The Pittsburgh Steelers left Las Vegas with a record of 4-2. They made a statement in Week 6 with a 32-13 victory over the Raiders. The Steelers had a slow start into the game, finishing their first offensive drive with only three points and allowing Las Vegas to march down the field on their first. Pittsburgh could not find the end zone in the first quarter and most of the second quarter, but after a punch out by TJ Watt and the Steelers recovering the football, the offense found its rhythm.
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Steelers' TJ Watt celebrating a big stop against the Baltimore Ravens.
After the game, George Pickens talked to the media about the impact that the turnovers the defense forced had on the game, especially Watt's first punch-out. Pickens spoke highly about Watt and the defense performance against the Raiders and their ability to swing the momentum in the Steelers' favor.
"A lot, you know on defense, punching a ball out, we are now on and we are in the red zone already, it helps a lot too."
Pickens understood that the Steelers needed some type of boost to get something going on offense and Watt delivered. The Steelers were able to capitalize on the fumble recovery and score six with little time remaining in the first half. They would score 16 points in three drives after the turnover caused by Watt.
Pickens was happy to leave Las Vegas with a win. He finished the game with three catches on eight targets for 53 yards. He had an opportunity to catch one in the end zone but couldn't hold onto it. It was not the game he was hoping for after the drama-filled week from the Dallas Cowboys game, but he was in high spirits about the game and what his teammates were able to do to get the victory.
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Steelers' George Pickens pointing for a first down after a catch.
Watt's effort In Week 6 really kept the momentum on Pittsburgh's side for majority of the game. He finished with five tackles, two tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Donte Jackson got in on the action as well with an interception that he returned to the Raiders' own seven-yard line. The Steelers' offense was able to capitalize on the turnovers, scoring two touchdowns after the first fumble recovery and the interception.
The Steelers' offense saw their best scoring outing in the Arthur Smith era in Las Vegas with a lot of help from the defense. Even though the pass game wasn't a focal point in their victory, the great field position created by the defense and special teams allowed them to play to their strengths: the run game. Najee Harris dominated the ground, posting his best game of the season with 106 yards rushing and adding a touchdown.
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Arthur Smith laughing while watching practice in 2024.
The Steelers will hope to start faster in a Week 7 matchup with the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football. The Steelers' defense faced a lot of criticism after the Indianapolis Colts and Cowboys games, but it seemed to iron out some of the issues in Las Vegas, something they will continue to do while preparing for the Jets. Watt will want to wreck that game as he did against the Raiders, as he continues to build his case for AP Defensive Player of the Year.
Steelers' Week 6 Victory Hopefully Solved A Few Issues
The Steelers leave Las Vegas at 4-2 and second in the AFC North. There have been concerns with the offense and defense the last two weeks, but it seems that a lot of the issues are starting to fade away. The Steelers' defense played like they are expected to after the horrendous first drive, giving the offense great opportunities to put this game away quickly. Pittsburgh is looking to take the positives away from this game and build from it heading into their prime time matchup with the Jets.
Do you think the offense will continue to score like they did against the Raiders? How would you rate the defense's impact in the Steelers' Week 6 win over the Raiders? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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