Finally the Steelers were able to get into the win column this season at the expense of the New York Jets. Ben looked like Ben, Lebeau’s unit did what they do best, and this may just be the kickstart the team needs. So what happened?
Big Ben Roethlisberger looked comfortable in long stretches of the game. Le’Veon Bell looked great and Antonio Brown is blossoming into a serious keeper at receiver. More importantly, the defense showed signs of serious life recording four sacks and two, yes TWO, interceptions. The Steelers were +2 in the turnover ratio today after being -11 in the turnover ratio over the past four games. Mostly everything went well and the Steelers have shown signs of life – but is this win fool’s gold? Is this something the Steelers can build on going forward this season? Steeler Nation wants to believe this can be a building block but I’m going to temper my enthusiasm just a little bit.
Here are a couple of reasons why:
1) I still need to see more from the pass rush. As a Steeler fan, I like to see 4 sacks, don’t get me wrong. I also like to see a pressure lead to an interception in the fourth quarter as much as anyone. However, the pressure was still a little inconsistent in key situations. Some of the drives where the offense couldn’t run down the clock, Geno Smith looked comfortable throwing the ball down the field. LaMarr Woodley and Jarvis Jones have to collapse the pocket more often. A better QB with better weapons can eat the Steelers alive in those situations and come out scoring points late. One-on-one match-ups have to be won. Remember the Jets are an okay team, not great. Don’t let their victory at Atlanta last week fool you; Geno Smith is still a rookie and the receiving corps of the Jets is still bare. If this happens next week against Baltimore, the Steelers may not be so lucky.
2) The offense must convert touchdowns in the redzone and sustain drives with a lead. Up 16-6 in the redzone, the end of that drive needs to be 23-6 Steelers. Take the life out of the opponent when they’re ready to quit. Neither happened on the drive. Instead the Steelers threw a bubble screen, called an ill-timed run play, and then ran a trick play for Antonio Brown to throw a TD. Huh? I was confused by the play calling and it ended up costing the Steelers a TD on that drive. The offense needs to develop a killer instinct when they smell blood in the water. I began to feel a slight discomfort with the Steelers letting the Jets hang around as much as they were in the 4th quarter. What if the Jets force a turnover? What if Geno Smith takes advantage of the opportunities the Steelers offense kept giving them? Once again, this happens next week against Baltimore, the Steelers may not be so lucky.
At the end of the day, a win is a win for the Steelers, especially when the AFC North is so weak. Steeler Nation should be very pleased with Pittsburgh’s effort on the road after a bye. However, lingering issues still remain. Pass blocking, inconsistent pass rush, and lack of touchdown production will make a team with great potential look very ordinary. Now is not the time to pat each other on the back. The Steelers need to focus on getting better now more than ever, because its officially RAVENS WEEK!
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