The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense had a rocky start against the Las Vegas Raiders, giving up a 70-yard touchdown drive. Doubts about the Steelers' defense, which is the main strength of the team, came when the group gave up 445 yards to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. Starting the game against the raiders allowing a touchdown wasn't the ideal way to begin the game. A big defensive show was crucial for a Steelers offense that's been struggling to capitalize and put points on the board.
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Pittsburgh Steelers edge rushers TJ Watt (#90) and Alex Highsmith (#56) have combined to create a true headache for offensive lines in 2023
The Steelers' defense ended up shutting down the Raiders after a rocky start, winning the game 32-13. Pittsburgh allowed 275 yards and recovered three turnovers. Two of those turnovers came from TJ Watt, who punched the ball out twice; one being right on the goal line to prevent a Raiders touchdown. Watt was asked in his postgame press conference about the defense and starting faster than previous weeks.
"There's still things to correct even though we were able to win and win with a decent sized margin, but I'd say more importantly is just starting the game fast. I know we talk about it each and every week, but we need to continue to hone in on starting the game faster."
It's clear the defense stepped up its game against the Raiders. The unit came up with big plays and stops before the Raiders could try and get back into the game. The Steelers held the Raiders to just 57 rushing yards after Raiders running back Alexander Mattison had a strong first drive.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks the field before a game
Watt said that after the first drive, the defense needed to warm up to the action, and then gave a quote that Head Coach Mike Tomlin always tells the team.
"As Coach T always says, we just need to come off the bus ready to go."
Not only did Watt have his two forced fumbles, but Donte Jackson picked off Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell late in the fourth quarter. Jackson returned it for 24 yards, setting up a Steelers touchdown for Justin Fields. Special teams also had a huge play when Jeremiah Moon blocked a punt, putting the Steelers in great field position. This was huge as the Steelers were having trouble going down the field to score.
Although it was a much better performance by the defense, Watt emphasized that they need to still continue to start faster. It's not the best start to let a team march down the field and score on a defense that's supposed to be at the top of the league. It's important for the Steelers' defense to showcase how tough they're going to be early on, because when they're working all together like they were against the Raiders, it can get scary.
Steelers Finally Offense Answers On Defensive Turnovers
A problem during the Cowboys game was that the Steelers' offense wasn't capitalizing on turnovers the defense got for them. The Steelers' defense held off the Cowboys for most of the game, despite the yardage they gave up. However, the offense wasn't doing their part in the game. The Steelers forced three turnovers last week, but the difference was this week they scored. The offense answered with 17 points on the turnovers and kicked a field goal after the blocked punt.
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Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football in Week 2 against Denver.
Fields used his legs for two of those touchdowns, finishing with 59 yards. Najee Harris finally had a breakout game, going for over 100 yards and a touchdown. If the offense responds to the defensive turnovers, this team can easily win games. Both sides of the ball have to contribute or else games like the Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts will happen again.
Will the defense continue to start fast? Or was this just a good game for them against a injured Raiders offense? Let us know in the comments below!
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