PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers came into Sunday Night Football with all the questions around them. They were missing three starting offensive linemen in the middle of a struggle for George Pickens, and the change to Russell Wilson had the national media talking. Pittsburgh answered the bell by promptly stunning the New York Jets, who were coming off a tidal wave of euphoria after trading for Davante Adams.
The Steelers racked up nearly 400 yards of offense and averaged over six yards per play, a season-high by far for the team. Overall, they had 12 explosive plays between the ground game and their passing game, which found its potency the further the game went.
Wilson did not have his sharpest deep ball to start the game. But his playmakers made plays for him when needed. George Pickens racked up his second 100-yard game of the year, plus a touchdown, on nine targets. Many of those plays were unbelievable; the Steelers needed to keep the ball moving while Wilson needed to get his feet underneath him.
Pat Freiermuth made a few great plays, including a layout third-down reception. His rumble that went for 30 yards is another example of a great play by him. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris continued to run hard. In particular, Warren looked the best he has all season. Harris continued his strong momentum coming off the win in Las Vegas.
As the game went along, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith got more comfortable using his running backs, and the air in Wilson’s throws started returning. On top of that, a battered offensive line without three starters, including standout Zach Frazier, continued to cave in the Jets defensive front.
The Steelers’ defense collapsed down on Aaron Rodgers throughout the game, too. Alex Highsmith never got a sack, but his pressures continued to affect plays and keep the Jets offense at bay for the entire second. Slot cornerback, Beanie Bishop had a breakout game, with two intercpetions, including a circus catch before halftime that gave Pittsburgh a huge touchdown when they trailed 15-6.
The second half was nothing short of a drubbing. This offense is not perfect, and neither is Wilson. He has limitations, but if the Steelers can carry over the positives from this week, they can become a more dangerous team. The next move will be to add a wide receiver and get healthy upfront. It is hard not to feel optimistic with the Giants next week on Monday Night Football.
- BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.
