CincinnatiIn every statistical metric, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense suffered its worst day of the season. It’s alarming that Joey Porter Jr. received six penalties. The Bengals’ Joe Burrow, Ja Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins dominated Pittsburgh all afternoon, despite the defense forcing three turnovers.
But despite a few spectacular offensive plays, such as a touchdown return by Payton Wilson, the Steelers managed to pull off a decisive victory that moved them to 9-3 and kept them atop the AFC North.
As the week progresses, issues with the defense will be highlighted. But the offense and Russell Wilson were the day’s big story. Wilson’s passing total of more than 400 yards was the most impressive since 2019. He kept coming up with plays for the Steelers. Wilson threw with poise, anticipation, and accuracy whether he was winning out of structure or creating a play inside it.
The game’s most impressive play may have been when Wilson found Van Jefferson on a post route for 43 yards after spotting a Cover 0 from a mile away. He finished with 414 throwing yards. Wilson took charge in all the crucial situations and demonstrated that the Steelers could enter a track meet and not only compete, but also run with a team capable of scoring points on defense.
Wilson has set a new standard for the Steelers offense. Their first drive pick-six placed them in a hole they made for themselves, so things weren’t perfect. However, the Steelers have a club that can end their nearly ten-year postseason drought with this ceiling and a defense that should be much better going forward.
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