The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a bit of an enigma so far in 2024. They opened expected to lose Arthur Smith's revenge game in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. However, they pulled out a win. They shocked many by winning their first three games and leading the AFC North. Frustratingly enough, Week 4 brought a trap game as they were favored to win over the Indianapolis Colts in what was supposed to be revenge for the 2023 beatdown. The black and gold did not get revenge, and the Colts dominated again, this time by a score of 27-24.
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Steelers' Justin Fields looks to pass in a loss to the Colts during the 2024 season.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been playing scared since he was injured in 2023. In addition, the Colts' defense has not done well against the run, which is a featured part of the Steelers' offense. Richardson started off with a bang, and the Colts quickly drove down and scored before leaving the game with a hip injury. Richardson's injury presented the Steelers with an old foe, Joe Flacco. Currently on a one-year contract, the 39-year-old once led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl victory.
The Steelers got down and just did not seem to be able to dig themselves out of the hole. The offense, which looked so effective during the second half In Week 3 looked anemic and disjointed in the first half against the Colts. There were numerous mistakes, including two fumbles and another botched snap throughout the game. The highest-paid defense in the league did not seem to have an answer for Flacco or running back Jonathan Taylor.
While the Steelers were able to pull the game within three with just over three minutes left in the game, thanks to the defense forcing a three-and-out, it felt like they lacked urgency on the offensive side of the ball. It's no surprise that Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about that during his postgame press conference. He was questioned about the relaxed stance the offense seemed to take. Did they consider making it more "uptempo?"
"We didn't think time was of the essence," Tomlin explained. "We felt comfortable with our ability to get back in the game. First, we had to stop kicking our own butt. So that's got nothing to do with pace and things of that nature that's just execution orientated."
It isn't just the loss that stings; James Daniels and Cordarrelle Patterson were also injured. The Steelers are already thin on the offensive line and at running back. Guard Isaac Seumalo and tackle Troy Fautanu are both still out, although Seumalo should be ready to return soon. Running back Jaylen Warren has been dealing with a hamstring injury that has rendered him ineffective.
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Steelers' lost Cordarrelle Patterson to injury against the Colts.
Steelers' Defense Has Bad Scare
It isn't just injuries on the offensive side of the ball that are having an impact. Steelers' outstanding edge rusher Alex Highsmith, half of the Batman and Robin duo with TJ Watt, is recuperating from a groin injury. Fans were encouraged by how well Nick Herbig performed when he took over for him during Week 3. Herbig, who is in his second year, has quickly become a fan favorite and racked up two sacks against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Unfortunately, Herbig left early in the game with an ankle injury. This led to panic among the fan base, as the burden of helping Watt would have fallen to DeMarvin Leal. Fortunately, Herbig was able to return to the game.
This is good news, as the team was already struggling to stop the run without Highsmith, who is the best at setting the edge against the run. This allowed Taylor to run for 88 yards and a touchdown. But it wasn't just the run defense.
The secondary also let Michael Pittman Jr. pick up 113 yards, averaging 18.8 yards per reception. This is frustrating, considering the Steelers were ranked number one through Week 3, having several dominant outings in a row.
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Steelers' Nick Herbig.
While 3-1 is better than many anticipated, losing in such a frustrating manner stings a bit more. The Steelers will head back home to Acrisure Stadium to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 on Sunday Night Football.
What did you think about the pace of the Steelers' offense during the second half? Click to comment below.
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