The NFL season is well underway, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have given fans and critics plenty to talk about. With a start that's seen high highs and some lows, the first several weeks have provided a clear glimpse into the potential and challenges that the team faces. From quarterback dramas to defensive showcases, let's dissect the Steelers' early-season performance.
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Week 1: Pittsburgh 18, Atlanta 10
The season opener against Atlanta was a defensive ballet, with the Steelers' defense putting up a staunch performance. Justin Fields stepped in for the injured Russell Wilson, throwing for 156 yards and adding 57 on the ground. The offense, while not flashy, was effective enough to secure the win, aided immensely by Chris Boswell’s record-tying six field goals. This game set a tone of resilience and showcased Pittsburgh's ability to capitalize on opportunities, even if they're in the form of field goals rather than touchdowns.
Week 2: Pittsburgh 13, Denver 6
Continuing their defensive prowess, the Steelers held Denver to just six points in a gritty win. The defense, which only allowed 16 points over the first two weeks, the fewest since 2007, was particularly strong in the first half. However, Denver found some rhythm in the second half, testing Pittsburgh's defense with several large plays. Despite some inconsistency on offense, Fields’ touchdown pass kept the Steelers ahead, suggesting cautious optimism about his development.
Week 3: Pittsburgh 20, L.A. Chargers 10
Against the Chargers, the Steelers found a bit more offensive rhythm, scoring a season-high 20 points. Fields threw for 245 yards, his highest in the early season, and added a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III. The run defense was particularly stingy, holding J.K. Dobbins to a mere 1.53 yards per attempt before contact. This game perhaps marked a turning point for an offense that had been under scrutiny.
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Steelers' Calvin Austin III runs with the football against the Chargers.
Week 4: Indianapolis 27, Pittsburgh 24
The Colts game was a shootout, with the Steelers coming up just short. Despite a solid performance from Fields, including a late touchdown rush, it was the defense that blinked, allowing Indianapolis crucial conversions on third down. This game exposed some strategic flaws, particularly in handling explosive pass plays, which would need addressing with tough opponents on the horizon.
Week 5: Dallas 20, Pittsburgh 17
In a closely fought contest, the Steelers were edged by Dallas. Fields threw two touchdowns but was also hindered by penalties and punts that followed big defensive stops. The game highlighted ongoing issues with the offense, particularly on third down, where the Steelers struggled to maintain drives, showcasing areas that still require significant improvement.
Week 6: Pittsburgh 32, Las Vegas 13
The Steelers rebounded impressively against a less formidable Raiders team, with Fields finding the end zone twice on the ground. Fields’ performance, coupled with T.J. Watt’s dominance on defense, underscored Pittsburgh’s capability to leverage their strengths effectively. This game not only boosted morale, but also became a talking point among enthusiasts watching the latest football odds, hinting at Pittsburgh's potential resurgence.
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Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football against the Las Vegas Raiders during an away regular season game.
Week 7: Pittsburgh 37, N.Y. Jets 15
Russell Wilson’s return against the Jets was nothing short of spectacular, throwing for three touchdowns and setting a franchise record for passing yards in a debut. The defense turned two interceptions into points, and the special teams unit contributed with a crucial blocked field goal. This comprehensive win showcased what the Steelers are capable of with Wilson at the helm, potentially settling the quarterback debate.
Week 8: Pittsburgh 26, New York Giants 18
In an impressive outing that displayed the Steelers' collective strength, Pittsburgh overcame the New York Giants. The game was a testament to the team's ability to execute across all three phases: special teams, offense, and defense. Notably, T.J. Watt's defensive prowess was on full display with two critical sacks, one leading to a fumble recovery that shifted the momentum. Russell Wilson continued to solidify his role as a key player, making risky yet rewarding throws, highlighted by his touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with a mere 28.2% completion probability. Fantasy football players with Steelers on their roster reaped the benefits of a team that showed it could capitalize on every opportunity. With a bye in Week 9, the Steelers will look to maintain this complete performance as they prepare for their next game against the Commanders.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson throws a pass against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
Conclusion
After seven weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers have shown glimpses of both brilliance and areas needing improvement. The quarterback situation seems more stable with Wilson's return, and the defense continues to be a bulwark. As the season progresses, how well the Steelers can refine their offensive consistency and manage big-game pressures will dictate their success. For now, fans can be cautiously optimistic about a team showing plenty of promise and grit. Stay tuned as we continue to cover every twist and turn of the Steelers' journey through the NFL season.
