Five Takeaways From The Steelers Week Eight Win
The Steelers extended their winning streak to three with a 26-18 victory over the Giants on Monday Night Football. Pittsburgh also extended its streak of wins at home on Monday Night Football to an astounding 22 straight. It was a good night for the Steelers, who pull into their bye week with a record of 6-2, in sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
5. Steelers Defense Answers The Call
Pittsburgh’s defense came up big despite sleepwalking through the first half. In the second half, they turned it on. When the city of Pittsburgh put up the TJ Watt signal, he answered as he always does. Watt finished the game with two tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Alex Highsmith also had a good night, capturing two tackles for loss and two sacks himself.
Joey Porter Jr and Patrick Queen tied for the team lead in tackles with eight each. Beanie Bishop kept his hot streak going, snagging the game-winning interception late in the fourth quarter. The icing on the cake goes to Cam Heyward, who was playing in his 202nd game in Pittsburgh, the most by a defensive player in Steelers history.
4. Vintage Russ
Look away, Broncos fans. Through two games, the Steelers have revived prime Russell Wilson. On Monday night, Wilson completed 20 of his 28 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown. His late fumble was his lone blemish on the night. After two starts, it looks like Mike Tomlin made the right choice turning to Mr. Unlimited.
With the help of Arthur Smith, Wilson has led the Steelers to a 400+ yard game in both of his starts. Kenny Pickett was only able to do it once in his 24 starts. That marks the third game hitting the 400-yard milestone for the Steelers under Arthur Smith. In 44 games under Matt Canada, Pittsburgh had none. Vintage Russ is back in the kitchen and the cooking smells good.
3. Thunder And Lightning Back In The Forecast
Despite all the critics and haters, Najee Harris is quietly putting together a great season. His game on Monday night added to it. Harris posted 114 rushing yards on 19 attempts, averaging 6 yards per carry. It was his third consecutive game with over 100 rushing yards. Pittsburgh would be smart to look into extending their first-round pick in 2021.
Jaylen Warren has been working his way back into a bigger role in the Steelers offense, since his injury at the start of the season. Last week he had 12 attempts for 44 yards against the Jets. This week, he posted 46 yards on nine attempts. Harris has just been too good to take off the field, but Warren will find his work eventually. Thunder and Lightning is officially back.
2. All Hands On Deck
For weeks, the Steelers have appeared to be lacking weapons on the offensive side of the ball. In the week eight win, it was clear that the Steelers do have some playmakers that Wilson can make work. Calvin Austin stole the show on Monday night. He kicked things off with his 73-yard punt return, before catching a 29-yard moon ball from Wilson for a touchdown. Austin showed shades of Tyler Lockett under the bright lights.
Van Jefferson had his best game as a Steeler in week eight. He caught four passes for 62 yards and has become a larger part of the offense since Wilson was named QB1. The tight ends chipped in, when Darnell Washington caught one pass for 29 yards, and Pat Freiermuth hauled in two for 19 yards. Everyone had an iron in the fire in week eight.
1. No Time To Rest
Entering the bye week, the Steelers are way ahead of schedule, but they cannot seek comfort. They have a gauntlet of a schedule after their week off, that includes six divisional games, and meetings with the Commanders, Eagles, and Chiefs. The Steelers needed to handle business during the first portion of the season and they did that. Now, it’s time to tackle the most crucial part of the schedule and get into the postseason.