injury, and he's off to a good start. He showcased his speed on a 72-yard pass from Pickett and is shaping up to be a crucial piece of the Steelers offense moving forward. Time is on Pittsburgh's side, and this young team will continue to help each other get better.
Were you impressed by the defensive backs' play against the Raiders? How do you think the wide receivers will help the defensive backs? Give us your thoughts in a comment!
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