The Pittsburgh Steelers defied conventional logic by being out-gained for the ninth consecutive game and posting a winning record. The Steelers' offense got off to a fast start for the second successive game with Matt Canada on the sideline. However, after going up 17-7, the offense got bogged down for the rest of the game and only produced six more points.
Lucy Schaly Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Steelers Najee Harris explodes through a hole in Week 10 23-19 victory over Green Bay Packers.
Pittsburgh’s offense was much more unpredictable for the first 20 minutes of the game, and the Green Bay Packers were off balance. The Steelers ran the ball effectively because Kenny Pickett threw it on first down when they lined up under center. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but for the Steelers, it is a huge tendency-breaker that allowed them to pick up some easy first downs on scoring drives. During the last 40 minutes of the game, the Steelers went back to running the ball into stacked boxes, and Pickett’s pass attempt targets became very predictable.
Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin addressed the media after the game. Tomlin was asked what was the difference in starting the game fast. When asked about his offense, the Steelers' coach has been testy all season after games. It has been the number one story all season, so at this point, he should not be surprised by the inquisition that follows Steelers games.
“I’m not going to act like something mystical is transpiring, you guys,” Tomlin said. “We’re just going to continue to work. We’re starting to see some of the fruit of that labor. It’s simple as that.”
The Steelers have made two significant changes over the last two games. Broderick Jones has started at right tackle, and Canada has been on the sideline. Coincidentally, the Steelers have not been predictable at the beginning of games. It may not seem mystical to Tomlin, but it is downright spiritual for fans.
Associated Press
Steelers offensive coordinator is now two for two when he calls games from the sideline.
The Steelers' offense has been called by virtually every analyst under the sun as the most predictable offense in the NFL. In their three losses, they have gotten hopelessly behind early in games. The offensive coordinator has admitted his unit isn’t built to play from too far behind. If the Steelers want to keep making games ugly until the fourth quarter, it is much easier to do that with an early lead.
This is a significant change to the Steelers, even if Tomlin is downplaying it. The decision to start Jones has transformed the rushing attack that has struggled since Le'Veon Bell retired. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have found holes that are consistently open. The last two games have seen very little dancing from Harris, and Warren is exploding. The Steelers rushed for 166 yards against the Tennessee Titans and improved to 205 yards against the Packers.
Arron Anastasia Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Matt Canada got out of his comfort zone and into one of his best offensive coordinator performances.
Canada has demonstrated a better feel for the offense for two consecutive weeks. The offense improved to the point in Week 10 that the question has to be asked if Tomlin throttled down a clicking offense and demanded more runs to protect the lead.
Pickett was shaky again for large portions of the game. He had some success throwing outside early, but as the game wore on, either by design or habit, virtually every throw went to the sideline. The Steelers quarterback was lucky to escape without turning the ball over.
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Pittsburgh has completed a crucial home stand 2-1 with victories over the Titans and Packers after a tough loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and an NFL officiating crew. The Steelers lost Minkah Fitzpatrick in the Jaguars game. Still, the benching of Chukwuma Okorafor and the resulting decision to put Canada on the sidelines, helped them find an identity on offense. It may not be mystical, but if the Steelers keep jumping out to 10-point leads, it might have magical consequences in the AFC North.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is the return of the running game and first-half touchdowns mystical, or is it just the result of starting the best players on offense? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq.
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