MMQB: Steelers costly miscues paved way for Packers 27-17 win
The Pittsburgh Steelers glaring problems continue on both sides of the football. On offense, the team was unable to muster any explosive plays between the 20s outside of a 45-yard WR Diontae Johnson touchdown while the defense couldn’t stop QB Aaron Rodgers aerial assault.
Those two problems resulted in a Pittsburgh road loss as the Packers won 27-17.
Blocked punt return resulted in 10-point swing
Just seconds before halftime, the Packers attempted a 31-yard field goal only to have it blocked by first-team All-Pro FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, who then recovered it for a scoop-and-score touchdown return.
However, it was all for not as Steelers CB Joe Haden was flagged for being offsides. A questionable call as Haden appeared to be well behind the neutral zone once the ball was snapped--the play was ruled dead and the Packers benefited by inching 5-yards closer before K Mason Crosby connected on a 26-yard field goal to extend the Packers lead 17-10.
Offensive Line problematic but so was BIG Ben!
The Steelers offensive line struggled but what else is new? It’s quite amazing how much rookie success first-round pick (No. 24) RB Najee Harris is able to generate after getting hit at or behind the LOS.
Harris finished the game with 21 touches for 91 scrimmage yards (4.3 avg). He was seen vividly frustrated toward the end of the game--taking a knee with TE Eric Ebron.
He wasn’t the only one frustrated as WR JuJu Smith-Schuster slammed his tablet on the ground after reviewing two costly overthrown balls thanks to QB Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben was extremely inaccurate and despite a porous offensive line, when they held up, Roethlisberger didn’t make the most of those limited opportunities.
26/40 for 232 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
QBPR: 78.3
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick and SS Terrell Edmunds give up TDs
WR Randall Cobb 23-yard TD catch (Edmunds in coverage)
WR Randall Cobb 1-yard TD catch (Fitzpatrick in coverage)
Both players were playing man-coverage and Cobb burned both of them for six points.
T.J. Watt and DE Cam Heyward carried defense
The heart and soul of the Steelers defense did their best to keep the overly matched Steelers in the game. Steelers OLB T.J. Watt although flagged for a roughing the passer penalty picked up a team-high 2.0 sacks while DE Cam Heyward ate up double-teams en route to generating consistent pressure at the POA.
Heyward was injured with 12:08 remaining in the 3rd-quarter
2021 Steelers | BEAST receipts
1-3 ATS
3-1 O/U
With the Steelers dropping to 1-3, they will now face the Denver Broncos (3-1) at home.
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