Tag Archives: Larry Ogunjobi

Steelers 2025 Thanksgiving Honors: Pat Freiermuth

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Say it now Steelers Nation and say it in unison, “Muuth!!”

Yes, you hear the battle cry on the road almost as often and  almost as automatic on the road as you do at Acruisure. When you hear it, you know that things are going well. And things are going well because the new number 88 for the Pittsburgh Steelers has just authored the play.

And that’s why we’re happy to give 2025 Steelers Thanksgiving Honors to Pat Freiermuth

Pat Freiermuth, Jordan Battle, Steelers vs Bengals, Steelers vs Bengals TNF

Pat Freiermuth stiff arms Jordan Battle en route to the end zone. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

The Steelers Twists and Turns @ Tight End

Tight end is one of those tricky positions for the Steelers.

Under Chuck Noll it went from a position of strength featuring players like Larry Brown, Randy Grossman and Bennie Cunningham, to almost total obscurity (you don’t see many Preston Gothard throwback jerseys, do you?) without rhyme or reason.

Larry Brown, Super Bowl IX

Larry Brown catches a touchdown in Super Bowl XI. Photo Credit, Twitter, Vintage Steelers

But there’s no mystery behind the fact that the Steelers second Super Bowl era was quietly anchored by tight end Heath Miller, hands down the franchise’s best at the position.

Following Miller’s retirement, the franchise rode the tight end carousel trying out home grown options like Jesse James, free agents like Ladarius Green and Eric Ebron and trades for guys like Vance McDonald.

Some of those worked better than others, but Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert took the team off the carousel when they took Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Steelers 2025 Thanksgiving Honors: Pat Freiermuth

Pat Freiermuth arrived in Pittsburgh and not only became an immediate starter, but Ben Roethlisberger’s go-to guy in a season the Steelers signal caller exited the NFL by authoring 7 more 4th quarter comebacks.

IT is easy to see why.

As a rookie, Pat Freiermuth caught 60 passes 7 touchdowns and boasted a 75% catch rate, which for comparison purposes, is 3 points better than Heath Miller’s career average. During that first year it was fair to wonder whether Freiermuth would mirror Miller’s stature at the position.

To be honest, his development hasn’t quite followed that path.

  • But, to be fair to Freiermuth, that’s an extremely high bar to clear.

So what has Pat Freiermuth done since his sensational rookie year? He’s caught 123 passes and counting, 15 touchdowns while compiling a 73.7% catch rate. Those numbers are impressive, but what’s more impressive is the way he does it.

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers vs. Browns,

Focused Pat Freiermuth scores the go ahead touchdown. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

When times get tough, the wise move for the quarterback is to look to Pat Freiermuth.

As a rookie, Ben Roethlisberger looked to Freiermuth in the 4th quarter on the road against the Browns to put the Steelers ahead for good, giving Big Ben one final win in Cleveland. Last year, Russell Wilson targeted Freiermuth against Washington to give the Steelers a lead in a 1 point game. Aaron Rodgers did the same thing against Indianapolis just a few weeks ago.

Six of Pat Freiermuth’s 15 touchdowns have been lead changers there’s a reason why clutch players are clutch players. And even when he doesn’t give Pittsburgh a lead during a win, Pat Freiermuth makes it look pretty:


And that clips offers an additional reason of why Pat Freiermuth is winning Steelers Thanksgiving Honors in 2025. With that catch from last week’s loss in Chicago, Freiermuth has now caught touchdowns from Ben Roethlisberger, Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.

  • That’s 7 separate quarterbacks, if you haven’t been counting.

Catching touchdowns from 7 different quarterbacks over 5 seasons is an interesting and somewhat impressive stat. But underlines something far more important about Pat Freiermuth: As the Steelers offense has struggled for the last 5 years, Freiermuth has been a source of stability and has easily been the unit’s most consistent player.

And that fact, more than any statistics we can cite, is the reason why Pat Freiermuth wins Steelers 2025 Thanksgiving Honors

A Word about Steelers Thanksgiving Honors

In 2009, as the Steelers were ramping up for what would be the infamous 5 game losing streak the punctuated their Super Bowl hangover, I was looking for a sign of hope, something to be thankful for.

Rashard Mendenhall jumped out to me.

Not only had he authored several impressive games after taking over the starting role for Willie Parker, but in the loss to Kansas City after Andy Studebaker had intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger pass Mendenhall not only picked himself up off the turf, he crossed width of the field, and ran down at the 8 yard line to save a touchdown.

  • Thus, the tradition of Steelers Thanksgiving Honors was born.

Every Thanksgiving since then, Steel Curtain Rising has taken out time to shine the spotlight on someone who makes us thankful that they’re with the Steelers:

2009 – Rashard Mendenhall
2010 – Marukice Pouncey, Emmanuel Sanders, Al Everest
2011 – Antonio Brown
2012 – Keenan Lewis
2013 – Cam Heyward
2014 – Le’Veon Bell
2015 – “The Understudies” – Alejandro Villanueva, DeAngelo Williams, Will Allen, Cody Wallace
2016 – Ryan Shazier
2017 – Ben Roethlisberger
2018 – JuJu Smith-Schuster
2019 – Kevin Colbert
2020 – T.J. Watt
2021 – Cam Heyward (second time)
2022 – Larry Ogunjobi
2023 – Chris Boswell
2024 — Russell Wilson

As you can see, many Steelers Thanksgiving Honorees are franchise pillars. Time has certainly shown others to be short timers.

But that’s the point: They all underlie the wisdom of giving thanks for something in the moment that you have it.

Happy Thanksgiving Steelers Nation

Thanksgiving is my favorite US holiday, as it is something embraced by everyone. And today marks my 24th Thanksgiving celebrated outside of the United States.

Hopefully, everyone reading this, be you here in Argentina, up in Mexico or somewhere in the good ole USA has reasons drawn from family and friends – and not football — to give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving Steelers Nation.

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Steelers 2025 Draft Needs @ Defensive Line – In a Word, “Urgent”

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ICYMI the Baltimore Ravens ridiculed the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 Wild Card game. The ridiculing came in many forms and fashions, but one number stands out:

299

That’s 299 yards rushing against the Steelers logged by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.

While it is grossly unfair to lay the blame for that fiasco solely on the shoulders of the Steelers defensive line, there’s no question the solution to fixing it begins by strengthen that group.

Cam Heyward, Montravius Adams, Steelers vs Falcons, Kirk Cousin

Cam Heyward and Montravius Adams fold up Kirk Cousins. Photo Credit: AP, via Tribune-Review

Steelers Defensive Line Depth Cart: The Starters

The only question about Cam Heyward as he returns for his 15th season is how long can he outrun father time? Cam Heyward hasn’t just been a dominant defensive lineman who has earned mention alongside franchise legends Ernie Stautner and Joe Greene, he’s become the face of the franchise.

Cam Heyward, Cam Heyward Franco Harris Number 32, Steelers vs Raiders

Paying homage to Franco, Cam Heyward leads Steelers out of tunnel. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

On the field he remains productive and he remains a leader.  In 2024 Heyward recorded 8 sacks, 20 QB hits, 12 tackles for losses while batting down 11 passes.

Alongside Heyward, the Steelers have Keeanu Benton, whom they drafted in 2023. Benton authored a sensational rookie year, teasing that the franchise finally might have found somebody worthy of wearing Number 95.

Yet he struggled to build on that during his second season, as his stat line is almost identical to the first, despite making 5 more starts and playing almost 50% more of the defensive snaps. The Steelers waived their third defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi, creating an opening on the line with no obvious heir apparent on the roster.

Steelers Defensive Line Depth Chart: The Backups

Montravius Adams heads up the defensive line depth chart. Adams arrived after a bit of practice squad poaching during the 2021 season and immediately became a starter. Adams is a solid depth player who can contribute in a pintch but will never worry opposing offensive line coaches.

Much can be said about Isaiahh Loudermilk, who had a solid rookie year, but plateaued thereafter.

Dean Lowry remains on the roster at this point, after the 8 year veteran played 12 games and logged 21% of the defensive snaps during 2024.

The Steelers signed a pair of journeymen defensive lineman in free agency. Daniel Ekuale brings 6 years, 57 games and 21 starts of experience from stints in Cleveland, Jacksonville and New England. He started 16 games last year for the Patriots, logging a sack and 52 tackles.

Esezi Otomewo brings 9 games and 2 years of experience with the Vikings and Jaguars as a defensive end.

The Steelers will also welcome back Logan Lee, whom they drafted in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft but lost to injury for the season during preseason. They also have Domenique Davis and Jacob Slade listed as defensive lineman on their off season roster.

If the Steelers have a wild card on their defensive line depth chart it is DeMarvin Leal. The Steelers drafted Leal as a defensive end in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He didn’t play much as a rookie, but passed the “eye test” in limited action. Yet he was invisible his second year. In 2024 he got a look at outside linebacker but was lost for the year with a neck stinger.

The Steelers 2025 Draft Needs @ Defensive Line

Omar Khan went off-script this spring. Normally when the Steelers have a glaring need going into the off season, the team signs a free agent even if it plans to prioritize that position in the draft.Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Needs Scale

Think back to 2019, when they signed Mark Barron and then drafted Devin Bush.

Not only did they not sign a starter capable or potentially starter-capable defensive lineman, they cut Ogunjobi. In an ideal world, the Steelers would find a someone who can play nose tackle allowing Benton to move outside, but they must find a starter.

And if they weren’t missing their second-rounder, a double-dip at defensive line in the top three rounds of the draft certainly won’t be out of the question. After all, the Steelers not only need a starter for this year, but they need to start thinking of who will take Cam Heyward’s place.

No matter how you slice it the Pittsburgh Steelers needs at defensive line going into the 2025 NFL Draft must be considered as Urgent.

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Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Free Agent Tracker

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Free Agency started on Monday March 10th at noon.

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered free agency with as much as much to lose as they do have to gain.

The Steelers have 17 players set to become free agents. Omar Khan has over 60 million dollars in salary cap money to spend, with the ability to increase that quickly and easily with restructures and extensions. Yet, the team has been cautious.

  • If anyone is panicking over the Steelers lack of a quarterback, they’re not on the South Side.

Beyond that, the Steelers have seen far more free agents depart for greener patures than they have extended the welcome mat to.

steelers press conference,

Is Omar Khan stockpiling compensatory picks? That may not be his intent, but thus far that’s the end-product of his approach to free agency as the legal tampering period comes to an end.

Steelers 2024 Pickups During Free Agency

Jaylen Warren, Running Back
Extended 2nd round Restricted Free Agent Tender
Ryan McCollum, Center
Extended an Exclusive Rights Free Agent tender
D.K. Metcalf
Traded their 2nd round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft for D.K. Metcalf who signed a 4 year extension
Kenneth Gainwell, running back
Signed the former Philadelphia Eagles running back to a 1 year deal.
Malik Harrison, Inside Linebacker
Signs a 2-year, 10 million dollar contract to leave the Baltimore Ravens.
Brandin Echols, Cornerback
Signs with Steelers from the New York Jets, terms undisclosed.
Darius Slay, Cornerback
Signs 1-year, 10 million dollar contract after getting cut from Philadelphia Eagles.
Mason Rudolph, Quarterback
Signs 2-year, 8 million dollar contract.
Scotty Miller, Wide Receiver
Signs 1-year deal, presumptively at the veteran minimum.
Ben Skowronek, Wide Receiver
Signs 2-year deal, 4.5 million dollar contract.
Daniel Ekuale, Defensive End
Signs with Steelers from the New England Patriots
Juan Thornhill, Safety
Signs 1-year deal from the Cleveland Browns
Isaiahh Loudermilk, Defensive line
Signs 1-year deal, presumptively at the veteran minimum.
Esezi Otomewo, defensive lineman
Signs 1-year contract, presumptively at the veteran minimum, from the Jacksonville Jaguars

Steelers 2024 Free Agent Losses


Justin Fields, Quarterback
Signed 2 year, 40 million dollar deal with the New York Jets
Donte Jackson, Cornerback
Signed 2 year, 13 million dollar contract with San Die er um Los Angeles Chargers
Dan Moore, Offensive Tackle
Signed 4 year, 82 million dollar contract with Tennessee Titans
Najee Harris, Running Back
Signs 1 year, 9.25 million dollar contract with Los Angeles Chargers
Elandon Roberts, Inside Linebacker
Signs 1 year, 3 million dollar contract with Las Vegas Raiders
James Daniels, Guard
Signs 3 year 24 million dollar contract with Miami Dolphins
Van Jefferson, Wide Receiver
Signs 1 year, 2.5 million dollar contract with Tennessee Titans
Mike Williams, Wide Receiver
Signs 1 year, 7 million dollar contract to return to the Los Angeles Chargers
Nate Herbig, Guard/Center
Signs 1 year deal with Washington Commanders

Steelers 2024 Remaining Unrestricted Free Agents

Russell Wilson, Quarterback
Cam Sutton, Cornerback
MyCole Pruitt, Tight End
Kyle Allen, Quarterback
Tyler Matakevich, Inside Linebacker/Special Teams
Damontae Kazee, Safety

Exclusive Rights Free Agents

Jeremiah Moon, Outside Linebacker

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Trading Up for Isaiahh Loudermilk Was a Mistake by the Steelers. But, Should He Be Done in Pittsburgh?

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are conservative about making draft-day trades involving future draft picks. So when they do it raises eyebrows and turns heads. This was the reaction when they traded up for Shamarko Thomas in 2013.

When they did it again in 2021 with Isaiahh Loudermilk triggered memories of that ill-fated draft-day trade.

As he reaches free agency, there’s no question that, like Shamarko Thomas before him, Loudermilk clearly hasn’t been worth trading up for. The question remains, can anything be salvaged with an extended stay in Pittsburgh?

Isaiahh Loudermilk, James Conner, Steelers vs Cardinals

Isaiahh Loudermilk tackles James Conner. Photo Credit: SteelersNOW.com

Profile of Isaiahh Loudermilk’s  Steelers Career

When the Steelers traded their 2022 4th round pick for the Dolphin’s 2021 5th round pick and drafted Isaiahh Loudermilk, little did they know that their defense line was about to fall off a cliff. First Stephon Tuitt retired. And then, 5 quarters into the season, Tyson Alualu was lost.

Suddenly, the Steelers defensive line was down to Cam Heyward playing alongside a bunch of J.V. defensive lineman whose names no one remembers. Loudermilk got pressed into service sooner than expected appearing in 15 games clocking in at 29% of the defensive snaps.

  • And the early look on Loudermilk was good.

In his rookie year he batted down 3 passes, recorded a sack and logged 23 tackles – not bad for a 5th round draft pick, right? Steel City Insider’s Jim Wexell even flirted with the idea that Loudermilk reminded him a bit of a young Aaron Smith.

Unfortunately, Loudermilk had difficulty building on that, as he averaged below 20% of defensive snaps for 2022 and 2023. While Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton’s arrivals had a lot to do with that, Loudermilk failed to push either man for playing time.

Loudermilk’s snap count did increase in 2024, but he only registered 1 more tackle than 2023. He’s also been a regular contributor on special teams, highlighted by his block of Brandon Aubrey’s field goal attempt in the Steelers loss to the Cowboys.

The Case for the Steelers Resigning Isaiahh Loudermilk

Let’s embrace the elephant in the room: Isaiahh Loudermilk has not proved himself worthy of trading a future 4th round pick in order to get him in the 5th round.

But that’s not his fault any more than it was Matt Spaeth’s fault that the Steelers traded up to the third round to grab him. If you view Loudermilk as solely on his status as a 5th-round draft pick who has developed into a serviceable back up and solid special teamer you see him in a different light.

That makes him the perfect “…He knows the system” veteran that you resign at the veteran minimum for depth and to staff special teams.

The Case Against the Steelers Resigning Isaiahh Loudermilk

The good news is that the Steelers defensive line has improved since suffering its historic lows of the Loudermilk’s rookie season. The bad new is that there’s scant evidence to show that Loudermilk has contributed to that improvement. Worse yet, the 2024 NFL playoffs reinforced the reality that the Steelers defensive line is a long, long way away from being championship caliber.

Has Loudermilk shown us any evidence to suggest that he can be a component of a championship caliber NFL defensive line?

No he hasn’t.

Ergo Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin should like Loudermilk walk and find this generation’s Nick Eason or Travis Kirschke elsewhere.

Curtain’s Call on the Steelers and Isaiahh Loudermilk

Defensive line is clearly Pittsburgh’s biggest need in the 2025 off season. They must add quality and quantity. An ideal scenario would see them adding a 3-down capable nose tackle or a pure defensive end capable of taking Cam Heyward’s place. And, if they could find someone capable of replacing Larry Ogunjobi either now or in the future that would be even better.

Loudermilk’s fate likely hinges on how the draft unfolds for the Steelers.

If the Steelers come out of the 2025 NFL Draft with 3 new defensive lineman, Loudermilk likely gets caught up in a numbers game. If they don’t then he’ll likely get return for at or near the veteran minimum.

 

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Steelers Report Card for 2024 Season – Tired of Grading Edition

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Taken from the grade book of a teacher who is tired of grading, here is the Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card for the 2024 season.

Russell Wilson, Steelers vs Chiefs, Chiefs sack Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson is sacked. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Quarterbacks
Justin Fields started in led the Steelers to a 4-2 record. He legs proved to be as much if not more of a weapon than his arm. Which is OK, he largely did what the Steelers asked him to do. Russell Wilson took over a 4-2 team and was cooking by the time the team reached 10-3 before the meat girder portion of their schedule. There Russ faltered a bit, but mainly because he tried to do too much. If there’s one player who “left it all on the field” in the playoff debacle against Baltimore, it was Wilson. The Steelers had winning quarterback play in 2024. Grade: BSteelers, Report Card, grades,

Running Backs
Najee Harris logged his 4th consecutive 1000 yard season, earn his best rushing average. Jaylen Warren had 511 yards and an even better average. Don’t look now, but Cordarrelle Patterson actually had a better average than both of them. And yet, for all of those numbers, the whole of the Steelers rushing game was still less than the sum of its parts. Too often “Sludge Ball” on 1st and 2nd down resulted in 3rd and 8s. The running backs did a respectable job in catching passes, but were never true weapons. The running rarely establish a rhythm. That’s not all on the backs, but the Steelers needed more. Grade: C-

Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth was easily the offense’s most reliable player, catching 65 passes for 653 yards and 7 touchdowns. Darnell Washington caught 19 passes for 200 yards, but never emerged as a consistent threat. MyCole Pruitt didn’t add much and Connor Heyward seemed to be the odd man out. Pat Freiermuth lifts the group grade, but the Steelers needed more from the tight ends in 2024. Grade: B-

Wide Receivers
George Pickens displayed his incredible athletic talent on the field on several occasions, but his immaturity with pointless penalties cost the team on many others. And his production dropped year-by-year. Calvin Austin had a nice second season and flashed playmaking potential at times, but he wasn’t able to do so consistently. Van Jefferson showed he might have it to be an NFL WR No. 4 or maybe even a No. 3. But he’s no No. 2. Mike Williams flashed at times, but wasn’t able to pick up the slack when Pickens was out. Ben Skowronek only saw spot duty, but he did quite well there. Scotty Miller was a non-factor. The Steelers clearly didn’t have the wide outs needed for a playoff run, let alone a championship run. Grade: D

Offensive Line
Injuries scrambled the line’s continuity early in the year, and it showed. By mid-season the line appeared to be making progress – then things fell apart as the weather got cold, rookie walls got hit, and from there on out “Sludge Ball” and sacks characterized the line play. Given the investment of free agent dollars an draft picks, this was a failing performance. Grade: F

Defensive Line
Cam Heyward bounced back after an injury plagued 2023. He was not only the best player on the line, if there is any football justice in the world, Heyward should have punched his card to Canton. His 8 sacks, 11 passes defensed an 12 tackles for losses don’t do justice to the ass kicker he was. Keeanu Benton had his moments, but really didn’t make second year leap, and Larry Ogunjobi likely set himelf up to be a cap casualty. Grade: B-

T.J. Watt, Joe Burrow, T.J. Watt strip sack Joe Burrow, Steelers vs Bengals

T.J. Watt strip sacks Joe Burrow. Photo Credit: X.com

Linebackers
T.J. Watt was voted team MVP, and he did some through with several splash plays that swung or sealed games. Yet, he was hot and cold and not effective late in the year. Alex Highsmith had a strong year over coming injury, and Nick Herbig made things happen. Rookie Peyton Wilson shown at times, but also appears to have it the “rookie wall.” Patrick Queen led the unit in tackles, while Elandon Roberts proved himself to be a “tooth chipper.” Grade: B

Secondary
Joey Porter Jr. had some sophomore struggles and must learn to avoid costly penalties. Donte Jackson had 5 interceptions, although if Pro Football Focus ratings are to be believed – and perhaps they are not, he struggled in coverage. Minkah Fitzpatrick led the team in tackles, but the big play “Minkah Magic” was missing. Beanie Bishop looks to be like a nice find as an undrafted rookie free agent. The secondary had a solid year in at lot of ways, but it faltered against elite QB’s down the stretch. Grade: C-

Special Teams
Chris Boswell had a otherworldly season, accounting for all of the team’s scoring in two games. Corliss Waitman started the year strong in relief of injured Cameron Johnston, but his performance leveled off as the trees grew bare. The Steelers punt coverage was strong, kick return coverage could have been better. The Steelers got little out of their kick return game, but Calvin Austin did a fair job as a returner. And the Steelers had several blocks early in the season. Grade: B

Coaching
Where to start?

Arthur Smith had his hands full – his offensive line was injured early and often, he never got a legit WR No. 2, and his starting quarterback was out for the first six weeks. Yet he found ways to make things work for the bulk of the season’s first 13 weeks.

But his offensive line began to falter at the same moment that he lost his starting wide receiver, and the unit struggled through December football.

Teryl Austin’s followed a similar arc. It might not have dominated during the season’s first 13 weeks, but the only truly worrisome performance came in the loss to Dallas, and he rectified that in short order. The defense was able to produce turnovers, and succeeded in making Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry look human when they came to Acrisure.

But the brutal reality is that his defense went into 5-star matchups on Christmas against the Chiefs and in the playoffs against Baltimore at full health and came up Choto on both occasions. (Choto is Argentine slang for coming up short – it carries both practical and anatomical implications.)

Arthur Smith, Mike Tomlin, Steelers vs Browns, Steelers vs Browns snow

Arthur Smith confers with Mike Tomlin. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

And finally, that brings us to Mike Tomlin.

Dispassionate analysts who focus on calling things as they see them as opposed to catering to angry fans to generate clicks, have argued that a sober analysis of this roster shows it to be an 8 or 9 win team. In that light, Tomlin should be credited for bringing out the best in what is a middle-of-the-road roster.

That may be true.

But here is something else that is true: In 2023 the Steelers finished 10-7 with weaker quarterback play, and were within a touchdown of trying the Buffalo Bills with 10:32 remaining in the 4th quarter in the playoffs. In 2024 they finished 10-7 and then Baltimore Ravens ridiculed them in the playoffs.

The objective of the Pittsburgh Steelers football club is to win a Super Bowl, and the franchise regressed in 2024. And that is on Mike Tomlin. Grade: F

Front Office
It is tempting to point a finger at the front offense for the failure of the line to step up, but the unit is young.

And clearly, Omar Khan executed addition by subtraction by dealing Diontae Johnson for Donte Jackson. Nonetheless, no “Khan Artist” plan to land a true number 2 wideout ever materialized. And that clearly hurt the offense, if for no other reason than it allowed defenses to crowd the box.

Deshon Elliott, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers vs Colts

DeShon Elliot. Photo Credit: Steelers.com

The defense did not deliver on bang for its salary cap buck, but the only major contract given on that side of the ball this off season was to Patrick Queen, who played pretty well. Grade: C

Unsung Hero Award
Fans have always salivated over free agent signings, in large part because the Steelers seldom make big ticket moves. The ones that the franchise has historically excelled at are the under the radar ones. And this year the Steelers made one in the secondary, and his number seemed to show up on the field where ever it was needed and for that DeShon Elloitt wins the Unsung Hero Award for the Steelers 2024 season.

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Steelers Report Card for Win over Bengals: Cooking in the Kitchen Edition

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Taken from the grade book of a teacher pleased to see his students cooking in the kitchen, here is the Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card for the win over the Bengals a Paycor Stadium.

T.J. Watt, Joe Burrow, T.J. Watt strip sack Joe Burrow, Steelers vs Bengals

T.J. Watt strip sacks Joe Burrow. Photo Credit: X.com

Quarterbacks
Russell Wilson was 29 of 23 for 414 yards 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. But those numbers don’t do him justice, as he spread the ball to 10 receivers across the entire field. More importantly, he maintained control in the huddle, sidelines, at the line of scrimmage and in the pocket. Justin Fields ran once, and he made it count. Grade: ASteelers, Report Card, grades,

Running Backs
Najee Harris bounced back from a tough game, running for a touchdown, 75 yards on 16 carries and doing damage through the air with 6 catches for 54 yards. Jaylen Warren had a quiet day running for 9 yards on three carries, but he caught 4 passes for 55 yards. Cordarrelle Patterson had 3 runs for 16 yards and 3 catches for 27 yards. A good day for the running backs. Grade: B

Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth caught 6 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. Darnell Washington had 1 catch for 10 yards but threw a decisive block on Harris’ touchdown. MyCole Pruitt caught 2 passes for 21 yards. Grade: A-

Wide Receivers
George Pickens had 3 catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, but his penalties hurt the team. Van Jefferson had one catch for 43 yards that probably should have been a touchdown. Calvin Austin did haul in his own touchdown and made another big catch for 2 grabs and 29 yards. Ben Skowronek had one catch for 23 yards, but it was a big one. Pickens’ penalties drop the grade for this group. Grade: B+

Offensive Line
This was the offensive line we’ve been waiting to see. After getting manhandled by Cleveland, the line turned in its best performance of the season. Russell Wilson was only sacked twice and the Browns only had two tackles for losses. Dan Moore bounced back too, neutralizing Trey Hendrickson. Grade: A

Defensive Line
Keeanu Benton’s single tackle doesn’t do justice to the game he played as his number was visible on several key play including a sack. Larry Ogunjobi had 1 tackle. The line did give up some rushing yards early, but that was not a factor as the game evolved. Grade: B

Linebackers
T.J. Watt dominated, with a strip sack that set up a score and another sack on third down the forced a field goal. Nick Herbig had a strip sack of his own, which Payton Wilson returned for a touchdown. Patrick Queen had nine tackles, and Preston Smith made a heads up fumble recovery after Wilson couldn’t hold on to the fumble that Watt forced. Grade: A

Secondary
Donte Jackson logged yet another heads up interception on a tipped pass, which had he not lost his footing, probably would have taken to the house. DeShon Elliott led the unit in tackles, while Cam Sutton quietly tipped away 2 passes. Joey Porter Jr. kept Tee Higgins in check, but his pass interference penalties award the Bengals premium field position far too often. Grade: B-

Secondary
Danny Smith’s special teams gave up a blocked kick which fortunately wasn’t decisive, but it could have been. The Steelers kick return coverage was also a bit below average. However, Chris Boswell was money on his two clean attempts, and Connor Heyward recovered the on sides kick. Corliss Waitman one punt for 38 yards might not look like much, but he pinned the Bengals down. Grade: C

Coaching
Be honest, if someone told you before the game that the Steelers third offensive play from scrimmage would be a pick six you’d have thought that signaled disaster, right?

As it turns out, Arthur Smith’s offense was able to stand toe-to-toe with Joe Burrow and company and come out on the winning side. He opened out the game book and literally got everyone involved the and the results were tremendous.

  • Teryl Austin’s defense didn’t have quite as good of a day.

They gave up a lot of yards and Cincinnati’s final touchdown was far too easy. Still, the defense forced three turnovers and sacked the Bengals into a field goal. And the two three and outs they forced to bookend the first half should not be overlooked.

Cameron Heyward, Cam Heyward, Cam Heyward sack Joe Burrow, Steelers vs Bengals

Cam Heyward sacks Joe Burrow. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

The loss to the Browns was disappointing. Losses like that can often be deflating. Mike Tomlin however did not let the happen. The Steelers came out focused and remained that way through to the end. Grade: A-

Unsung Hero Award
The ESPN highlight reels of the Steelers defense will feature T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Payton Wilson as they should. But it is no coincidence that those big running plays the Bengals enjoyed happened while this player was on the bench. When he wasn’t on the bench he was sacking Joe Burrow, slamming Chase Brown for a loss at the goal line or just tipping a pass that got intercepted and for that Cam Heyward wins the Unsung Hero Award for the Steelers 2024 win over the Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

 

 

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Steelers 2024 Thanksgiving Honors: Russell Wilson

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Thanksgiving is upon is which makes it time for Steel Curtain Rising to bestow our annual Steelers Thanksgiving Honors. And this year the honoree is none other that starting quarterback Russell Wilson.

Russell Wilson, Steelers vs Commanders.

Russell Wilson launches a pass in the 4th quarter. Photo Credit: AP, Chaz Palla, via Tribune-Review

Russell Wilson New, But Already a True Pittsburgh Steeler

This is Russell Wilson’s first and perhaps only year in Pittsburgh, but he has fit in to a T. The Pittsburgh Steelers actually have time-honored tradition of quarterback reclamation projects, but you have to go back to Bobby Layne to find a quarterback who has made such an instant impact.

Mike Tomlin said it best, when explaining his decision to bench Justin Fields who at the time was 4-2 as a starter:

Justin has been really good, and we’ve been really good at times — but not to be confused with great. This is a competitive league, man. We’re trying to position ourselves to be that team and we got a player with talent who hasn’t had an opportunity to play.

With Russell Wilson as quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to be great.

There are a lot of ways to look at why. You can find any number of metrics that show how the Steelers offense is more dynamic with Wilson at the helm. Wilson’s “moonballs” to George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson and Mike Williams are works of art.

Calvin Austin, Greg Newsome, Pittsburgh Steelers

Calvin Austin hauls in a touchdown. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

While the offense remains a work in progress, Wilson has brought the deep ball back to Pittsburgh in a way we haven’t seen since Ben Roethlisberger began his Life’s Work. And when things are going as planned, that threat of a deep ball has reinvigorated the running game for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

Those are all positives, but they’re not the real reason why Russell Wilson is winning Thanksgiving Honors.

Russell Wilson – Leading with Class

What really sets Wilson apart is that he’s become an automatic leader of the team, both on the field and off the field. He exudes class. He brings a “been there, done that” mentality yet he does it with grace and humility.

When the Steelers fell behind against the Commanders, there was never a hint of panic from Wilson.

  • The stage is never too big for him.

Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Wilson has done his best to integrate himself into the community of Pittsburgh – he is a regular at Children’s Hospital, he’s made a point of attending and supporting a multitude of community events.

He’s also been a consummate teammate, doing what he could to support Justin Fields when he started, taking the entire offense out to dinner each week and by all accounts has installed himself as a locker room leader.

To understand why, just look at Wilson’s comments after the Steelers Red Zone woes following the win against the Ravens:

You can’t let one game — I’ve told you guys this before — every game has a history of its own. I think that you focus on trying to be a little bit crisper, making a couple plays.

This perspective is so fundamentally healthy. It acknowledges the challenges that the team faces, but instead of focusing on past failures, it focuses on the future. There are a lot of reasons to find fault with the offense’s performance in the loss to the Browns, but the team did score twice in the Red Zone.

Wilson Fitting into the Steelers Thanksgiving Honors Tradition

In a word, Russell Wilson arrived in Pittsburgh under unique circumstances. You don’t often sign a Super Bowl winner for a veteran minimum contract. You would think that the Steelers would want him back, but one never knows.

  • Why bestow Thanksgiving honors on a potential short timer you ask?

It is simple. Thanksgiving Honors speak to why Steelers fans should be thankful now.

The tradition was born in the middle of 2009’s 5 game losing streak, when Rashard Mendenhall, having a breakout season, showed tremendous hustle in running down a defender who was making an interception return in the loss to Kansas City.

Larry Ogunjobi, Leonard Fournette, Steelers vs Bucaneers

Larry Ogunjobi stuffs Leonard Fournette. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Two years later, we honored Kennan Lewis, who was doing a tremendous job in his first and only season as a starting Steelers cornerback. The same sentiment guided 2022’s decision to honor Larry Ogunjobi – it was his first year in Pittsburgh and he was only playing on a one year deal, but it was a different offensive line with Larry Ogunjobi playing alongside Cam Heyward than it had been in 2021.

  • And of course Ogunjobi has been in Pittsburgh since.

Will the same thing happen with Wilson? Can Wilson bring back Lombardi Number 7 or even Art Rooney II’s coveted playoff win?

Time will tell, but today there’s every reason to be glad he’s a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Past Steelers Thanksgiving Honors Winners

2009 – Rashard Mendenhall
2010 – Marukice Pouncey, Emmanuel Sanders, Al Everest
2011 – Antonio Brown
2012 – Keenan Lewis
2013 – Cam Heyward
2014 – Le’Veon Bell
2015 – “The Understudies” – Alejandro Villanueva, DeAngelo Williams, Will Allen, Cody Wallace
2016 – Ryan Shazier
2017 – Ben Roethlisberger
2018 – JuJu Smith-Schuster
2019 – Kevin Colbert
2020 – T.J. Watt
2021 – Cam Heyward (second time)
2022 – Larry Ogunjobi
2023 – Chris Boswell

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours

Today marks the 23rd Thanksgiving I’ve celebrated from Buenos Aires, Argentina. But it remains my favorite US holiday because, the specter of Black Friday not withstanding, it remain a tradition founded upon faith, family and friends.

While we’re happy to continue our football-centered Thanksgiving Honors tradition here, we do so with the understanding that football is just a diversion.

In that sense, we hope that all of you reading this have plenty of non-football reasons to be thankful, and we also hope that you can celebrate those with family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving Steelers Nation!

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Steelers Report Card for Loss to the Browns – Frustrated by Slow Starts Edition

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Taken from the gradebook of a teacher frustrated with his student’s slow starts, here is the Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card for the snowy Thursday Night Football loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Nick Herbig, Steelers vs Browns, Steelers vs Browns snow, Nick Herbig strip sack Jameis Winston

Nick Herbig strip-sacks Jameis Winston. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Quarterbacks
Russell Wilson went 21 of 28 for 270 yards no interceptions and one touchdown. Those are good numbers but somehow they didn’t quite add up for the Steelers. Case in point, he took four sacks and put the ball on the ground that set up a critical Browns score. Justin Fields played 7 snaps. He sparked the offense with his 30 yard run, but otherwise was ineffective. Grade: CSteelers, Report Card, grades,

Running Backs
Jaylen Warren led the unit with 45 yards on 11 carries. Najee Harris struggled. Gaining only 45 yards on 16 carries. Cordarrelle Patterson and one carried for negative 2 yards. The Steelers running backs didn’t get a lot of help from the line, but the Steelers needed more from their backs, and didn’t get it. Grade: C-

Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth and 4 catches for 59 yards and Darnell Washington had 3 grabs for 14. Those are OK number on paper, but the tight ends don’t seem to be making up for the Steelers deficiencies at wide receiver. Grade: C-

Wide Receivers
Calvin Austin had a spectacular night catching a 46-yard “moonball” and then making a combat catch that briefly put the Steelers up. George Pickens had 4 catches for 48 yards. Van Jefferson had 2 catches for 39 yards. While all three put up some great individual plays, as a group the wideouts struggled to get open, facilitating several sacks. Grade: C-

Offensive Line
Cleveland Browns defenders dropped Steelers runners behind the line of scrimmage seven times. Dan Moore and Zach Frazier struggled against Myles Garrett. Wilson’s four sacks were drive killers. Not only Steelers went for it on 4th down twice and failed – the lost yardage both times. There’s no sugar coating this: The Steelers offensive line got manhandled. Grade: F

Defensive Line
Cam Heyward led to unit with 6 tackles and 2 passes defensed. Larry Ogunjobi registered a quarterback hit. The Browns converted 3 of their 4th down attemps on the ground. That’s not all on the line but it starts there. Grade: D

Linebackers
Nick Herbig was the star of the unit landing strip sack that set up the Steelers go ahead score. Credit the Browns for neutralizing T.J. Watt, who didn’t touch the quarterback and only registered one tackle for a loss. Outside of Herbig’s play, the Steelers barley touched Jameis Winston all night and that lack of pressure cost them dearly. And of course the Browns converted 3 of their 4th down attempts on the ground. Grade: D

Secondary
Donte Jackson came down with what should have been the game-sealing interception. DeShon Elliott forced a fumble which Jackson recovered and then recovered the ball after Herbig’s strip-sack. The Browns went 1-10 on third down conversions. But they seem to come down with catches when they needed them including on one of the Browns 4th down conversions. Grade: C-

Special Teams
Chris Boswell missed a 58 yard field goal that he probably shouldn’t have tried. He made two others under increasingly difficult conditions. The Steelers return coverage was solid. Corliss Waitman only punted once, but he shanked it, and that cost the team dearly. Grade: D

Coaching
Arthur Smith has his work cut out for him. After going 7 quarters without scoring a touchdown, his unit scored 2 in less than 2 minutes, yet couldn’t get a simple 1st down when earning one would have shifted the game’s fortunes drastically in the Steelers favor.

His offensive line got dominated at the line of scrimmage. The group will likely bounce back, but overall story of the Steelers offense in this game was a unit that featured some strong individual performances, but that started slow and couldn’t deliver in critical moments.

Teryl Austin needs to ask himself – why is it that the Steelers defense stopped the Ravens offensive juggernaut, only to allow the Browns 24 points? Huntington Bank Field featured the first truly hostile environment that the Steelers have played in this season, Austin needs to find a way for his defense to deliver against a much better quarterback in what will be an equally hostile Paycor stadium.

  • Thursday Night Games are tough for the visiting team. Fair enough.

But Mike Tomlin is now 1-8 on Thursday night on the road. After the game he pointed out his team’s slow start as one of the main factors behind the lose – he was right – and slow starts have been issues for the Steelers all along. Tomlin needed to do something to break both tendencies coming into this game, whatever he tried didn’t work. Grade: F

Patrick Queen, Nick Chubb, Steelers vs Browns

Patrick Queen stops Nick Chubb for a loss. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Unsung Hero Award
Unlike Herbig, Elliott and Jackson his plays won’t make the highlight reels. No one will point to his tipped passes and say, “See, he’s still got it.” But Patrick Queen led the Steelers in tackles, deflected a pass and landed a quarterback hit on a night when they were spare, and for that he wins the Unsung Hero Award for the Steelers 2024 Thursday Night Football loss to the Browns at Huntington Bank Field.

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Steelers Report Card for Win over Ravens – “Hard Fast and Together” Edition

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Taken from the gradebook of a teacher pleased to see his students playing “hard, fast, and together” here is the Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card for the 2024 win over the Ravens at Acrisure.

Payton Wilson, Justice Hill, Payton Wilson interception, Steelers vs Ravens

Payton Wilson intercepts a Lamar Jackson pass. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Quarterbacks
If last week Russell Wilson probably played a little better than his stats indicated, this the reverse is probably true. Wilson went 23-36-204-0-1 with the Red Zone interception and inability to score touchdowns weighing him down. Still, Wilson shook off the interception and led the drive to secure the winning score. Justin Fields took 3 snaps, going for 8 and 9-yard runs but began his slide a step too soon. Grade: C+Steelers, Report Card, grades,

Running Backs
The eye test says that Najee Harris ran better than his 63 yards on 18 carries would indicate. He had a few long ones, and got the one-yarder that the team needed. Jaylen Warren only got the ball 9 times, but turned those into 41 yards and looked strong doing it. Both backs caught 4 balls each, which was critical to the passing game’s success. Cordarrelle Patterson had one rush for zero yards. Grade: B-

Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth had 2 catches for 14 yards as the breakout game he’s “supposed” to have with Wilson throwing the ball has yet to materialize. Darnell Washington had two catches for 42 yards and looked like a weapon, although he could have made a play on the ball during Wilson’s ill-advised end zone pass. Grade: B-

Wide Receivers
George Pickens led the unit with 8 catches for 89 yards an showed himself to be a threat from the slot and in short yardage. He didn’t come down with a 50/50 ball in the end zone, but there’s a reason why these are 50/50 balls. All other Steelers receivers struggled. Calvin Austin had one catch for negative yards and a sideline drop. Van Jefferson had a drop in the Red Zone.  Ben Skowronek had one catch for 4 yards. Grade: C-

Offensive Line
Russell Wilson was sacked four times although a some of those were coverage sacks. The running backs had a tough go of it, but Baltimore’s front 7 is known for stopping the run. Broderick Jones was flagged twice for holding. Grade: C

Defensive Line
Derrick Henry came into the game averaging an inhuman 6.1 yards per carry. The Steelers held in to 5 yards a carry, but if you take away is long run that drops to 2.8. That is phenomenal. Larry Ogunjobi led the defensive line with tackles, followed by Cam Heyward who deflected two passes. Keeanu Benton was in on key stops and Isaiahh Loudermilk played well. Grade: A

Linebackers
Nick Herbig forced a turnover on the second play of the game and played a major role in disrupting Lamar Jackson’s run on the 2 point conversion. Patrick Queen forced another turnover and was a major force in stopping the run. After flying just under the radar Payton Wilson’s interception turned what should have been a game-changer for the Ravens into a game-changer for the Steelers. T.J. Watt “only” had a sack and a decisive tackle of Henry behind the line of scrimmage. Grade: A

T.J. Watt, Derrick Henry, Steelers vs Ravens

T.J. Watt stones Derrick Henry for a loss. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Secondary
Joey Porter Jr. stopped Lamar Jackson and almost shut down Zay Flowers. DeShon Elliott recovered the first forced fumble and again made everyone wonder why his other teams didn’t want him. While the splash play eludes Minkah Fitzpatrick, he contained at least two plays that reached the second level that would have otherwise been touchdowns. Grade: A

Special Teams
The Steelers punt return coverage was solid, although their kick return coverage shows why they should just put it in the end zone when they can. Calvin Austin was decent on returns, and Corliss Waitman boomed off punts. And of course, Chris Boswell was 6-6 on field goals, including knocking in 3 from over 50 yards. Grade: A-

Coaching
For the second time in 10 games, Arthur Smith’s offense couldn’t find the end zone. That’s not good.

But credit Smith for two things. First, when he saw that the long passing game wasn’t working, he ditched it at halftime and began to call shorter passes to backs and tight ends. He also used George Pickens in the slot. While the Steelers offense sputtered at times, it did quietly amass a 36:22 to 23:38 time of possession advantage.

The Baltimore Ravens arrived at Acrisure Stadium with an offense that led the NFL in points-per-game, total yards, rushing offense and Red Zone offense.

  • Teryl Austin’s defense humbled them.

Lamar Jackson has looked like Superman against the rest of the NFL this season. Versus the Steelers he looked more like Jimmy Olsen. Oh, and Austin’s defense force 3 turnovers, all at critical moments in the game.

Dean Lowry, Lamar Jackson, Steelers vs Ravens

Dean Lowry deflects a Lamar Jackson pass. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

The Steelers have a young team coming off of an emotional high of a big road win against an up and coming NFC power. That’s a prime backstory for a let down.

Mike Tomlin had his team focused, hitting hard and kept them in that mindset from start to finish. Grade: B+

Unsung Hero Award
He arrived in Pittsburgh as one of those, “Hum. Nice to have a guess” guys in free agency. We heard his name before this season, albeit on special teams. He played a hair less than 1/3 of the defensive snaps, but it was enough for to sack Lamar Jackson and deflect one of his passes, and for that Dean Lowry wins the Unsung Hero Award for the Steelers 2024 win over the Ravens at Acrisure.

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Defense, Chris Boswell Lift Steelers to 18-16 Win Over Ravens

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The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 at Acrisure Stadium to improve their record to 8-2 and claim sole ownership of the AFC North lead

  • The Steelers and Ravens rivalry has lived up to the lore surrounding it.

Yet going into this game many felt this one might be different. Behind the future hall of fame combo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the Ravens have fielded the NFL’s most dominant this season. And with Russell Wilson at the helm Pittsburgh’s offense has become potent in its own right.

  • Could this installment of the Steelers vs. the Ravens be a shoot out?
  • No, that was not to be. Not on this afternoon at Acrisure.

This was the Steelers vs the Ravens at its best. Twice, two players from each side drew unsportsmanlike conduct flags. For 60 minutes, two defenses slugged it out. Steelers emerged victorious because they mustered a forceful, focused team-encompassing effort the very beginning of the game to the tail end.

Joey Porter Jr. Lamar Jackson, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Steelers vs Ravens

Joey Porter Jr. stops a 2 point conversion. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Wait. Is It Going to Be THIS Kind of Game?

You have to wonder if Mike Tomlin doesn’t put in a little extra preparation prior to Ravens game to punish himself for picking Terrell Edmunds over Lamar Jackson in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Whether that’s the case or not, it is no secret the Steelers have had some success containing two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Yet, the Steelers have never had to face a Ravens backfield featuring Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

If the Ravens could get Henry going, that would allow Jackson unleash a torrent of RPOs and play action passes on the Steelers defense.

So the Ravens opened with a run to Henry.  Keeanu Benton stopped him at just 3 years, but Baltimore’s intent was clear. They gave it to Henry again. This time Henry made it 4 yards, but Nick Herbig punched out the ball and DeShon Elliott recovered.

Less than a minute had elapsed, and here were the Steelers with the ball at Baltimore’s 32 yard line. Could it really be THIS easy? Was it really going to be THIS kind of game?

No. Its Going to Be THAT Kind of Game

Word to the wise to Steelers-Ravens newbies, if it looks too easy and it feels too easy – for either team – then it certainly is too easy.

Such was the case with the Steelers first possession. A few passes and runs to Najee Harris and George Pickens brought Pittsburgh to reach Baltimore’s 16. Then, with the Ravens secondary blanketing the Steelers wide receivers, Russell Wilson threw it away twice, bringing on Chris Boswell for field goal try. The Steelers defense had secured a turnover, given the offense prime field position, but had to try a field goal.

It would be Boswell first successful six field goal attempts.

So was going to be THAT kind of game.

First Half – Value of Executing the Ordinary

The first half of this game saw both teams combined for 7 punts and 6 three and outs, much to the disappointment of Fantasy Football owners banking on a bonanza of offensive fireworks. But for Reality Football enthusiasts the first half reinforced to fundamental truths about the game:

  • Doing an extraordinary job of executing the ordinary can be priceless
  • Sometimes there’s a fine line that separates reward from risk

Justin Tucker is the most accurate kicker in NFL history. The fact that he can stake that claim and reside in the AFC North, and in a dome or bleached-blond sunbelt city makes his achievement all the more remarkable.

Yet, late in the 1st quarter he missed a 50 yard field goal that could have tied the game. Yes, 50 yards is long particularly at Acrisure, but for Tucker these kicks should be more or less automatic.

But, it didn’t seem to matter. The Steelers could only muster 9 yards, and rather than squander field position, Mike Tomlin went for it. Kyle Hamilton stopped Najee Harris cold on 4th down.

  • Six plays and 14 yards later, the Ravens next drive stalled.
  • Out trotted Justin Tucker again, this time trying for 47 yards.
  • And again he missed.
  • Mike Tomlin’s risk didn’t yield a reward, but Pittsburgh didn’t pay much of a price

The Steelers managed to get another field goal two series, later, but the Ravens found the end zone with 1:16 left in the half. Yet, the Steelers could only manage 5 yard and with 46 seconds remaining, John Harbaugh, playing for all the marbles, took a time out.

Patrick Queen, Steelers vs Ravens, Isaiah Likely

Patrick Queen forces a fumble. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

From own 9 yard line, Lamar Jackson hit Isaiah Likely on a 4-yard sideline route, only to have Patrick Queen force and then recover a fumble.

The best the Steelers could manage was a 5-yard pass to Pat Freiermuth. But Chris Boswell was money on his 32-yard field goal.

And so it was that the Steelers took a 2-point lead into the locker room by doing the ordinary things well and reaping the rewards from the Ravens unsuccessful risks.

“Play Hard, Fast and Together”

A lot will be written this week about how the Steelers schemed to slow the Ravens juggernaut offense. Yet, as he often does Mike Tomlin boiled it down to its base elements explaining, “Forget the minutia of what it is you do. You better play hard, fast, and together or you have no shot.”

Tomlin hit the nail on the head.

  • Looking at the stat sheet, its hard to find a single player that stood out.

Instead, everyone had their hand in the pile. Patrick Queen may have forced a fumble and lead the team in tackles, but Larry Ogunjobi, Elandon Roberts, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick all came up with big stops. Dean Lowery didn’t even play 1/3 of the snaps yet, he deflected a pass and sacked Lamar Jackson.

Even T.J. Watt’s sack came on a play where he, Preston Smith and Nick Herbig corralled Jackson out of bounds and they were able to do so because the Steelers secondary had blanketed the Ravens receivers.

  • That synergy extended to both sides of the ball.

The Steelers offense blew a chance to go up two scores at the beginning of the 4th quarter when Russell Wilson got flushed from the pocket and threw an ill-advised pass to Darnell Washington in the end zone that Marion Humphrey easily picked off.

Lamarr Jackson ripped off a 25 yard run to start the next series. Derrick Henry caught a 15-yard pass. Next, Lamar Jackson looked deep for Justice Hill. Rookie Payton Wilson was on coverage.

 

As Mike Tomlin explained after the game, the Steelers knew the Ravens would target the rookie, prepared him for it, and Wilson clearly did not blink.

Holding Lamar in Check @ the Goal Line

Again the Steelers offense took advantage of Baltimore’s turnover, but again they had to settle for 3 instead of 7. That left the Ravens in the game. And as you’d expect, Lamar Jackson led his team to the end zone, finding Zay Flowers with a minute 6 remaining.

  • But the Ravens needed the two-point conversion just to tie the game.

Baltimore sent its offense out. Mike Tomlin called time out. The Ravens, he felt had tipped their hand, so he adjusted the Steelers play call, flooding the strong side and forcing Lamar Jackson to run to his left, where he’s less effective.

  • Jackson had plenty of time to throw, but no one was open.

Joey Porter Jr. brought him down as Jackson flug the ball skyward. The Steelers held their 2 point lead.

With just over a minue left, the Steelers needed a first down, as Baltimore had all of its time outs. Justin Fields came in could have gotten the first down, but he began his slide a second too soon.

On third and one Najee Harris ran it behind Zach Frazier and Isaac Seumalo. Malik Harrison stopped him, but only after Harris after he got the yard he needed.

Out came the victory formation and up went the Steelers record to 8-2, alone atop the AFC North.

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