How The Steelers Stole A Win In The Nation's Capital
The Steelers went into Washington as an underdog on Sunday but emerged victorious over the readily rising Commanders in a close one. Pittsburgh was able to pull off the 28-27 win on the back of a few big-time throws from Russell Wilson and key stops from the defense. Mike Tomlin did his thing and won a game that nobody thought he would against an NFC contender. The Steelers narrowly avoided losing ground in the AFC North.
5. Steelers Trade Deadline Additions Paying Off
In their first game as a member of the Steelers, Mike Williams and Preston Smith made sure they were huge parts of the win. Smith grabbed one sack with three solo tackles and two tackles for loss. Williams only caught one pass, but it was the most important pass of the day. He caught a 32-yard moonball from Wilson with two minutes to play that decided the game.
The touchdown reception was his first since week three of last season before he tore his ACL. If Williams can go back in time and play like he did with the Chargers, the Steelers’ offense will be lethal. Williams and George Pickens both made their presence felt in week ten.
4. Special Connection
Although it is early in the relationship, George Pickens and Russell Wilson look like they have been playing together for years. In week ten, the duo made sparks fly. Pickens caught five passes for 91 yards and a first-quarter touchdown, a miraculous grab in the right corner. In three games with Wilson as the starter, Pickens has caught 14 passes for 276 yards with two touchdowns, averaging 19.7 yards per reception.
3. Steelers Silence The Rookie Phenom
Jayden Daniels is putting together such a great rookie season that his week ten performance was way below the standards he’s set to this point. It wasn’t an awful game for the rookie, but it wasn’t an easy one either. Daniels went 17/34 for 202 yards, throwing zero touchdown passes. Pittsburgh sacked him three times. They played him the same way they have played Lamar Jackson for years and the results were great.
2. Injuries Piling Up
It’s hard for anyone to make it through the NFL season without some bumps and bruises, but Alex Highsmith has had a tough one this season. He returned from his groin injury a few weeks ago and suffered an ankle injury in this game. He was seen in the locker room on crutches after the game, with what is believed to be a high ankle sprain. Further testing will reveal more. Donte Jackson also left the game with a hamstring injury. Injuries suck.
1. Trickery Gone Wrong
After Pickens scored a touchdown early, it looked like the Steelers would cruise to victory in week ten. Then the Steelers decided to run a fake punt from their 16-yard line. It was a good call, but the Steelers couldn’t execute. Miles Killebrew threw a great pass to James Pierre, but he couldn’t wrangle it. Three plays later, Austin Ekeler scored a touchdown to even the score at seven. Luckily, the Steelers overcame it.
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