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The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, last weekend, but it still left them with questions heading into the Week 5 bye week. Now, it’s time to analyze what to do. The Steelers’ bye week adjustments will focus on continuing the things that work and fixing what has not. When they return from the bye week, they will face the Cleveland Browns, which could set them on the right track.
Despite being 3-1, Pittsburgh only has +185 odds to win the AFC North, according to FanDuel. Even with Lamar Jackson injured for the Baltimore Ravens and Joe Burrow out for the Cincinnati Bengals, the odds still don’t believe this team is a contender. Now, things might get tougher, as Jalen Ramsey is out for a few weeks.
The Steelers have had some issues to start the season, despite a 3-1 start. However, there is one major issue the Steelers must address, and the rest could potentially take care of itself. Here is where the Steelers stand, and how they got here, and what they must do going forward.
Things started off as crazily as they could, as Pittsburgh started the season with a 34-32 win over the New York Jets at the Meadowlands. Then, they laid an egg in their home opener, losing 31-17 to the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers bounced back with a 21-14 road win over the New England Patriots. Next, they went to Ireland and beat the Vikings 24-21.
The immediate future looks bright with the Browns on their schedule next. Then, the Steelers will play the Bengals on the road before hosting the Green Bay Packers. There is a golden opportunity to put some distance between themselves and their divisional rivals.
The main story in Pittsburgh is their future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. So far, Rodgers has passed for 786 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Steelers are averaging 24 points per game, which is tied for 16th in the NFL. Moreover, they are generating 183.5 passing yards per game, ranking 26th in the NFL. Pittsburgh also ranks 31st in the NFL in rushing yards per game with just 80.
Kenneth Gainwell has rushed 35 times for 154 yards and three touchdowns while catching 13 passes for 65 yards. Ultimately, he has averaged 4.4 yards per carry. Jaylen Warren has rushed 43 times for 132 yards and caught 11 passes for 142 yards and one score over three games. Meanwhile, DK Metcalf has played well and is one of the reasons the Steelers are 3-1. Metcalf has caught 15 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns. Likewise, Calvin Austin III has 10 receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
TJ Watt has been great, generating 10 solo tackles, three sacks, and one interception. Also, Nick Herbig has been solid with six solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. The rest of the defense has been slightly...
