Steelers Week 3 Reaction

 Lets go 3-0! I was at this game this week, my first ever Steelers game and it has made me glad that I decided to start with writing instead of a podcast because my voice is absolutely cooked from screaming the entire game. Also special shout out to Quin who came down to Pittsburgh with me, dream come true!

I am going to try my hardest to break this one down, I did watch every snap, but I also made sure to tailgate pretty hard as one does. Still, I had such a great time at the game and I have a lot to say!

The Defense Keeps Rolling

I think we can officially say that the Steelers defense is an elite unit. Starting off a little shaky allowing the first touchdown of the game before settling in and shutting down a high powered offense. As the game went on, the pass rush really came alive. What's more encouraging is it appears the Steelers have found yet another star pass rusher at the OLB position. The last couple seasons TJ Watt has been one of, if not the best pass rusher in all of football. Alex Highsmith has been a great compliment on the left side developing into a star in his own right. Now though, the second year player Nick Herbig has emerged as a third name to add to that list. Herbig recorded 2 sacks on Sunday and was every bit as menacing as his star counterparts. The Steelers being able to rotate in Herbig whenever Watt or Highsmith needs a breather is terrifying for opposing QBs. 

By the second half, the Steelers were allowing the Chargers to do absolutely nothing. Despite not recording a takeaway for the first time this season, the Steelers allowed -5 yards of total offense in the second half. Yes that's negative 5 yards. It has to be pointed out that Justin Herbert had left the game at this point, but it isn't like Taylor Heineke hasn't been around the league before. It may be too early to declare, but I will do it anyway, the Steelers have the best defense in the entire NFL.

I would be kicking myself if I didn't mention how electric the stadium became after TJ Watt's sack in the 4th quarter. I've always loved the instances where an entire stadium bursts into MVP chants, well deserved as TJ is now just 0.5 sacks away from joining the 100 sack club. 

Justin Fields Won the QB1 Job

You can't go to Wilson now after the way Fields has performed the last 3 weeks. Sunday was Fields' best game of the season completing 25/32 passes for 245 yards with a TD and an INT. Even the interception was an unlucky bounce off a tip that resulted in nothing for the Chargers in the second half. The most encouraging sign for the offense came in the third quarter when Fields delivered a dime up the middle of the field to speedy receiver Calvin Austin who took it to the house for a 54 yard TD. Steelers fans, when was the last time we had a long TD over the middle? I can't recall a single instance last season. The crowd at the stadium lost their minds, and rightfully so. 

We have yet to see Justin Fields have to deliver a game winning drive in crunch time, something that will remain a concern until we see him get the reps in Pittsburgh. This shouldn't takeaway from his quality of play through 3 weeks. He's seemed to improve as a pocket passer as the season has gone on. The Chargers came in with a clear gameplan to takeaway the designed QB runs, this was no problem for Fields who delivered time and time again through the air. Fields has done everything right so far, he's given the Steelers zero reason to bench him and I expect he'll be the starter again week 4 against the Colts. 

Running Back Injuries

A small concern by the end of the game was both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren exiting with injuries. Jaylen Warren was pulled early by Mike Tomlin after the coach noticed he wasn't running as hard as he's capable of. He's scheduled to have an MRI on his knee this week which typically isn't the best sign for the week ahead. It was noted as well that after the game Najee Harris was spotted in the locker room with a sling on his arm, again not a great sign for the week ahead. The Steelers closed the game with Cordarrelle Patterson who did manage to burst through for some big runs to put the game on ice. Patterson might see an increased workload next week with both Warren and Harris banged up. With the ground game being an integral part of the Steelers offense, this will be something to monitor going forward. 

General Pittsburgh Thoughts

Super underrated city! I really enjoyed how the whole city seemed to revolve around the Steelers. Even when it wasn't game day you couldn't go anywhere without seeing a Steelers jersey or hat. On game day their LRT system is free ushering people directly to the stadium safely. The tailgating community was awesome as well, thousands and thousands of people packed around the stadium as early as 10am with many events and festivities to check out even if you didn't have a car. Something I never even realized is how the stadium overlooks an area where 2 rivers come together creating a scenic view from our seats and a nice area to walk around and explore before and after the game. Prices when going out were great, sometimes half the price of what my city, Toronto, offers for similar items. All in all, it's a city I hope to come back to for more Steelers games and hope to explore more. 

That's it! Steelers are 3-0. I found it funny how the citizens we talked to were kind of low on the great start, sports fans are so scared to be hurt again. I for one am thrilled with the start and choose to be perpetually optimistic about this team. The best defense in football faces the Colts next week, here's hoping we sit at 4-0!