The Pittsburgh Steelers responded to a rough first-half performance in Week 4 with a big win in Week 5 against a playoff hopeful in the Indianapolis Colts. While there were still some clear issues with the team, it clutched up when it needed to on both sides of the ball. Additionally, the offense was able to keep moving despite three receivers being out by halftime, including Michael Pittman Jr. being placed on Injured Reserve (IR) before the game. There's still a lot of adversity to go through, but getting a two-score win helps a lot.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) pitches to running back Jaylen Warren (30) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.
The biggest factor offensively was Jaylen Warren, who had a very boom-or-bust day. There were many times where he was bottled up at or behind the line of scrimmage, but when he got free, there was no stopping him. He had an 80-yard touchdown reception and a 50-yard touchdown run in the game, as he became the second player in the last decade to record 50+ yard scores through the air and ground in the same game, according to the broafcast.
Warren is done with the disrespect: not just for him, but for the whole offense. In his postgame press conference, he sent out a warning to the NFL on behalf of the whole unit when asked about the mindset of the team after his explosive plays.
"It gave momentum," Warren said. "[It] let the team know that we're here, the other team."
Even with the very up-and-down performance from Warren in the game, he showed that he can make big plays happen when he's given the chance. Every player on opposing defenses will have to be on their game for all 60 minutes to keep him from breaking free for huge gains, whereas if they try to stop those long plays, he still has the ability to nickel-and-dime a defense to death to help set up the pass.
The Steelers also aren't like the Colts or the Cooper Rush-led Atlanta Falcons, where teams win if you stop the running back. If these defenses try to make Aaron Rodgers beat them, he can and will. He does not get that chance often, but in the few times where the units allow him to do his thing during his time in Pittsburgh, he has made them pay. Even at 42 years old. Rodgers can sling the ball around if he's not properly game-planned for.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers hands the ball off to Jaylen Warren during a home win over the Bengals in 2026.
The Steelers still have talent at the receiver position. Rookie wideout Germie Bernard was tied for the lead with six receptions on the day as Rodgers was forced to rely on him. His role should keep increasing as the weeks go by. The receiver did have trouble with securing the ball throughout the game, but as long as he doesn't make those mistakes again, he will continue to get a lot of targets.
Steelers' Receiver Room Is Getting Weaker
During the second quarter, wide receivers Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek both left the game due to injuries and were ruled out. While Skowronek is not seen as a major factor in the offense, he still is a key run blocker, as well as one of Rodgers' favorite players. He has the ability to sneak out and grab a touchdown when needed, as he did back in Week 3.
Losing Wilson really hurts. He has some sort of hand injury, which needs to heal up completely so he can catch the ball. With Pittman struggling, the third-year receiver has taken over as Pittsburgh's WR2, as he and Rodgers have finally started developing some level of chemistry. It looked like he was finally going to break out, and now he has this setback.
What do you think about Warren speaking about how his explosiveness lets everyone know that "we're here" each week? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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