PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Tom Brady came into Sunday’s game with a 12-3 record and 34 touchdowns to five interceptions in his career against the Steelers. How the numbers looked this time and some other Steelers notes.
Not same Brady (numbers thanks to Steelers PR)
· The 62.5% completion percentage for Brady is his second-lowest against Pittsburgh in his career.
· Brady’s 243 yards passing is his third lowest against the Steelers in his career.
· His 87.3 passer rating is his third-lowest against Pittsburgh in his career.
· Brady’s 6.08 yards per pass attempts is his second-lowest against Pittsburgh in his career.
· Brady was held to a TD pass or less for just the fourth time in his career against the Steelers.
· Prior to today’s, 20-18, Pittsburgh victory, Tom Brady was 15-0 in his career against opponents that entered the game with one or fewer wins and four or more losses.
“Everyone had an attack mindset this week,” said Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith. “We knew we could get after these guys. Coverage had a good plan on the back end to confuse him a little bit. I think we did a great job up front of staying hungry the whole game.”
“We just played together,” said safety Terrell Edmunds. “Tried to play smart, fast and what else could we lose, we were already 1-4. Now we are trying to keep building and turn our season around. Today we played some good football.”
“I think losing comes down to, obviously, scoring less points than the other team,” Brady said. “And you evaluate why you scored less points than the other team. So it doesn't matter, you know, who you're playing if you're not making the plays, then it doesn't matter if it's the Steelers or the Chiefs or the Packers or the Saints. It's you either make the plays or you don't. It's a production business.”
Najee Callout
Najee Harris said it was a lot different for him rushing without a plate in his shoe this week. Harris ran for 42 yards on 14 carries and caught a six-yard touchdown pass. The offensive captain said he had a meeting with the ‘playmakers’ before the game that they all need to be better.
“I said this group right here, we have to step up and make plays,” Harris said. “No matter what the circumstances are, we have to play better. I think we lived up to that.
Special teams spark
In the offseason the Steelers signed Gunner Olszewski to return kicks. He’s a former All-Pro the Patriots didn’t want back. Olszewski had a great preseason, as a receiver as well. After a pair of fumbles, he hasn’t dressed for the last two games. Steven Sims was activated, injured his eye during warmups against the Bills, finally Sunday someone made a play on kick return.
Sims, trying to rebuild his career after a couple of decent seasons with Washington, returned the opening kickoff of the second half 89-yards to set up a Steelers field goal.
“It felt good,” Sims said. “It’s been a minute since I really got to just be on the field returning kicks and it just felt good. I knew it brought a lot of energy, the whole team was hype. Those are the kind of plays we need. Plays that bring life to the team, bring a lot of energy to get everybody going, no matter how they are feeling.”
“Juice, it brings juice, and that’s just all I want to do.”
Sims also had a 24-yard punt return in the second half.
“Steve gave us what we expected him to give us,” said Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. “We're appreciative of his efforts. We're excited for him we were excited for him a week ago. Glad we were able to get him out and up and running today.”
A Heyward Catch
Knowing they busted the Bucs with too many men on the field, Mitch Trubisky hit Connor Heyward for a huge 45-yard gain to set up the second touchdown. Heyward getting more reps as Pat Freiermuth was out.
“I knew we had 12 guys on the field, so it was a free play,” Trubisky said. “They really weren’t set and he was free down the seam. He made a heads-up play just turning and getting ready for the ball and making a big play for the team.”
“Man, I was excited,” said brother Cam Heyward. “It was a little bit unexpected. I'm glad he was ready for the moment. But I needed him to score on that. But it was a great catch. He's got to get in better shape (he said laughing).”
Why is this significant?
Last season in Week 10 against Detroit, Mason Rudolph hit James Washington for a touchdown.
It was the last time before Kenny Pickett finding Harris they Steelers scored a touchdown on an opening drive.
Inactives
No real surprises given the injuries as we knew six would miss. Steelers added corner Josh Jackson to the 53-man roster and added safety Elijah Riley and corner Quincy Wilson from the practice squad. Second-year defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk and rookie linebacker Mark Robinson were active for the first time this season. Here is who didn’t play:
QB Mason Rudolph
CB Cam Sutton
CB Ahkello Witherspoon
CB Levi Wallace
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
G Kendrick Green