MMQB: Bengals dominate Steelers in all 3 phases in 24-10 win
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to lack depth on both sides of the football--costing them yet another game as the Bengals pounced on the Steelers 24-10. In a game where the Steelers offense couldn’t do anything right, it was the defense that was also unable to play up to “the standard.”
Steelers lack of DL depth shows
From NT Isaiah Buggs to DE Henry Mondeaux, it really didn’t matter who was inserted into the lineup as the Steelers backups were unable to generate anything positive.
NT Isaiah Buggs routinely got pushed back while DE Henry Mondeaux continues to be nothing more than “just a guy.” It also didn’t help that OLB Melvin Ingram and OLB Jamir Jones couldn’t get off the blocks fast enough to at least register a QB hit.
Bengals RB Joe Mixon rushed for 90 yards on 18 carries (5.0 avg). You can thank rookie sensation, WR Ja’Marr Chase, for keeping the safeties honest while facing a lighter box.
Chase burned Steelers CB James Pierre and CB Joe Haden en route to a team-high four catches for 65 receiving yards (16.3 avg) and 2 TDs. Both Pierre and Haden were beaten in coverage time and time again. It’s time for CB Ahkello Witherspoon.
If you kept up with my BEASTwriter+ Newsletter you would know that I highly suggested the team roll with Witherspoon over Pierre. It was one of my [Top 3 things Steelers must address ahead of Bengals game]. You can read that article below. Another BEAST receipt checks out.
In all, the Steelers defense was essentially a non-factor. Yes, it hurts that the Steelers were playing without four of their starters but as Coach T says: “One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity.” It’s time for those backups to start relishing the opportunity.
Steelers need to address OL
The Steelers offensive line is young, inexperienced, and full of potential. But at some point that potential needs to be realized. Pittsburgh once again did absolutely nothing to help QB Ben Roethlisberger thrive in Week 3. The unit allowed the following:
4.0 sacks
3.0 rush-yard average
Those two pieces of raw data alone paint the story. The Steelers were clearly outmatched by DE Trey Hendrickson, DE Sam Hubbard, DE Cam Sample, and DT Larry Ogunjobi.
I have to be honest. Your strongest link and backbone of the team needs to come from line play. Unfortunately, the Steelers backbone is their weakest link and changes need to be made this offseason.
Whether trading for an All-Pro or trading up in the draft to get a guy like OT/OG Evan Neal (Alabama) or OG Jamaree Salyer (Georgia), a serious upgrade is needed.
RB Najee Harris & WR Chase Claypool shine
Steelers RB Najee Harris made Steelers franchise history by recording a team-high 14 catches. It marked the first time a running back has accomplished that feat. Harris did everything he could to help his team win. The Alabama mindset.
He broke tackle after tackle only to be met with more tacklers. His vision allowed him to see holes for big plays only to have those runs called back due to offensive line penalties. He doubled up as a dual threat coming out of the flat. The guy was literally used as a modern-day RB Le’Veon Bell--28 touches.
The Alabama product played extremely well while surpassing the century mark for scrimmage yards:
14 carries for 40 rushing yards (2.9 avg)
14 catches for 102 receiving yards
Total scrimmage yards: 142
Not to be outdone was my favorite Steelers wide receiver, second-year WR Chase Claypool. The team was already without WR Diontae Johnson (knee) leaving the team to elevate WR Cody White. It would’ve been a travesty if they didn’t target Claypool at least 12 times--he got 15.
9 catches for 96 receiving yards (10.7 avg)
It was also nice to see White get the first NFL action of his young career. He ran crisp routes en route to 2 catches for 17 receiving yards (8.5 avg).
*Note: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster suffered a rib injury and did not return.
2021 Steelers | BEAST receipts
0-3 ATS
2-1 O/U
Bottom Line
The Steelers dropped to last place (1-2) in the division and must now assess their current situation. I hate to say it but until things change with the team’s line play more losses are on the rise as games are won down in the trenches.
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