The Steelers played a regular season football game at Heinz Field in front of a capacity crowd for the first time in 644 Days, and the atmosphere was electric. The result? Less so.
The defense was without two defensive starters out of the gate: Joe Haden and Devin Bush both suffered groin injuries in practice on Friday. DT Tyson Alualu suffered a fractured ankle on the first defensive possession and will miss the rest of the season, per Gerry Dulac. LB TJ Watt was lost to another groin injury on the last defensive possession of the 1st half, and the defense was starting to look like the 2020 vintage.
“I didn’t think we had enough detail or enough play-making on possession downs,” Head Coach Mike Tomlin said in his postgame comments. “A lot of that had to do with our inability to make plays in spots with attrition setting in, but that’s the nature of this thing. So put that on me: we have to do a better job of planning and insulating some of our down-the-line guys and we gotta get them ready to play better.”
The defense was making plays early: TJ dipped around RT Alex Leatherwood and knocked the ball out of Carr’s hands. It looked like Watt fell on top of the fumble at first, but the Raiders won the tug-of-war and retained possession. The next play, Carr fumbled the snap, and on the following play the crowd noise cause Leatherwood to flinch, backing his offense up 5 more yards and firing up one Mr. Trent Jordan Watt. The Steelers defense has done an excellent job defending short fields so far in 2021, and they were able to hold Las Vegas to a long field goal.
The offense showed a spark early in the next drive, when rookie RB Najee Harris did this (see below).
WR Juju Smith-Schuster got a nice block from TE Pat Freiermuth and broke 3 tackles on a screen that he took for a 1st down and much more. Take a look at the strength and edge speed here:
The drive stalled after the Steelers gave Ben the ball back on 4th and 4. He took a shot as he threw right to the face mask from Raiders DE Max Crosby that was not penalized. His throw fell well short looking for WR Chase Claypool. Speaking of QB’s taking shots, this happened to Derek Carr on the ensuing drive (Spillane was flagged for this one):
The roughing penalty on #Steelers LB Robert Spillane. Carr not sliding, not giving himself up, Spillane clearly makes first contact with Carr’s shoulder, just making a head-up, hard-nosed play to defend the sticks. What do you think? #HereWeGopic.twitter.com/WdJhv5mO0q
Back to Claypool: he had 3 catches for 70 yards, but he was hemmed in most of the day by Raiders CB Casey Hayward. Ben’s throws were hanging up a little too long, and Hayward was consistently able to make plays on the ball. Chase was able to pull in one splash play, take a look:
After making 6 catches on 6 targets in the first half for 41 yards – and chipping in a 3-yard rushing TD – Juju was targeted only once in the second half (the ball was tipped at the line and fell incomplete). I’ll have to dig into the tape to see where he was being used after halftime.
The star of the offense was WR Diontae Johnson, who had 9 catches for 105 yards, including a 41-yarder to set up the Steelers’ first TD. Unfortunately, he was added to the injury list in garbage time on the last play of the game. Honorable mention: Najee finished with 10 carries for 38 yards, and caught all five of his targets for 43 yards, including his first NFL TD (see below).
Najee Harris dives into the end zone for first NFL TD
At the end of the day, the Steelers’ replacements couldn’t stop the Raiders when their lives depended on it. We knew the key was going to be neutralizing Raiders star TE Darren Waller, and the Steelers did force other guys to beat them.
But that’s exactly what happened in the 4th quarter: WR Henry Ruggs ran right past newest Steeler CB Ahkello Witherspoon for a TD, and Waller had a 25-yard dagger to move the chains on the Raiders’ last drive that put this game out of reach. FINAL SCORE: 26-17 LVR
Steelers fall short in home opener. Photo: Caitlyn Epes/Pittsburgh Steelers
Consolation Prizes: They Call it FOOT-ball for a Reason
Rookie P Presley Harvin, after a rough debut last week, was impressive today. His 4 boots averaged 49.3 yards and 3 of them pinned the Raiders inside their own 20, including one that settle down at the Las Vegas 3 yard line.
K Chris Boswell nailed a 56-yard FG today that may not have been good from 57. Nevertheless, in goes in the books as the longest made FG in Heinz Field history (55 yards, Mason Crosby/Matt Gay). It’s only right that a Steeler should hold that record; good for the Wizard of Boz.
The Steelers put their defense on a short field early when the Bills ran the opening kickoff back 75 yards to set up at the Pittsburgh 24 yard line. Immediately QB Josh Allen lined his boys up in empty, looking to stretch out an already-thin Steelers secondary. Cole Beasley found 7 yards underneath, then Allen slung it out to WR Stefan Diggs to the flat but CB Cam Sutton was there with a strong open field tackle for a loss. On third down, DE Cam Heyward got a mitt into the passing lane to force a field goal. SCORE: 3-0 BUF
Matt Canada sprinkled his spice on the Steelers offense early: their first look from scrimmage bluffed an unbalanced line AND a jet sweep to Juju before feeding RB Najee Harris, whose first NFL carry went for 2 yards on a nice read and stick by MLB Tremaine Edmunds. WR Diontae Johnson got a nice block from the Steelers’ new starting RG Trai Turner on a screen and picked up 14. Ben fed Harris twice, then threw too tall for DJ on third down. Cue rookie P Presley Harvin III.
After a couple runs from RB Devin Singletary, LB Melvin Ingram had Allen dead to rights but couldn’t get him on the ground because he was being held by LT Dion Dawkins. Later in the drive, DE Chris Wormley, filling in for Stephon Tuitt, was held by C Mitch Morse. There was a deep shot to WR Emmanuel Sanders who had a step on S Jordan Norwood, but Allen’s throw had them both beat. Heyward had pressure on third down again, and drew a third holding call on the drive.
The next drive had a promising start: Ben found DJ on an out-route for 6. The next play Claypool tried the same route, but a press from CB Tre White kept him off schedule and unable to get to Roethlisberger’s pass. Ben emptied it out on third down but a blind side rush recorded a strip sack. Although the Steelers recovered, Claypool took a personal foul for pulling bodies off the pile. It was uphill sledding for Roethlisberger and co. in the early going.
Fortunately, that means the defense was coming downhill. DT Tyson Alualu knocked down a first down pass. After Allen picked up 9 on a keeper, the Bills busted out the flea flicker on 3rd and 1. Cam Sutton was not fooled and made a Joe Haden-esque diving break-up. Josh Allen was begging to get the ball back on fourth, but the coaches overruled him.
The Steelers reprised the funky motion they showed off on the first play of the game, this time faking the hand-off and winging it to WR Juju Smith-Schuster in the flat for 6. They faked the jet sweep to Juju again but again – like on the first play of the game – Harris only found 2 yards. On third down, Claypool motioned across the formation into a trips formation with Juju and DJ, they ran a spacing concept and found Juju on a corner for 12. Diontae appeared to be in a great deal of pain after the play, but was able to leave the field under his own power. WR James Washington came on to cover, and immediately took a screen pass for 9. The line failed to create a push for Najee and he lost 4 looking for the left edge, which should be the strong side of the line. On third down, Ben was looking for Claypool’s back shoulder, but the pass was broken up. Note: the defender clearly got there early, and he never turned to look for the pass.
The scouting report said Josh Allen is the Bills’ favorite rusher, so the boys came in ready to hunt the ball. Heyward tackled Josh Allen in pursuit and was able to force a fumble on the way down. Allen recovered, but the Steelers tackled catches and drew a couple incompletions to get another stop.
The offense was pinned at their 7 and couldn’t do anything with the ball, but encouragingly DJ returned to the field. After three-and-out and a particularly poor punt, the Bills were set up at the Pittsburgh 35. They ran a jet sweep on 1st down, but Ingram sniffed it out and dropped him for a 3-yard loss. On 2nd down, LB TJ Watt – the $80 Million Man – hit Allen as he threw and forced an incompletion. On 3rd down, TJ had his first strip sack of the season and (who else?) Heyward fell on the loose ball.
TJ Watt strip sack of Josh Allen. (Photo: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Unfortunately, the Steelers offense flat-out refused to help out the cause. Another three-and-out put the defense back on the field on short rest. They were pushed around for 3 third-down conversions, including a 3-yard QB sneak on 3rd and 1, en route to a 13-play, 91-yard TD drive. Ben was content to take a knee and go into halftime only down 10. HALFTIME SCORE: 10-0 BUF
The Steelers won the toss and elected to defer, so they received the second-half kickoff. Freiermuth gave a strong block and LG Kevin Dotson got out into the second level to spring Harris for 9, his first successful run of the day after finishing the first half with only 8 yards. Rookie C Kendrick Green did miss some time on this drive, but he returned a few plays later. RG Trai Turner showed some acumen as a pulling blocker which is encouraging for a veteran who is going to be asked to do a lot with this inexperienced unit. On 3rd and 4 Ben stepped around the rush and took a hit but found TE Eric Ebron for 19. The next play you’ll have to see to believe (check it out below). The Steelers settled for a FG, but finally the offense was showing signs of life.
The Bills had something going on their next drive: working against CB James Pierre, Diggs had grabs of 7 and 9 yards, and the Steelers allowed a couple 3rd down conversions. But after crossing into their own territory they stiffened. Hayward’s pressure forced a low throw on 1st down. On 2nd down TJ was standing in the middle of the field like a MLB and hunted down Singletary for a short gain. Heyward hit Allen as he threw on 3rd down, and on 4th down Cam Sutton made a wonderful adjustment to break up a deep ball that was affected by TJ and Ingram’s pressure.
The next drive featured a rarity for the Steelers: a 3rd and 1 conversion on the ground! With Najee that should be something we could get used to. The other top pick from the draft, Pat Freiermuth, chipped in a 24-yard pickup working wide open against Tremaine Edmunds across the middle. After a miscommunication between Ben and DJ, Claypool took and end-around all the way down to the 4-yard-line for 25 yards (see highlight below). Freiermuth had a key block, and Kendrick Green ran with him the whole way looking to help. Steelers settle for FG, SCORE 10-6 BUF
Cam Heyward continued his strong performance with another pass deflection, and Allen gave up a free down trying to rush a play in before the end of the 3rd quarter (pressure from DT Carlos Davis). Diggs picked up 7 on an out-route in front of Pierre on 2nd and 10. On 3rd and 3, FS Minkah Fitzpatrick stepped up into the gap to make a strong tackle saving the 1st down. The Bills kept the offense out there on 4th and 1, faked the QB sneak but made a RISKY backwards throw that was tackled immediately by Sutton for a 7-yard loss and another TO-on-downs.
Najee Harris wanted to make the most of the momentum his defense handed him. He had a run for 6, and then got loose for 18. Claypool drew a DPI penalty to set up the Steelers at the Buffalo 5. Looking for DJ in the back of the end zone, take a look at this catch: (SCORE: 13-10 PIT)
This drive was the crescendo for the Steelers defense. LB Devin Bush made a strong, quick tackle on Cole Beasley on 1st down. On 2nd down, Emanuel Sanders appeared to be loose but James Pierre had a great recovery to get a hand in and knock the ball out. On 3rd and 6, Cam Heyward stood Allen up for a sack, but the fun was just getting started. 4th and 12, punting from their own 23, S Miles Killebrew comes right up the middle for the block and MLB Ulysses Gilbert III – who saved a TD on the opening kick return – took it into the end zone for a TD. SCORE: 20-10 PIT
Soft defense allowed the Bills to drive deep into Steelers territory. On 3rd and goal Joe Haden read the screen to Singletary and got to him behind the LOS. Haden was even able to force a fumble, although it bounced harmlessly out of bounds. Buffalo kicked a 25-yard FG. SCORE 20-13 PIT
The Steelers got the ball back with 5:23 to play. Ben had a GREAT back-shoulder throw to Juju for 24 yards. Ben also had a scramble for 8 yards, and took a hit from behind after sliding that was not flagged. He then hooked up with Claypool for 14 and forced Buffalo to call their first TO with 3:00, but Chase was shaken up at the end of the play. Najee ran backwards on 1st down, but they bought the Bills’ second TO. 2nd down was another miscommunication with DJ which unfortunately stopped the clock. 3rd down was a screen out to Washington who was able to stay in bounds and force Buffalo to spend their last TO with 2:47. K Chris Boswell knocked through a 45-yard FG to reclaim a two-score lead. SCORE: 23-13 PIT
The Bills had one chance left, and they needed two scores. Allen was hit as he threw on 2nd and 3rd down and was unable to deliver a good ball. Sanders was able to convert on 4th and 10, but he stayed in bounds and the clock ran down to the two-minute warning. Ingram drew another holding but it was declined because TJ got home from the other side for a sack. After Buffalo took a second holding penalty they elected to take the FG and hope for a good bounce. SCORE: 23-16 PIT
The on-side recovery attempt was much prettier than the attempt they showed in the preseason. The front line let the ball go and blocked so Juju could sit underneath and make a clean recovery. It worked to perfection, and the Steelers sent their victory formation onto the field. FINAL SCORE: 23-16
We knew transactions were coming after the Steelers initial 53-man roster featured only eight offensive linemen and eight defensive backs, but a whopping EIGHT defensive linemen. Let’s take a look at the transactions that happened this week before Week 1 of the regular season officially begins on Monday.
Who’s Out?
On Wednesday the Steelers announced DE Stephon Tuitt, OT Zach Banner, and RB Anthony McFarland Jr. will start the season on injured reserve. Because they were included on the initial 53, they are all eligible to return as early as week 4 of the regular season. Josh Dobbs, who was placed on IR before making the initial roster, will not be eligible to return in 2021.
DL Henry Mondeaux was released Friday to make room for CB Ahkello Witherspoon. More on Witherspoon later; Mondeaux has put on tape the ability to do a lot of things that teams value in those bottom-of-the-roster type guys, but I hope he circles back.
Who’s In?
The IR moves corresponded with the signing of OG Rashaad Coward, OG BJ Finney, and CB Arthur Maulet to the 53. Maulet provides CB depth and can play in the slot if called upon. Coward is a bit more of a project, but showed flashes in the preseason. Finney has started here in the past before splitting an unimpressive season between Cincinnati and Seattle.
CB Ahkello Witherspoon was acquired in a trade with the Seahawks in exchange for a 2023 5th round draft pick, pending the results of a physical. He’s an outside corner with elite Relative Athletic Scores, a subject in which Joe Haden, Cam Sutton and James Pierre – the Steelers’ top three outside guys – received failing grades. Could he be the guy to run with Tyreek Hill or Marquise Brown if the Steelers make a run?
What’s Left?
The Steelers currently have 6 ILB’s on the roster. Marcus Allen could still be headed to the IR, depending on what’s going on with his hamstring. If the team feels he’s ready, Ulysses Gilbert III could be the next one called into the boss’s office.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette reported the Steelers plan to elevate S Karl Joseph to the 53 man roster once he clears the six-day COVID protocol. Joseph – who was signed to the practice squad on Wednesday – was brought in for an interview in March but left without a contract. He’s safety depth who likes playing in the box, wading through traffic and provides a blitz threat from the secondary for a team trying to replace Mike Hilton.
The RB room looks a lot heavier without McFarland. The three guys left on the roster are all cut from the same prototype. Najee Harris is 6’2” and 230 lbs, Kalen Ballage is 6’2” 231 lbs, and Benny Snell – at a diminutive 5’10” – clocks in at 224 lbs. I thought we might see Jaylen Samuels elevated from the practice squad to provide some change-of-pace, but it sounds like the team is happy with the group as is. Of his RB group, Mike Tomlin praised Ballage’s speed (for his size) and Snell’s short-yardage acumen (and strong legs).
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with teammates after an interception in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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