5 Takeaways as Steelers sit 2-2

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Defensive lapses, too much pressure and a couple of offensive keys stepping up as we look at the 5 Takeaways from the Steelers 27-24 loss at Cleveland.

Lacking defensive stops

• You saw the frustration when Steelers OLB TJ Watt got on the headset late in the game Thursday night to express his displeasure. Steelers were bailed out by Derrick Harmon’s play against Cincinnati. It was a great play and kudos for teams that make those plays. Watt made a huge play in the opener and a couple against Cleveland, but when it mattered, the defense allowed 4 straight completions to allow the Browns in field goal range. Cleveland scored a season-high in points against the Steelers defense.
• It’s a new coordinator with new pieces and without its top corner, but this group is paid way too much to allow 54 points to two division opponents. And the tackling in the second quarter, ouch.

Pressure

• Coming off its best game and first for Max Iheanachor, Thursday night the offensive line was beaten too often allowing 5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits. Aaron Rodgers didn’t have time to consistently run the offense. It’s expected for a young group to have ups-and-downs, what is the response against the Colts and can they get to more consistent play?

Warren impact

• A second straight game without tailback Rico Dowdle and a second straight game Jaylen Warren impressed. The fifth-year Steeler ran for 93 yards with three receptions for 33 yards. It’s now two straight games where Warren had over 90% of the offensive snaps and he’s establishing himself as THE option out of the backfield.

No Joey

• Steelers traded their top cornerback hours before the game after Joey Porter, Junior faked a back injury and missed the first three games because he was looking for a contract extension. The Steelers are a worse defense without Porter, Junior and then factor in a first-half injury to Jamel Dean. Part of the struggles Watt was upset about are due to the new faces in the secondary.

DK finding it?

• Asked why the offense looked better towards the end of the game, Rodgers said simply it was because of DK Metcalf. The veteran had his best game with 5 receptions on 9 targets for 115 yards and a couple of field-flipping, high-quality receptions. After a rough start with a few drops, Metcalf looked like a guy you would give that kind of money to.

Weekend off as the Colts are in Pittsburgh next Sunday at 1p coming off a first win last Sunday against Houston following an overtime loss at Kansas City.