Behind the Steel Curtain
With the first month of the season coming to a close, the Steelers are once again in familiar territory. Despite being a trendy pick to miss the playoffs by NFL pundits, and plenty of frustration from the hometown fanbase, Pittsburgh has done enough to start the season 3-1 and take an early lead in the AFC North. If not for a red zone interception and a bizarre kickoff blunder in Week 2, the Steelers could very well have been undefeated heading into October.
It’s reminiscent of last season, when the Steelers also finished September 3-1 and saw the Ravens and Bengals falter out of the gates. This time, things are even worse for the Steelers’ rivals. Lamar Jackson is set to miss a few weeks for 1-3 Baltimore, and 2-2 Cincinnati has looked toothless in two straight losses since Joe Burrow was sidelined for at least three months with a major toe injury. The Ravens’ next two games will come against the Texans and Rams, while the Bengals will get the Lions and Packers before their first meeting with the Steelers.
Imperfect as they may be, the Steelers have a real opportunity to make a run at the division title.
If you’re a glass-half-full type, the Steelers being on pace to have a home playoff game is all you can ask for this early in the season. If you more commonly find your glass-half-empty, there are plenty of flaws with the roster and staff to point to, not to mention that the combined record of the three teams the Steelers have defeated is 4-8.
Regardless of which you are, October will be a pivotal stretch for the black and gold. With the Ravens vulnerable and without Jackson for a handful of games, and the Bengals floundering without Burrow, the Steelers need to take advantage. Win, and hopefully the Steelers will build a big enough lead that their rivals won’t be able to dig themselves out.
That effort will begin next week, with the Steelers on bye following their trip overseas.
In the meantime, let’s take a look at some developments from the Steelers’ win over the Vikings.
RB: With Gerry Dulac reporting that both Ramsey and Austin are expected to miss “at least several games,” it will undoubtedly place stress on both sides of the ball for Pittsburgh.
Ryan will cover what Austin’s potential absence could mean; I’ll cover Ramsey’s. The latter should be an easier fix for the team given the good cornerback depth the Steelers built over the offseason.
Brandin Echols has been great covering for the team’s cornerback injuries so far this year, putting together starting-caliber play on both the boundary and in the slot. He’s a versatile player who can fill in for some of Ramsey’s versatility. With Joey Porter Jr. due for a return after the bye, the Steelers will be able...
