How The Steelers Hit The Jackpot In Vegas
The Steelers climbed to 4-2 in week six in a thrilling 32-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Although the Pittsburgh offense didn’t look as good as it could’ve, they jumped all over Vegas in the second half. Typical Steelers, start slow, and end with a bang. This time, they didn’t have to try to claw back into the game. Here’s how the Steelers hit the jackpot in Vegas in week six:
5. Ground Game
In potentially his best game as a Steeler, Najee Harris told his teammates to jump on his back in week six. He rushed for 106 yards on 14 attempts, averaging 7.6 yards per attempt. He also had a rushing touchdown, a 36-yard trot down the sideline for his first of the season. Harris looked faster than ever.
Justin Fields chipped in on the ground too, helping Harris by posting 59 rushing yards on 11 attempts including two rushing touchdowns. That puts Fields up to five rushing touchdowns on the season. He could have a chance to hit double digits if he remains the starter all season. At this point, he’s given the Steelers no reason to bench him.
4. Steelers Special Teams Shines
Another week, another big play from the Steelers special teams unit. Jeremiah Moon found his way into a blocked punt in week six, setting the Steelers up nicely on the nine-yard line. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh settled for a field goal, but points never hurt. Moon has stepped in at the edge for Pittsburgh with the injuries to Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig. In Week Six, he made his presence felt.
Chris Boswell did Chris Boswell things in week six. Pittsburgh’s kicker went Wendy’s mode, going four for four on field goals. His longest make was his 52-yarder in the first quarter. Boswell also went two for two on extra points in the Steelers win. The wonderful wizard of Boz continues to shine in Pittsburgh.
3. Injuries Continue To Pile Up
With an already decimated offensive line, the Steelers can’t afford any more injuries up front. Unfortunately, rookie center Zach Frazier went down with what appeared to be an ankle injury on Sunday. He walked off under his power, which doesn’t mean anything, but it could be a good sign for Pittsburgh. Hopefully, it’s not anything too serious. Minkah Fitzpatrick also got banged up but continued to play through.
2. Fresh Turnovers
The daunting Pittsburgh defense came to play in week six. They let the Raiders walk down and score on their first drive of the game before locking in. The Steelers’ defense was swarming around and taking the ball away. TJ Watt had a great game with five solo tackles, two tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Donte Jackson grabbed his third interception as a Steeler. Patrick Queen led the Steelers in tackles with 13 total and 1 tackle for loss.
1. The Steelers Scored 30+ Points?
Pittsburgh always finds themselves in low-scoring games that the defense has to grind out. Not in week six. For just the fifth time since week one of the 2021 season, the Steelers posted 30+ points. They accomplished that just twice last season in week 16 against Cincinnati and week 17 against Seattle. If the Steelers could flirt with 30 points every game, they would win a lot of games with that defense.