For some, all that matters is that the Pittsburgh Steelers are 3-0 to begin the season. Indeed, it’s all about the win column.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Getting as many wins as possible will be what it takes to reach the Super Bowl, an event the franchise hasn’t reached since 2011. Even then, they lost to the Green Bay Packers, 31-25.
Few may have backed the Steelers to reach and win Super Bowl LIX this season, but after their strong start, there might be some optimism from those who engage in live sports betting on the NFL. The team’s odds have been shortened following their impressive start, but can they keep it up?
Steelers are winning ugly
When you examine how the Steelers are winning, it becomes clear that they are currently winning in an ugly fashion.
In Week 1, they managed to overcome the Atlanta Falcons with an 18-10 victory. In Week 2, they defeated the Denver Broncos with an untidy 13-6 display. In Week 3, the offense finally started to show some signs of life when they triumphed over the Los Angeles Chargers, 20-10. Across those three games, they’ve scored just three touchdowns, with Darnell Washington scoring his first career TD in their game against the Broncos.
The offense for Mike Tomlin’s side has been rather poor overall. There has already been drama at the quarterback position. Russell Wilson was named the starter after his offseason signing from the Broncos, but he missed the opening three games due to a lingering calf injury.
Backup quarterback Justin Fields has stepped in, but hasn’t been lighting up the stat sheet. Despite three wins, he has been conservative with the ball. His pass completion rate is 73.3% through three games, completing 55 of 75 attempted passes. However, he has fumbled the ball and has one interception.
One key reason for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ best start in four seasons is their defense. Players like T.J. Watt have carried the team. He has recorded three sacks, one in each game thus far. He has also been effective with his tackling, making 10 in total (solo and assisted tackles) and having a fumble recovery. He also has one pass deflection.
Aaron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' star edge rusher TJ Watt during Week 3 of 2024 against the Chargers.
What does the rest of the season look like for the Steelers?
While they may have had an excellent start to the 2024 NFL season, there is still plenty of caution regarding the franchise’s outlook.
The longer the Steelers remain at the top of the AFC North, the more difficult it might be for Tomlin to consider bringing Russell Wilson into the lineup. With Fields playing consistently (but not spectacularly, as the Associated Press writes), it could lead to problems for the organization. However, with the named starter's quality and previous Super Bowl win, it would be a shock to some if Tomlin didn’t turn to him as soon as he could.
Although it’s a cliche, the Steelers need to take each game one at a time. In Week 4, they will face the Indianapolis Colts before traveling back home to face the banged up Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.
