Steelers AFC North Rival Lamar Jackson Blames Receivers After Mediocre Performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers walked away from their 2023 Week 5 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens with a victory, despite the offense again having a lackluster day as a whole once again. The defense came together and forced several turnovers and a subpar performance from former MVP Lamar Jackson helped Pittsburgh's cause. Following the game, Jackson decided to place the blame for Baltimore's loss on the receiving corps rather than doing what one would expect leaders to do, which is actually take responsibility.

Steelers Defense Threw Off Lamar Jackson's Game

Jackson knows full well what is expected of him, especially after he negotiated his own massive contract during the 2023 offseason. The Ravens want him to assume the role of leader on the team, and that means when things go well, you get the credit, but when things are rough, you also get the blame. Apparently, Jackson didn't get that memo, because despite there being truth in the fact that his receivers certainly could have had a better game, you would think that Jackson emerged from the loss without a single error to his name.

Nelson Agholor dropped a would-have-been touchdown from Jackson; this is true. Rashod Bateman had the announcers excusing his error-filled play all day, including a drop in the end zone. None of these things are false; that is not the debate here. The question is why Jackson felt the best route following a divisional loss to a longtime rival was to shrug off responsibility.

Steelers Win As Jackson Wastes Every Chance

Jackson holds just as much of the blame for the Steelers winning the game as his butterfinger receivers. Not only did he throw an interception in the endzone that would have cemented the game in Baltimore's favor, he did it when a field goal would have also been an acceptable route. Joey Porter Jr. used all of his lanky frame to get in front of his man and snag the game-saving interception, but Jackson was the one who decided the pass was the right call.

The Steelers, in true 2023 fashion, had the ball with 1:02 left in the game, and the drive took a total of 13 seconds off the clock and resulted in a field goal that put Pittsburgh up 17-10. Granted, the full touchdown lead was positive, but the lack of time or any sustained energy on Pittsburgh's drive had left Jackson with 49 seconds to try and put together a comeback.

Thankfully, what the Steelers lack in offensive ability in 2023, they make up for with defensive talent and game-changing plays. TJ Watt makes a living off changing games with his defensive plays, and this time was no different. With the Ravens seeming to gain some momentum after a 13-yard pass, a third-down stop had the game coming down to a fourth-down play. Jackson dropped back, but Watt did what he does best and got another sack on the day.

Jackson may try to sleep better by saying that his receivers let him and the team down, but the tape is right there to prove otherwise. The Steelers have a great deal to clean up and are by no means a powerhouse, but at least we aren't blaming receivers when our quarterback can't win the game. Pittsburgh may not have been given much of a chance, but perhaps this is what turning 2023 around feels like.

Is TJ Watt going to break the NFL sack record in 2023? 

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