A Significant issue has dismiss today and Pittsburgh Steelers face a serious problem, why now?

STEELERS WIN, BUT IMPORTANT ISSUE REQUIRES ATTENTION

The Pittsburgh Steelers accomplished the most crucial task possible on game day: victory. They won 17-10, scoring more points than the Baltimore Ravens, but as usual, a lot of perspective is required.

There was the effort that was sorely lacking in Houston the previous week. Guys hustled more, blocked more effectively, and made crucial plays when they needed to. It was clear that Mike Tomlin’s team received the message following last week’s savage performance.It was also very evident that the Steelers continue to struggle with the same problems that have dogged them since the 2023 season began. We will have the chance to talk more about these issues leading up to BYE week.

Merely 289 yards of total offense, of which 202 came through the air, were mustered by Matt Canada’s offense. Despite running the ball thirty times, they only gained an average of 2.9 yards per carry. To exacerbate the situation—or improve it, depending on your point of view—it is obvious who should be the starting running back.

In the second half, Jaylen Warren frequently took the ball on his shoulders. In addition to his three crucial receptions for an additional 39 yards, he carried nine times for 40 yards. Even though the stats are impressive, it’s clear that he is a more dynamic receiver and runner than Najee Harris. In Warren’s case, it doesn’t matter where these two were drafted; what matters is how they perform.

Although Harris is still useful as a pass blocker and short yardage guy, it is unfair and, to be honest, ignorant of him to refuse to acknowledge that Warren is the better player at this time.

Although there were some ups and downs for the offensive line today, it is becoming increasingly clear where the weak point is. It is understandable that opposing defensive coordinators are attacking Mason Cole. In the running game, Cole receives little to no push from pass rushers and finds it difficult to prevent them from shoving him into Kenny Pickett’s lap. The off-season is when this needs to be resolved.

Regarding Canada, have you noticed the expression on his face when Pickett hit George Pickens for the game-winning touchdown? He was the only one who did not celebrate, and most people think that’s probably because Pickett chose to go deep to Pickens even though it wasn’t the right call. Although Pickett’s continued limited or nonexistent ability to hear is still a problem, he adopted the “Zero” coverage strategy when he saw the Ravens go one-on-one with Pickens. We’re all probably happy he did.

The play-calling of Canada is still unclear. There is very little in the way of originality, and I have no doubt that your uncle, in his basement, can predict when passes will be made versus runs. Although there is a lot of conjecture suggesting that he might lose his job this week, I don’t believe it. Though I don’t see Mike Tomlin or Art Rooney II giving in to pressure, I would like to.

Kenny Pickett looked good today, in my opinion. Even though he took some shots today and his bone bruise/calf injury prevents him from being at 100%, he still made some really good throws. If—and this is a big “IF”—he gains confidence from now on, he might be able to return to his previous season’s standing.

You don’t need me to remind you that T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith can’t be counted on to turn around this team every week. You could easily argue that they’ve used big plays to win two of the team’s three victories in five games this season. They need assistance, and they need it more often than not.

It doesn’t seem good that Cole Holcomb was signed, especially considering the price they paid. He is more than capable of taking on the run between the tackles, but things change drastically and not in a positive way when the ball goes wide or he has to cover a pass.

For what he is, Elandon Roberts is. The Steelers appear to be aware of his limitations, even though he plays like his hair is on fire or is a downhill run stopper. Although Kwon Alexander plays similarly, he too faces difficulties, particularly when a run is coming straight at him. Too many questions remain even after the position was completely rebuilt during the offseason.

The actual issues, though, are at the cornerback position. It’s unlikely that Patrick Peterson will be inducted into the Hall of Fame because of his actions in Pittsburgh. He’s been awful at tackling and is constantly outmuscled in coverage. Levi Wallace, who stands in stark contrast to him, benefited greatly from a Ravens wide receiver’s fall today. Zay Flowers is probably still running if he doesn’t trip and fall. Wallace has been severely beaten before, and this isn’t the last time.

Baltimore’s habit of dropping passes saved the secondary on multiple occasions today. One had to feel bad for Lamar Jackson, who most likely deserved a better outcome, even though I’m not going to wish things had turned out differently. Whether the ball was thrown poorly or not, Joey Porter, Jr. made the play with a huge interception today. It’s obvious that there are instances in which Tomlin feels uneasy having Porter, Jr. on the field, but eventually that way of thinking needs to change. Let him pick it up on the fly. He can’t be any worse than what the previous five games have shown us.

Indeed, the Steelers triumphed handsomely today. They maintain their lead in the division and have a tiebreaker advantage over the Ravens. However, let’s not pretend that our victory today wasn’t aided by some good fortune or plays that went our way. The Steelers shouldn’t apologize for a victory because nobody in the NFL ever will. However, before the Steelers take the field in Los Angeles, there is still much to be done and much to be addressed.