Are the Steelers a Fraud or the Real Deal?
As we dive into the delightful chaos of the NFL season, it seems the Steelers are juggling victories, skepticism, and a sprinkling of doubt like a circus performer bent on not dropping the ball. Since the start of the season, we’ve seen them win, but oh, the backlash! Are they the real deal, or just a well-disguised trick? Spoiler alert: the curtain is falling, and it’s time to recognize that this team is NOT a fraud.
The Commanders Conquered
In a heart-stopping showdown, the Steelers managed to edge out the Commanders 28-27 in Washington. Now, here’s the kicker—they took down a team that had been bulldozing through opponents like a toddler with a toy truck in a china shop since September 15! Everyone was holding their breath, wondering if Pittsburgh would be the ones to get in the way of this mighty juggernaut, and boy, did they deliver!
Defensive Dominance
Let’s rewind to the start of the season, shall we? What got the Steelers this far? You guessed it—defense! In an era where offense often steals the limelight, this defensive unit was nabbing wins like it was Black Friday at Best Buy. In those first six games, four of them saw the Steelers concede a measly 13 points or fewer. But as the attack raised an eyebrow, questions began swirling. Was this all just a house of cards waiting to collapse? Ladies and gentlemen, the tension was palpable!
Switching Gears with Russell Wilson
Ah, the audacity of head coach Mike Tomlin! With a record of 4-2 by mid-October, he pulled a rabbit out of a hat—taking the ball from Justin Fields and throwing it straight into the hands of veteran Russell Wilson. It was a controversial move, one that would require a leap of faith straight off Niagara Falls! Yet, since this change, the Steelers have gone unbeaten, averaging almost 30.3 points per game. Who knew the switch to Wilson would be the equivalent of discovering chocolate in your peanut butter?
Reviving the Offense
Flashback to the past few seasons, and it’s easy to see the Steelers’ offensive output was anything but stellar. A remarkable three games with over 400 yards in two seasons—what was going on? But since Wilson stepped up to lead, it’s as if someone switched the lights on at a disco. The numbers have skyrocketed; they’ve reached that coveted 400-yard mark twice in just three weeks! Now, in case you’re wondering, the quarterback may have only thrown for 195 yards against the Commanders, but three touchdown passes emerging out of thin air? That’s right! Let’s give credit where it’s due—especially when George Pickens made a catch so spectacular, it felt like a scene scripted for a blockbuster.
Defense Still Shining
Remember the hype about rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Commanders? Well, the Steelers put up barricades around him like it was the Great Wall of China. He couldn’t escape; three carries for just five yards and a completion rate of only 50%. Talk about being boxed in! So, while the offense is breathing new life, the defense is still flexing its muscles.
The Showdown with the Ravens
Now, fast forward to the upcoming clash with the Ravens. This is where things get really spicy! Both teams sit at 7-2, ripe for a battle at the top of the North Division. Will we see the Steelers securing their place in the pantheon of true contenders, or will they trip over their own feet like a toddler learning to walk? The suspense is as thick as a Thanksgiving turkey!
Key Moments to Ponder
- 1. Still Undefeated: The Chiefs are not just termed ‘winners’ but are mastering the fine art of squeezing out victories—enough to make the competition think they’re playing chess while the rest are stuck at checkers.
- 2. Rookie Revelations: Ricky Pearsall of the 49ers has announced himself with a goal that could make Mario Kart bosses envious. Talk about a debut! Cheers to the new generation!
- 3. Cousins’ Collapses: Honestly, Kirk Cousins is beginning to look like the personification of turbulent weather; Just when you think it’s sunny again, bam! A storm rolls in!
Winners and Losers of the Week
Winners:
- 1. The Cardinals: Dominating performances that would make a sumo wrestler weep!
- 2. Chuba Hubbard: A running back making headlines not just for the yards gained but for doling out rounds of ‘you-go-girl’ vibes!
Losers:
- 1. The Bears: If excitement were currency, then the Bears are bankrupt!
- 2. The Giants: In a universe where they’re the subject of memes, it’s all laughs until you realize they’re stuck in a galaxy far, far away from victory.
Final Thoughts
So, to wrap it up with a grandiose bow, the Steelers are no frauds! They’ve rolled the dice, made bold decisions, and struck gold, proving that doubt hasn’t completely swallowed their spirit. They’re not just playing games; they’re rewriting scripts. And folks, isn’t that what we love about the NFL? Now, grab your popcorn; it’s going to be a rollercoaster as they aim for that coveted playoff berth!
Despite securing victories since the season kicked off, lingering skepticism about the Steelers looms large. The dawn of a new understanding is upon us: this team has proven its legitimacy beyond doubt.
• Also read: Our NFL Week 10 Predictions: Chiefs on their way to a perfect season?
• Also read: Young people overprotected or in danger? A Marist College of Quebec football team withdraws from a final
In a thrilling encounter, the Steelers edged past the Commanders with a narrow 28-27 victory in Washington, triumphing over a team that has displayed formidable prowess since mid-September, their only defeat being against the mighty Ravens. It was imperative for them to prove their mettle by overcoming the Commanders on their home turf!
At the outset of the season, the Steelers’ success was largely attributed to their formidable defense. Through the first six games, this unit astonishingly limited four opponents to just 13 points or less, establishing themselves as a defensive powerhouse. However, doubts about the offense persisted, leading many, myself included, to speculate that the Steelers’ impressive run might not hold.
Initially, the Steelers’ occupancy at the top was seen through a skewed lens; their win against the Falcons was deemed a mere product of an out-of-sorts Kirk Cousins returning from a lengthy absence. The victory over the Chargers was similarly discounted due to the latter’s overly cautious tactics.
After their latest victory against the Commanders, some may still question the validity of their wins. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that these were three struggling opponents, all boasting winning records.
Audacity pays off
With a promising 4-2 record in mid-October, head coach Mike Tomlin shocked many by opting to hand the reins over to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, sidelining Justin Fields in a bold move.
At that juncture, the Pittsburgh fans were left scratching their heads, struggling to comprehend Tomlin’s unorthodox decision.
Since that pivotal turning point, the Steelers have gone unbeaten and their offense has been explosive, averaging an impressive 30.3 points per game.
Critics were quick to dismiss Russell Wilson following a troubled stint with the Broncos. At that time, few anticipated his resurgence as an effective game manager.
While it’s debatable if he has reclaimed the elite status he held in the mid-2010s with the Seahawks, there is no denying that he has more to offer and is far from finished.
Many fans, once calling for Tomlin’s job, are now left reflecting as he continues to excel in his 18th season at the helm of the franchise.
A revived attack
From 2021 to 2023, the Steelers’ offense managed to tally 400 or more yards in just three games. In stark contrast, since Wilson’s appointment as the starting quarterback, they have achieved this remarkable feat twice within three weeks.
In the showdown against the Commanders, although Wilson accrued only 195 passing yards, his three touchdown tosses proved to be game-changers.
Wilson exhibited sharp chemistry with standout receiver George Pickens, who made an impressive leaping catch in the end zone. Pickens concluded the game with five receptions totaling 91 yards. Under Wilson, there’s a palpable shift towards capitalizing on deep-ball opportunities, allowing Pickens to display his big-play potential.
In a dramatic late-game scenario, with the Steelers trailing 27-21, newcomer Mike Williams clinched the winning touchdown on a 32-yard reception, successfully outmaneuvering cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. Once he becomes fully integrated into the Steelers’ offense, alongside Pickens, Williams is poised to become a significant threat.
The defense continues to hold strong as well, marking a notable achievement by stifling the Commanders’ talented rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. For the first time this season, Daniels struggled to make an impact on the ground (with only 5 yards on 3 carries) and completed merely 50% of his 34 passing attempts, his lowest completion rate thus far.
With the Steelers now boasting a 7-2 record, they are set to clash with the Ravens (7-3) next week, with first place in the competitive North Division on the line. The stakes have never been higher, and the excitement is palpable.
5 KEY MOMENTS
1. Still undefeated
The Chiefs continue to find every way imaginable to win. With a slim 16-14 lead late in the game against the Broncos, they appeared poised for their first loss of the season when the Broncos attempted a 35-yard field goal with one second remaining. Young linebacker Leo Chenal made a superhuman effort to crush his blocker to the ground and then dived and blocked the punt, sowing hysteria in Kansas City. The Chiefs are now 9-0 and have won seven games by one possession.
2. Pearsall long live
The return of running back Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers was on everyone’s lips. In his team’s victory against the Buccaneers, he gained 38 yards rushing and 68 passing, but ultimately he was not the player who had the greatest impact on offense. Rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall, barely two months after being hit by a ball during a flight, scored a first career touchdown that he will long remember, on a 46-yard pass and run. He finished the game with four receptions for 73 yards and if he continues in the same vein, he will forget the loss of Brandon Aiyuk.
3. Cousins’ failures
The Falcons lost a duel they had no business losing, against the Saints. Trailing 20-17 at the end of the match, they had two offensive sequences to try to close the gap, but each time, Kirk Cousins disappointed. The quarterback saw his pass intercepted by Tyrann Mathieu at the end of the game. He still inherited another chance, but he looked bad again on a fourth down with four yards to go by opting for a short pass to Ray-Ray McLoud, a familiar refrain in his case. It must also be said that kicker Younghoe Koo missed three field goals.
4. Trey Lance’s debut
The Cowboys were humiliated by the Eagles and they still haven’t won a game in Dallas this season. They are just terrible and with Cooper Rush at quarterback, it’s getting worse than worse. The Cowboys acquired young center Trey Lance last year, a first-round pick in 2021 by the 49ers, and he experienced his first games with the Cowboys. He saw action in a desperate cause and completed four of his six passes for 21 yards, in addition to adding 17 yards on the ground. He was intercepted, for one of the Cowboys’ five turnovers.
5. A horror film
The Jets were absolutely terrible against the Cardinals. Defeated 31-6, they were limited to 207 yards of offense. Aaron Rodgers has been hit badly a few times and the decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh at the start of the season is looking worse and worse. The defense is completely lost and looked disinterested. Nothing against the Cardinals, they are a good team, but they are certainly not a major power. Against the Jets, they looked like an invincible dynasty. The end-of-season cleaning will be grand in New York.
WINNERS OF THE WEEK
1. Les Cardinals
The Cardinals annihilated the Jets across the board and maintained their hold on first place in their division. They won their last two games by 20 and 25 points.
2. Chubba Hubbard
It’s up to you to believe it or not, but the Panthers have won two games in a row! That’s largely thanks to Canadian running back Chuba Hubbard, who had 153 rushing yards and a touchdown. A few days after his big contract, life is good.
3.Darren Rizzi
Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi relished his first victory. He said afterwards that he had blocked the toilet when he got up in the morning and was therefore expecting a “crappy” day. It’s a lot of details, but hey…
4. The Chargers
Despite only 309 yards of offense, the Chargers improved to 6-3. This shows that it doesn’t take much to beat the Titans, but also that head coach Jim Harbaugh has transformed the Chargers.
5. The Eagles
Their victory, combined with the defeat of the Commanders, gives them first place in the Eastern division of the national conference for the moment. That promises for the duel between the two rivals on Thursday.
LOSERS OF THE WEEK
1. Les Bears
A Saturday night with chamomile tea is more exciting right now than a Sunday afternoon with the Bears attacking. This offense only scored three points against the Patriots and Caleb Williams was the victim of nine sacks. Help!
2. The Giants
The Giants aren’t just the shame of New York. They are bad everywhere in the United States and since yesterday, even in Germany. They are evil on all continents and in all galaxies. They deserve to be demoted to another universe.
3. Sam Darnold
The Vikings overcame the Jaguars with difficulty and they will certainly not thank their quarterback Sam Darnold, victim of three interceptions. The Vikings are well positioned at 7-2, but Darnold becomes Darnold again.
4. Joe Flacco
The Colts did not benefit from a rare ordinary game from Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who was intercepted twice. Joe Flacco did worse with four turnovers on his record. We will soon see Anthony Richardson again.
5. Mac Jones
If former Patriots Mac Jones, now with the Jaguars, thought he would gain points in the absence of Trevor Lawrence, it is completely missed. He was limited to 111 yards and was intercepted twice in addition to committing a fumble. Jacksonville or New England, Jones is broken.
Strong defense and timely plays can lead to victory. The Chargers capitalized on key opportunities, keeping their playoff hopes alive in a tightly contested AFC.
5. George Pickens
Steelers receiver George Pickens had a standout performance, showcasing his athleticism with a remarkable leaping touchdown catch. With five receptions for 91 yards, he has become a consistent target under Russell Wilson, further solidifying his role in the team’s offensive resurgence.
LOSERS OF THE WEEK
1. The Jets
After a dismal showing against the Cardinals, the Jets are left reeling, struggling to muster any offensive cohesion. Their disappointing record and apparent lack of direction has many questioning the future of head coach Robert Saleh.
2. Kirk Cousins
The Falcons quarterback’s struggles were on full display as his miscues cost his team a winnable game against the Saints. With multiple turnovers and critical errors in the clutch, Cousins will need to find a way to rebound if the Falcons hope to turn their season around.
3. The Cowboys
The Cowboys continued their downward spiral, unable to find a win in their home games this season. With the acquisition of Trey Lance failing to spark any revival, they remain in a tough spot with little optimism for a turnaround.
4. The Titans
With a stagnant offense and the inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, the Titans fell to the Chargers, raising concerns about their playoff aspirations. They must regroup quickly as the competition heats up in the AFC.
5. The Broncos
Despite a strong effort against the Chiefs, the Broncos fell just short in a heartbreaker. Their inability to secure victories in close games has left them stranded at the bottom of the AFC West, searching for answers as the season progresses.
As the season continues to unfold, the narrative remains dynamic with teams fighting for playoff positioning. The Steelers’ surprising ascent provides a glimmer of hope in the competitive landscape, while others struggle to find their footing. With rivalries intensifying and stakes rising, the coming weeks promise to deliver both thrilling moments and sobering defeats.
