The Steelers ran the football, played timely defense and were able to hold on and beat the Atlanta Falcons 19-16 on Sunday. The Steelers have now won back-to-back games for the first time this season.
The Steelers game Sunday was the intended blueprint for the 2022 season. It all starts with the running game and for the fifth week in a row the Steelers were able to absolutely grind out 154 tough yards on the ground. Najee Harris had the flashes of why he was a number one pick. With strong power running, complete with a highlight reel stiff arm. He paced the running attack with 86 of the yards and looked great doing it. The Benny Snell revival tour continued as well, he chipped in with 24 yards on only six carries. The offensive line continues to get better each week, including allowing zero sacks.
Kenny Pickett’s development also continued Sunday. He missed some throws but played strong and mature football. He stayed within himself and made the plays he needed to make. The numbers aren’t gaudy, but he did the number one thing asked of him; he protected the football. Pickett finished with 197 yards and one touchdown. It was a solid if unspectacular effort.
The wide receivers had a strange game despite the success of the team. George Pickens had an Antonio Brown like meltdown on the sideline and looked like a distraction. He finished with only one catch for a meager two yards. Diontae Johnson had an off day as well, Johnson finished with five catches for 60 yards, but he never looked comfortable and he nearly fumbled. Pat Freiermuth led the team with 76 yards and Connor Heyward had his first career touchdown, the only one of the game for the Steelers.
The defense did a good job containing the Falcons. The Falcons rushed for only 146 yards the fourth lowest mark of the season and Marcus Mariota could only muster 167 yards in the air. Cam Heyward had the only sack of the game and played well. Larry Ogunjobi had four tackles and clogged the middle running lanes.
The defensive line faded down the stretch but never let Falcons establish the run in the first half. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith were shutout Sunday, Watt has not looked the same since his return, but teams still gameplan for him allowing others to make plays. They kept Mariota in the pocket, and he was held to just 17 yards rushing, with nine coming on one play.
The secondary was buttoned down and made the plays they needed to. Minkah Fitzpatrick dropped the curtain with the game clinching interception and led the team in tackles. The often-maligned Arthur Maulet saved a touchdown and Cam Sutton had a very good day.
The special teams finally contributed positively again after two very harsh weeks. Matthew Wright in what will most likely be his last game did a great job banging out four field goals including a long of 48 yards. The coverage units with the return of Robert Spillane and Miles Boykin bounced back. Pressley Harvin only punted twice, but his second punt helped seal the victory pinning the Falcons on their own two. The return game…still stinks.
Give the Coaching staff credit, they had a solid gameplan and executed it nearly flawlessly. Finally seeing a run first offense is something that all fans have been clamoring for. The defense has bent but doesn’t break. Given the fact the Steelers controlled the ball most of the game it allowed the defense adequate time not to run down.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: This one was tough but have to go with Pressley Harvin for absolutely sticking a dagger in the heart of the Falcons with a punt that pinned them down on the two yard line. I was critical of the decision, but the Steelers pressed the right button and Harvin delivered. Also Considered: Najee Harris, who looked like the back the Steelers drafted! Kenny Pickett for solid if unspectacular play and Minkah Fitzpatrick for the game winning interception.
Beer of the Game: Picked up some Sam Adams Winter Lager, both KGB and I went with the same beer, which is somewhat unusual. A GREAT beer by any measure!
“Steel the Snacks”: We went back to “Steeling” the snacks, I made Fried Chicken Sliders with country gravy, country style mac and cheese and finished it with spicy grits. All and all I was the Matthew Wright of snacks filling in admirably for KGB.
My Stat of the week: The Steelers won back-to-back games for the first time this season. The Stat of the week however is the Steelers running for over 100 yards for the fifth straight game. That is the longest streak since 2016! The running game has been a priority and it finally looks like it is paying dividends.
My Thoughts on next week: RAVENS’ WEEK! The Steelers have what it takes to beat the Ravens, right now it looks like Lamar Jackson is questionable Sunday. I hope he plays because we don’t want any excuses.
Jersey of the Week: Heath Miller, #83 Steelers Blackout Jersey, I actually wore it work outside as well. One of my favorites in my collection.