The Steelers got an ugly, 27-22 win over the Ravens on Sunday.
Although the Steelers appeared to have a bit more fire under them, they were unable to execute as well as they should have. There were a few plays in which the Steelers were bailed out by luck or the referees, and they won the game as a result.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers went 23-34 with 284 yards and one touchdown, leading the team to victory.
But there were a lot of areas in which the team struggled, especially the rushing game. Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren rushed for a combined 28 yards on 12 carries. The only upside to the rushing game came through Gainwell and Rodgers scoring rushing touchdowns.
For the receivers, it was a different story for the Steelers. D.K. Metcalf had a great game with seven receptions and 148 yards. The signing of Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Adam Thielen lit a fire under him.
Beyond Metcalf, Calvin Austin and Warren have the majority of the rest of the receptions and yards, with Austin ending with 31 receiving yards and Warren having a receiving touchdown.
The defense, though lacking, showed some more upside with the return of Alex Highsmith, who had one sack and seven tackles on the day.
Another bright spot was James Pierre, who has had a great season so far and is constantly improving. He ended with five total tackles – three independent and two assisted. He also had an interception off a questionable pass by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
But the Steelers’ defense got lucky that the referees ruled Baltimore tight end Isaiah Likely’s touchdown an incomplete pass, saying he did not complete the catch in the end zone. This is despite him having control of the ball for multiple steps and only losing control after what looked to be a completed touchdown.
Pittsburgh still needs serious reconsideration and help within the organization. Even though they got a win, they need to string together several more, which is something a lot of fans do not believe will happen.
The Steelers are currently 7-6 and sit at the top of the AFC North. They have four games remaining, against the Dolphins, Lions, Browns, and Ravens.
They should end 10-7, with their only loss coming from the Lions; however, with the mistakes they have made, 7-10 is very possible for the Steelers.
