Behind the Steel Curtain
After a blowout loss in Week 11 at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers found themselves staring a 5-5 record in the face. Considering what the Cincinnati Bengals did in the first matchup between these two teams, many were worried about a potential collapse.
However, the Steelers’ defense continued its mid-season rise, which led to a 34-12 blowout win to get them to 6-4, so let’s break down the best and worst performances from the game.
Dugger made a splash play that felt very akin to Minkah Fitzpatrick’s pick-six against the Colts in 2019. Both in their first season with the Steelers, both plays came during a one-score game, and both came in what were both near must-wins. With the Bengals looking to take the lead in a 13-9 game, Joe Flacco threw an interception to Dugger, who then ran it back 74 yards for a touchdown, which all but sealed the win for the Steelers.
What a story James Pierre has been. He came in for Darius Slay against the Indianapolis Colts and played very well. He then came in for Slay against the Chargers and broke up two passes before breaking up two more against the Bengals. He also put the exclamation point on the Steelers’ day with a fumble returned for a touchdown. Even when Slay is healthy, the top four corners for Pittsburgh should be Joey Porter, Asante Samuel Jr, Brandin Echols, and Pierre.
Many of us were yelling at our TVs to get Jaylen Warren on the field (and rightfully so). Then, Warren got hurt, and Kenneth Gainwell took over. He led the Steelers in receptions (7), yards (81), and touchdowns (2) in a great showing.
The offensive line was awesome in Week 11. Aaron Rodgers had 3.49 seconds to throw on average, which was second in the NFL this week, per Next Gen Stats. Mason Rudolph had 3.11 seconds, which was eighth. The Steelers also topped 100 yards on the ground, including a terrific 34-yard run from Jaylen Warren. Terrific job from the fellas up front.
Watching Darnell Washington is like watching a tank do the tango. He’s such a behemoth, but also incredibly athletic and a force of nature with the ball in his hands. He finished the game with four catches and 67 yards, and had several plays in which he shoved multiple Bengals off him like he was a mascot playing against children. Turning him into one of the go-to targets in the passing game has been one of the best decisions for the Steelers’ offense.
Herbig is the best edge rusher on the Steelers’ roster right now. He now leads Pittsburgh’s pass rushers in sacks, pressures, and pressure rate, and he registered the team’s only sack on the afternoon.
Per Next Gen Stats, Porter was targeted three...
